'Now is the time': Dundas East strip makeover looming
The Del-Mar restaurant on London’s Dundas Strip is a central reflection of the area it surrounds.
“The look we have here is ‘dated authentic.’ The Del-Mar remains in a time capsule,” states co-owner Leo Nikas.
Much of the Dundas East strip has a time-capsule charm, with signs and businesses taking visitors back to the ‘50s and ’60s.
It is a feature most don’t want changed as the city, the Argyle Business Improvement Association (BIA) and residents look to move forward with a core area improvement plan.
London city Councillor Shawn Lewis agrees.
“I don’t want to see the signage go, I don’t want to see our overall look or feel go, but I’d like to see it enhanced.”
London City Councillor Shawn Lewis on Thursday, June 24, in London, Ont. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
Lewis represents the area of Dundas Street East being looked at in the report. It stretches roughly from Highbury Avenue through Clarke Road.
“When you look down this corridor it is very much a concrete jungle,” he contends.
And that’s what the city’s draft plan, in part, is looking to address.
It’s hoped the Argyle Core Area Community Improvement Plan will enhance the appeal of the strip to locals and visitors.
The report includes suggestions from city staff, business owners and the public.
Lewis says infrastructure renewal over the next few years to parts of the strip offers an opportunity to improve features including benches, green space and sidewalks.
However, the draft plan also calls for business incentives to spruce things up.
“I’d like to see the same kind of investments that we are making on Hamilton road, in Old East Village with those other BIAs around the city.”
The question remains if financial incentives and infrastructure changes are enough to give the strip a boost.
“I would actually say now is the time to start making a change in Argyle. I think this is a neighbourhood that is on the move,” argues Lewis.
Back at the Del-Mar, Nikas partially agrees, as he looks at a photo of Dundas East just before the creation of the strip in the 1950s.
Leo Nikas is co-owner of the Del-Mar restaurant on Dundas St. E. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
“And the street is lined with trees. The whole street was lined with trees.”
While a tree-lined Dundas East may never be seen again, Lewis says it could be greener.
“A few trees, some planter boxes in the city space would go a long way to making it a more welcoming neighbourhood for people on foot.”
This fall, the public will have another chance to provide input into the Argyle Core Area Community Improvement Report before the city looks at its budget to fund it.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.