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Basic date Sky and Telescope WATERIJOOK , J Recreation Comp ex Hopeful retailers watch for “Previous reports have listed the chairmen and volunteers The same is true for retailers in Uptown Waterloo - some merchants say they see dermite signs of a recovering economic situation, while others see "The new Waterloo Recre- ation Complex is not just another municipal building; it's not just dollars and cents. It is an important part of our city'r, grawth, culturally and atiaihtfiitrti community cen- tre such as this most assuredly embraces the entire popula- tion and is in keeping with Waterloo', reputation in sport- ing activities and cultural pur- suits. Deborah Grand." Chronicle Staff Some economists are predicting Cana. dians will begin to see relief from the economy's recession as early " August. 0216” aren't quite so optimistic, The following comments were received from Mr. Ross Heuther, a Waterloo resident and enthusiastic supporter of the Waterloo Recreation Com. plex and its $2.5-million fund. raising campaign. The $21. million Complex, located at the southwest end of Waterloo Park, will include: a 3,500-seat arena, a 30nnetre pool with amenities; a banquet hall seat. ing up to 550 people; and four congnunity meeting rooms. The Complex Situation "If you would like to take part in the program as a volunteer or donor, as I have, then call the Campaign Office at 725-2032." "Who makes these observa- tions? Just a senior citizen living in Waterloo, with chil. dren_ and grandchildren. "Taking all these factors to a logical conclusion, $21 million is really not a high price to pay. The results far outweigh the costs, and make this ven- ture exciting and urgent. "We purchase houses, auto mobiles and pay for education for our future, and these are major investments for us. The City is providing for its pres- ent and future needs by build. ing the Waterloo Recreation Cogpiex. "Now putting all this in perspective, we know the costs involved are large, but when you look at the overall benefits for the City and residents over future years, the costs is rea~ amiable and warranted., "Earlier reports also out. lined the speeificg and costs of the project; also noted were the citizens that will enjoy these facilities and the broad cultur- al, social and athletic aetivi. ties served. involved in this endeavour. The makeup of the team repre- sents every facet of the com. munity, business, education, civil: ofruia, and volunteers. Stephanie West, manager of Eldon Gallery on King Street in Waterloo, said business has picked up over the past two months, but thinks that's because con. sumers are starting to get used to the recession. "People are realizing that they can slight improvements in business as a sign that consumers are losing some of their ysary tashop”. People oriented, says Kaune, means a place where people feel relaxed and comfortable. One suggestion she included in her plan was to link the small areas of green space scattered throughout the area using "When the mall was built, the majority of the shops were internalized and King Street lost that small-town, main-street feeling: The area has also lost much of its residential housing and is no longer peyple oriented." It is that flavor, says Kaune, that is needed in order to bring people back to the Uptown area. But, to attract people, Uptown must be attractive to ptyy?.1.e, she. says. - __ --ee- ..._..,... ”yum. um, ever since the mall was built, Uptown has lost that small-town ftavor," says Kaune, hit', an inte/si/ting city with a lot of character. it is the cultural and community centre and has a distinct flow of small town and historic aspects. But, A"..- ...'.- u” ___,, ,7 , 't. .. . . Kane, who grew up "in the area council with her undergraduate thesis Upgown Waterloo. That was the message Waterloo city council heard Monday from Anne Marie Kaune. a recent graduate of the University of Guelph's landscape architecture prflgrtun. Uptown Waterloo has lost its distinctive small. town feel and needs a new image to make it a viable, excitirig “pegple place." Kenn Addedey Chronicle Staff Waterloo must recapture its“ small-town feeling Waterloo Mayor Brian Tumbull and demonstrate what can go In a comp composting display In Waterloo Park. deal with the recession - that they can still afford certain things.” West said. "After people have gotten over the initial shock of being in a recession, they're in there (shopping) again. People are rtnding that they can still afford certain things, Our business is consid- ered high-end luxury, but the framing end of our business is going well and the print business is still doing pretty good." signs of recession’s end the. argaf presented ;, A Vision for and recycling committee member Lori Strothard composter at the opening ceremonies of the city's Irk. wmma The districts Kaune suggests Include a (“nu district itteorporating my hall, an arts thstrwt wnh theatres and entertamment, a cultural district incorporating The Seagram Museum , the Canadlan Clay and Glass Gallery and the new arena. and a regail district featuring the shoppmg promenade, ,._._....B .... ....vy,.u..5 "'v""cueTue'P But the feasibility of a proposal hke Kaunc's hinges on the city finding other option: to surface (Connnued on page A?) "There IS a need Lo rehulld the urban fabru connect all the facilities In a way that a Ind) people place is developed The best approach ls u ue, districts - distinct areas where certam WHICH are featured." Kaune's plans Include an upper and lover promenade of shops, restaurants and cafes that incorporate and surround the mall to kevp people moving throughout the Uptown As well. Kaune F plan divides the area mm districts, each with it distinctive theme. "My plans include courtyard areas wnh cafes, trees. fountains and benches that comphment the European and historic flavors of some of the existing buildings. These are attractive places where people feel comfortable lm trees and plants along the streets and makmg the green area a focus pomt m the my to attract and draw people. She also suggested eapitalumg on the historic and European flavors of the Uptown area Ryan Yoshy, owner ofFudge's Apparel m Waterloo Town Square and president of the Waterloo Town Square Merchants Association, said he business suffered during January, February and March And while he hasn't seen busmess tmproving over the past couple of months, he doesn't see It continuing to decline. (Conunueo on page AT) ','s:iCt