To the editor:

I would like to add some food for thought before the public meeting is held to determine the town’s position to the new development proposed by Smart Centres for a major retail complex on the former Classic Golf Course.
The size and diverse shopping outlets proposed by the developer will surely change where and how the people in and around the Arnprior area spend their money.
The development for sure will put pressure on our downtown merchants, perhaps seeing the closure of some.
This unfortunately is part of the peril in operating any business in a democratic society. This would be sad; but as time moves on there will always be merchants closing and new ones opening or relocating.
Time always marches on and the responsibility of any municipal council is to view the proposals on the table objectively and in the best interests of all residents with a view on future residents that will move here in growing numbers just because Arnprior is located next door to the ever growing city.
To this end a lot of pressure will come to bear on our elected officials, as only a truly objective  evaluation can be played out.
I believe there is only one decision that council can make in this matter that ends the issue.
As disappointing that it may be; only a positive decision in favor of this project will be final.
Failing to approve this project will most likely send the whole issue to the Ontario Municipal Board where non partisan members will decide for us. Without good municipal reason to deny a legitimate free enterprise, surmise that it will be approved.
Unfortunately this is progress, and if I may suggest, council would negotiate with the developer and then start promoting the best shopping west of the city.