This post is the twelfth in a series in which we reached out to municipal candidates to ask their heritage platform. Responses will be posted in the order received.
Lena Lazanja was the twelfth candidate to respond. She is running for Council in the Town of Amherstburg.
I’m a history lover, and I believe Amherstburg’s heritage is one of the things that makes our community special.
I believe Belle Vue is a unique and significant part of Amherstburg’s heritage and should be preserved through a practical, sustainable adaptive-reuse plan. Heritage conservation and economic development do not have to be opposing ideas. A restored Belle Vue could become an event, tourism or community destination while maintaining its historic character.
However, while I believe we need to identify and protect our truly irreplaceable heritage assets, we must be objective about designation and restoration. I don’t pretend to know all the technicalities of heritage conservation, but I’m willing to learn.
What I do believe is that we cannot allow historic properties to sit vacant and deteriorate for years. Council and administration would need to actively pursue grants, partnerships and private investment, while being transparent with residents about the costs, options and long-term plans for these historic properties.
With careful planning and foresight, our heritage can be both something we preserve and something that helps drive Amherstburg’s future.
To follow this candidates campaign, visit her Facebook Page.
Featured image is from the candidate’s Facebook Page.
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