This post is the eighteenth in a series in which we reached out to municipal candidates to ask their heritage platform. Responses will be posted in the order received.
Keith Boussey was the eighteenth candidate to respond. He is running for Council in the Town of Amherstburg.
Thank you for reaching out and for giving the candidates an opportunity to share their thoughts on heritage conservation and adaptive reuse in Amherstburg.
I believe Amherstburg’s history and heritage are a big part of what makes our community special. Growing up here, I’ve seen how much our town has changed and I believe it’s important that we respect and protect the history that helped make Amherstburg what it is today. When it comes to Belle Vue, I don’t believe the answer is simply to sell it or simply to spend whatever it takes to restore it. I think Council needs to first have a clear understanding of the building’s condition, the cost of bringing it back to a useful and sustainable purpose and what options exist for its future.
I would be open to exploring adaptive reuse if there is a practical and financially responsible way to preserve Belle Vue and give the building a meaningful future. At the same time, I believe taxpayers deserve to know what the long-term costs would be and what the Town can realistically take on. If there is an opportunity to work with community groups, heritage organizations, private partners, or other levels of government to help preserve the property, I would certainly want those options explored before making a final decision.
I also believe heritage preservation needs to be balanced with the many other responsibilities a municipality has. Protecting our heritage is important, but so are roads, infrastructure, emergency services, parks and keeping taxes affordable. For me, the goal would be to find a solution that respects Belle Vue’s history while also making sense for Amherstburg’s future and the taxpayers who ultimately have to support it.
To follow Mr. Boussey’s campaign, visit his Facebook Page.
Featured image is from the candidate’s Facebook Page.
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