Here are a couple of suggestions I believe should get traction in the Energy City, but of course, they probably won't because most of my concepts don't bear up under scrutiny. But these are not my thoughts, dear diary. I am borrowing them from elsewhere and throwing them to you.
Of course, both would require some community commitment, so any chance of them getting the aforementioned traction, are scarce, but I still like them.
In Ottawa, they have an annual Give Away weekend.
People who want to get rid of their stuff simply place items on the curb and anyone else who might want it, can take it away.
This is not a garage sale. No twenty-five cent price tag on that velvet painting of dogs playing poker or the glow-stick that semi-glows.
Yes, there would be people in trucks cruising, taking advantage of the situation and that would be the whole purpose. If you need something, go look for it and get it. It would be a perfect way to get rid of that old chair in the basement that no longer matches anything.
Would it detract from thrift store business or garage sales?
If it's for one weekend only, I doubt it, and it would be a good mixer event for a thriving city while giving people an opportunity to pick up some stuff that they otherwise may not get.
The other community mixer idea I liked a lot when I read about it, was the concept of a housing fair. A one or two-day effort arranged by a chamber of commerce or service club that brings the housing players onto one floor for a frenetic and frantic 12-hour mix and match free-for-all.
Apparently this has been tried in a few cities and it has worked well.
The fair would give developers and real estate agents an opportunity to let attendees know what's going up, what's available now and what's available six months from now.
Are they building condos, duplexes or apartments?
Are the people in attendance looking for houses under 1,200 square feet? Are they looking for apartments under $900 per month? How many just want rental rooms? Who has rental rooms? Go to the housing fair and find out.
Buy, rent, lease, own get it out there.
Are you looking for an apartment but can't afford the $1,500? Maybe there is someone else at the fair who is looking, too. Maybe your paths will cross, and you'll share the rent. Maybe it's someone you kinda like the looks of? Maybe you'll score a date.
Are you a developer or realtor with 200 units to move, or a simple homeowner with an extra bedroom? Make your way to the housing fair and do a little selling and buying.
You have a work camp? How much is a suite there? Do I have to be working at a certain site to be eligible? Are there discounts for a team of six or eight people looking for something similar? May I lease for six months instead of 12?
OK, I think you've captured the idea.
With housing being the way it is in Estevan, I believe a housing fair just might work, and it wouldn't cost anybody anything outside of a little advertising and a pleasant big venue like Affinity Place for a day.
Thanks for your attention, dear diary, now back to the hockey or football game.
