Vision for the future

The unfortunate reality is that Toronto has not adapted to the shifting economy. Not that Toronto stands alone in this. The entire state of West Virginia seems to have conceded that there is no future except for gambling, and most of Ohio seems to feel that the western part of the state is the future. I happen to think there is another way.

The Ohio River is a crucial American waterway; both in the historical sense and in the fact that it is evolving both ecologically and visually. It has recently been observed that Yellow Creek is undergoing renewal. Species of fish and flora which have been gone for decades are seeing a resurgence. This will soon begin to spread to the river as the new administration expands EPA governance which has been cheapened during the last administration. As this happens, the river could become a tourist destination for all sorts of water activities, and Toronto sits uniquely poised to capitalize on this potential boon. But we have to start now.

There is talk across the river of creating a new shipping port in Weirton. This represents an additional boon in river tourism and commercial traffic on our waterway. With two beautiful marinas, a downtown within walking distance of a gorgeous river-front park, and several historic markers, T-town could be on every Fodor's list in the tri-state. This means attracting new business, outside income and a new and even better reputation. And it all starts with a new push for the park linking the gazebo commons with the WWI monument. In my next post, I'll explain how and why I think this matters as well as how I think it can be accomplished.