Millennials? They’re Just Like Us — Wait and See

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By Jason Menard

The focus on London’s urban planning seems to revolve around attracting and retaining the cherished millennial demographic: a young, tech-savvy, generation that’s eschewing cars, embracing public transportation, looking to live downtown, and focused on consolidating its living, entertainment, and dining options into a three-block radius.

Millennials: the name has changed, but the song remains the same.

In short, they’re me 20 years ago. Or my parents 40+ years ago. Or my grandparents 60+ years ago. And, chances are, they’re likely the same as you, your parents, and your grandparents were. Continue reading →

Explaining Pain in its Own Voice

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By Jason Menard

I hurt.

Normally, I don’t talk about it. And I pride myself on the fact that, for the most part, people don’t know about my situation. But recently I’ve had the opportunity to share parts of my story with three people. It seemed to help, so I thought I’d put it down on paper — virtually.

When it comes to pain management, I have no advice to give. I only have my experience to share and to let people know that what they’re feeling is normal. Continue reading →

Marketing Downtown: Less ‘Should,’ More Filling a Need

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By Jason Menard

It’s not enough to build it and hope they come. And while the downtown master plan is visually appealing, core proponents can’t be blind to the fact that the most important thing to see is what the consumer actually wants.

It’s great to have a pedestrian-friendly downtown, but you have to focus on marketing and give those pedestrians a reason to come. And it has to be more than supercilious castigations of what people “should” be doing; it has to be a focus on providing customers with something they want to do.

Otherwise you’ll end up with a beautiful, but empty, revamped core. Continue reading →

My Un-Hosery Tendencies

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By Jay Menard

Canada Day’s fast approaching and, like many Canucks, I’m looking forward to a celebration of living in the world’s greatest country.

Like most good Canadians, I can laugh at — and often embrace — certain cultural stereotypes. But perhaps my Hoser Designation will be called into question as there are certain Canadian sacred cows that I just can’t worship..

I am a proud Canadian, but… Continue reading →

A Successful London? Stop Swinging for the Fences and Focus on Fundamental Small Ball

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By Jason Menard

Instead of swinging for the fences and missing, London needs to play small ball, work on the fundamentals, and build a winning team.

For many baseball fans, there is nothing like the spectacle of a home run. But if that round-tripper comes in a losing cause, then what’s the point? Bunting, advancing the runners, and hitting-and-running may not make the highlight reels, but it will help you win.

And in the end that’s all that matters. Continue reading →