This post is the eleventh in a series in which we reached out to municipal candidates to ask their heritage platform. Responses will be posted in the order received.
Dhaval Prajapati was the eleventh candidate to respond. He is running for Council in the Town of Amherstburg.
Through my 100 Days. 100 Stories. series, I have learned a lot about Amherstburg’s history. Some of the stories surprised me. We have a lot here that is worth protecting, and I think our history is a big part of what makes Amherstburg special.
I support heritage conservation, but I also think we have to be practical. Once a property is designated heritage, there are rules around what can and cannot be done with it. Those protections are important, but they can also make redevelopment more difficult and expensive. We need to find a balance between protecting our history and making investment and adaptive reuse practical.
My position on Belle Vue is simple. In the next term of Council, I do not support Belle Vue continuing to be funded by Amherstburg taxpayers. If there is a private investor, grant, partnership, sale or another good idea, I am willing to look at it. But after years of trying to figure out what to do with Belle Vue, I think we need a solution that does not continue relying on local taxpayers.
I also want to give credit to the Heritage Committee and Town staff for the work they have already done. We can protect Amherstburg’s history, but we also have to make sure these properties have a realistic future.”
Featured picture was provided by the candidate.
To follow this candidate’s campaign, visit his Facebook Page.
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