Santa Claus (Photo courtesy of Nastco / iStock / Getty Images Plus)(Photo courtesy of Nastco / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Sarnia

Consensus made to keep Christmas in the Village

After hearing from concerned residents, Point Edward staff recommend continuing Christmas in the Village.

Council had previously discussed the possibility of cancelling or altering the event during a meeting in April.

Since then, CAO Jim Burns said emails were received by concerned residents who didn't want to see the event go.

A survey was also launched to gauge feedback from approximately 47 businesses, and about half responded.

"Seven of them said that they actively participate but I think the key was that they all felt that the event benefits the community, whether it benefits their business or not, they felt it was a good thing to do in the community and that they were supportive of continuing with that," he said.

While members present at a recent Finance and Administration Committee meeting decided to proceed with the event, with its allotted funding, staff are willing to make alterations to improve or enhance the holiday tradition.

"If there are residents who have ideas they would like to see us try, or if there are people who would like to get involved, please reach out to us in the municipal office," Burns said. "We would love to improve the event and see what we could do differently. We're open to ideas."

Burns said the municipality is willing to grow the event but that would take "many hands" and finding volunteers can be a struggle.

"If we have more help, we can make the event better," said Burns.

Minutes from the committee assembly will go to the next council meeting for approval on May 28. 

Update: Point Edward Council approved the minutes from the Finance Committee meeting. Council members noted that the holiday tradition will now be viewed as a community event rather than an event to boost downtown businesses, as initially intended. 

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