This post is the second in a series in which we reached out to municipal candidates to ask their heritage platform. Responses will be posted in the order received.
Jen DeLuca was the second candidate to respond. She is running for Town Council in Amherstburg.
Belle Vue has great historical significance and we need to be proud and continue to recognize this, while finding a responsible use for it. I strongly support respecting the architectural character of Belle Vue while finding a new purpose for the building that supports our community. My position is that we need to preserve the heritage of Belle Vue but not the ownership.
I would support the sale of Belle Vue to a qualified buyer willing to commit to Heritage conservation and adaptive reuse. We could seek a purchaser with the financial ability and vision to restore the property and find an appropriate sustainable use. The sale should include clear conditions set forth in partnership with the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario. The conditions should also include protecting natural heritage, existing trees, and natural green space. I would advocate in the conditions that any future adaptive reuse is committed to making the property accessible.
Preserving our history should not mean limiting who can experience it. The building and grounds should be adapted to accommodate people of all abilities. As a municipality, we should try to attract the purchaser through Heritage organizations and private investments. We have already explored grants and unfortunately cannot rely on government funding for Belle Vue as the grants were generous yet insufficient to complete the restoration. We also cannot continue to put such a significant burden on our tax base.
In short, we need to preserve the history and heritage of Belle Vue while working in partnership with, and trusting a qualified buyer to continue its Historical Legacy.
Picture of Jen Deluca is from 107.9FM The Burg CKBG.
I did not find social media links for Jen DeLuca’s campaign but her contact information can be found by clicking here.
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