St. Catharines Downtown Association

St. Catharines Mayor Brian McMullan likes his job.

He likes it so much, he'd like to keep it for another four years.

With a municipal election next year and the date for registration as a candidate fast approaching, McMullan said he will be seeking re-election on the basis of what he believes is a successful term in office that's changed the mood of the city.

"I ran three years ago because of my concern about the state of the economy," said McMullan, who intends to file his nomination papers Jan. 4, the first available date.

"We were trying to enhance and strengthen the confidence and pride in ourselves as a community," McMullan said.

"I believe it has been strengthened."

McMullan said he made the decision to seek a second term this summer, after talking with "friends, family and colleagues."

"They asked me my impression of my performance and council's performance this past term," McMullan said. "So you do that gut-check: did I feel I was making a contribution? Did I enjoy my term?"

For McMullan, the answer to both questions was "yes."

"It's been a real honour and a privilege to serve the city," he said. "There is a tremendous respect in the community for the office of mayor."

McMullan also believes he has used his "position of influence to have an agenda, and to work with others to implement that agenda."

Although there's not much visible evidence yet, McMullan points to several key projects as proof of the success of his agenda.

• Two-way traffic: the city began implementing the change that had been approved by the previous council, resulting in a downtown that is "pedestrian friendly and traffic calming."

• Carlisle Street parking garage: demolition is set to begin this week, and the $28-million replacement with street-level commercial space and room for 700 cars is set to be built next year.

• The $101-million performing arts centre development with Brock University, including the Marilyn I. Walker school of fine and performing arts, the germination of which began under former mayor Tim Rigby.

• The wine route: At its meeting last month, the wine council's marketing committee unanimously approved a change to the wine route that would bring it downtown, McMullan said. The full board must now approve it, which could happen in February.

As a result of the renewed confidence in the city, developer Nick Atalick is investing roughly $5.8 million in the purchase and renovation of the Leonard Hotel on St. Paul Street, "which wouldn't be happening," McMullan said, without the city's investments in the downtown.

Please see full story in The St. Catharines Standard at:

http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2198480