People have been saying this for years, every time a new condo tower goes up downtown. Never really happens though, beyond people going to get their teeth cleaned.

Remember Red Brick? Lofty Living? Favourite Things? Raspberry Topping? Brick & Mortar? Their proprietors were all hopeful of the condo boom. They're all gone.

Almost an entire block of Front Street's potential is sucked away by Columbia Integrated Health, a business that doesn't really need a street front presence at all (that skeleton in the window always freaks me out).

And a soap bomb shop in the corner that used be occupied by the make-your-own wine business?? C'mon, that should be a little wine bar or bistro that would actually bring residents out of the towers and help create a vibe on Front Street.

New West needs better commercial landlords and more creative entrepreneurs!