But despite losses downtown, there is a sense of hope that remains for future growth and development.
There has been recent movement with the downtown master plan. The community is eager for the new aquatic center. And since the start of the year, several new businesses have opened their doors.
It s an upward trend after a tough year that many hope will continue.
2020 s casualties
The past year has been rough on everyone, from business owners to residents.
After a resurgence in business in the latter half of 2019, the pandemic hit downtown Leesburg hard. Some businesses were forced to close their doors in response to the uncertainty of lockdowns and quarantines, while trying to keep staff and customers safe from the virus.
MY wildlife cameras give me a direct view into the daily lives of the barn owls that occupy Fotherdale, the valley that sweeps away from my art studio in Thixendale. Footage from their nest box, located in a sycamore tree some 200 metres away from my home, is relayed directly onto screens next to my painting easel. It is also live-streamed onto my YouTube channel where 1,000s of owl lovers from around the world also follow the story of these Yorkshire owls. Right now, a very special love story is unfolding on the screens. Two owls are standing close together, the tips of their folded wings gently touching.