The downtown debate seems to go on forever with critics lining up one either side, some knocking its weaknesses and holding out no hope and others exhorting that more be done to preserve a key part of Maple Ridge.

What couldn’t be more inaccurate however is to describe downtown as decaying.

On the contrary, downtown is already a success – and will be more so as Maple Ridge grows.

Of course, there are rough spots and businesses will continue to come and go and there many who are unsatisfied with the lack of chain stores.

But thanks to municipal planning, the population density, key to business success, is growing. Thousands will continue to move into the core area as Canada continues to age. Compared to some cities in the Lower Mainland, there is already a vibrancy fostered by the seniors centre, leisure and arts centres, and hundreds of retail stores and services.

If recent trends continue, (a functioning BIA, thousands of new residential condos, restoration of 224th Street) the downtown only will get better, assuming continued nurturing.

Growth and change elsewhere in the district, needn’t the downtown.

Whatever’s decided for Albion flats, (Patience is a virtue Smart Centres knows well.) could complement the downtown if enough links are established between the two.

For example, conditions of any Albion development should ensure solid transportation links between that area and the downtown -- through bus routes, pedestrian walkways, nature trails and cycle routes.

There are enough green spaces and natural corridors that all of that could be achieved to allow a retail-high-tech-recreational mix in Albion – next to a healthy downtown.

– The News