'Things have to change': North End Biz sounds alarm over exodus of businesses
CTV
The North End BIZ is concerned over an exodus of businesses as the last bank in the area prepares to shut its doors.
The North End BIZ is concerned over an exodus of businesses as the last bank in the area prepares to shut its doors.
The Access Credit Union on the corner of Main Street and Flora Avenue has informed its members the branch is set to close on Dec. 11.
"Traffic has definitely reduced at that branch over the last number of years, so that plays into it," Access Credit Union president and CEO Larry Davey told CTV News.
It's the latest of several businesses to leave Main Street.
"More and more businesses are leaving all the time, and it just harder and harder to attract new businesses," said Keith Horn, chair of the North End BIZ.
Horn has been running the Northern Hotel on Main Street for the past 27 years. He said he's witnessed the area take a downward turn.
"I don't mean to be so negative, I love this area," he said, pointing to crime as the main problem pushing businesses out of the area. "I feel safe, but I mean a lot of people that are around here don't feel safe. Walking up and down the street, they don't feel safe."
