Small business owner Anita Dunn made headlines recently when she announced she was closing her high-profile Mila and Paige clothing store this spring. In her announcement, Dunn took direct aim at a raft of city-related decisions and initiatives that she believes led to the demise of her retail shop. In an exclusive interview on For the Record with Daniel Fontaine, Dunn joins the city councillor to explore the circumstances that led to the demise of her downtown business.
Whether it was skyrocketing parking rates or the impact a lengthy sewer replacement project took on her business, Dunn says it all played a role in helping to keep customers away. She’s also concerned with the recent trend to concentrate so many social service providers in the downtown core. She highlights why opening a ‘temporary’ homeless shelter nearby with only limited hours has actually served to increase street disorder along Columbia Street.
“The city is sending a message to everyone visiting to get in and get out. So how is this ever going to be a tourist destination? It’s not,” she said in video she posted on her Instagram account. “So I’m angry. I’m really angry at the city.”
Dunn not only explores the problems plaguing small business owners in New West, but she begins to talk about what some of the solutions might be. Fontaine asks her to compare Columbia Street to Vancouver’s popular and thriving Commercial Drive in terms of its vibrancy. He explores with Dunn whether there is anything we can learn from their success and apply in New West.
Dunn also responds to some of the vicious online attacks that have been hurled at her since she spoke out and talks about how other small businesses in the area are equally fed up – but frightened to speak out. Joining Dunn on the podcast is fellow Columbia Street small business owner and New West City Councillor Paul Minhas.
They also get to have a bit of fun with the latest edition of Bell or Buzzer – and Dunn actually had to use a lifeline by calling a friend!
It’s an important interview that’s bound to stir up debate, but one you will want to listen to and share with friends and family. This podcast is available for download on all major platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon and Google Podcasts.
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