By Jim Barber – Bay of Quinte Living Council In the not-so distant past, in the days before mass transportation, superhighways, mass-market retailers and the internet, the hub of commercial and social activity of most Ontario villages, towns and cities was its downtown. All manner of goods and services were obtained in downtowns – food, clothing, hardware and other necessities. Most business transactions with banks, or insurance companies or lawyers took place downtown. Downtowns were where folks went for ...