A narrow, “long-forgotten” one-way lane in downtown Sechelt needs a makeover, says the Sechelt Downtown Business Association (SDBA), and the group is fundraising to make it happen.
SDBA has proposed installing benches, commissioning local artists to paint “giant murals” on buildings and concrete, installing container gardens and light fixtures, repairing potholes and paving the surface of Periwinkle Lane, which starts near the Bank of Montreal at Cowrie Street and runs north to Dolphin Street.
In a letter to Sechelt council, the SDBA identified it as “one of the gateway lanes to our city’s downtown core” that “sets the tone for the entire community,” and requested that council set aside funds to pave the lane, which would occur next spring.
They estimate the entire project would cost $50,000.
Once refurbished, the lane could be used for food truck festivals, road hockey tournaments, concerts, “chalk parties,” block parties, beer festivals and fundraising for local non-profits, said the association.
“These simple improvements would have a dramatic effect on the lane by improving visibility, safety, and access, and encourage walkability of our downtown by connecting outlying businesses and residents to our downtown area,” the SDBA said.
They propose working with Sunshine Coast Assisted Community Living (SCACL), nearby organizations including Arrowhead Clubhouse and RainCity Housing, as well as local businesses, the Sechelt Garden Club, and the RCMP.
The association said RainCity Housing, Arrowhead and SCACL will provide volunteers to clean up debris, create murals and install fixtures.
During the Sept. 2 council meeting, communications manager Julie Rogers said she is working with the SDBA and staff to find out how much it would cost to pave the laneway so they could apply for funding through Destination BC, which is accepting applications for shovel-ready projects related to tourism.
Councillors plan to wait for updates on that application before deciding on funding.
