This post is the ninth in a series in which we reached out to municipal candidates to ask their heritage platform. Responses will be posted in the order received.
Rachael Mills was the ninth candidate to respond and is our first heritage platform from the Town of Essex. She is running for Council to represent Ward 4 – the catchment area of which is Harrow.
Q1: How should Essex address demolition by neglect? Do you see this as a municipal responsibility?
A: Yes, I believe there’s a municipal responsibility to leverage the authority the Town has under the Ontario Heritage Act, which allows the Town to set by-laws requiring designated properties be maintained to standards, rather than reactively assessing neglect that could or will result in demolition and loss.
With an updated designation list available, we can assess these properties regularly and proactively, and with the list being available to residents and neighbours online, more folks can be engaged in heritage conservation and learn about the people, places and events that helped shape our communities.
Q2: What role should council play in strengthening heritage conservation overall?
A: There’s an opportunity for Council, Administration, and the Heritage Committee to continue sharing and elevating information and resources on heritage designation and conservation, along with storytelling and the history and character of each property, to build public knowledge and pride in these spaces. I’d like to see continued attention to ensuring our property standards by-laws reflect our commitment to preserving unique community character, with new development guided by a strong urban design and streetscaping framework and standards that ensure growth aligns as well. Heritage conservation should be paired with a sustainable and responsible vision for how these spaces can continue to evolve with the community around them over time, so that together they can contribute to our resilience and progress.
Q3: What is your favourite heritage landmark in Essex?
A: As a Ward 4 candidate here in Harrow, we are fortunate to have several designated properties and opportunities, and I had the chance to join this year’s Jane’s Walk through the core of Harrow to explore many of them and their history. Experiences like this, and engaging with HEIRS and Heritage Colchester, are ways I and others can learn about and support the rich history of the place we call home, and the folks working to protect and share it with us! One of my favourites is the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) building at 22 King St W. It brings character, a multi-purpose use, and deep rooted history to the corner of King and Queen. For me, it’s a great example of thoughtful land use planning, especially with the now mixed commercial and residential uses. It enriches our core with purpose and character at an important corner, and it demonstrates how a heritage property can evolve with the surrounding community and life’s needs, while remaining an anchor and symbol of resilience.
Featured picture is from a Facebook Community page.
This candidate mentions Windsor-Essex Jane’s Walks. ACO Windsor/Essex is a longtime proud supporter and sponsor of the event. Sign up for alerts at windsorjaneswalk.ca to keep on top of when this free annual event returns.
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