This post is the sixth in a series in which we reached out to municipal candidates to ask their heritage platform. Responses will be posted in the order received.
TJ Botsford was the sixth candidate to respond. He is running for Town Council in Amherstburg.
Amherstburg has a lot of history. I believe a town such as Amherstburg should try to preserve history and also forge ahead for a better future.
In regards to Belle Vue specifically, I am a big proponent of adaptive reuse. If we look at what a developer was able to do with the 2-Way Automotive building on Murray Street and turn it into Hotel Stry, that is a terrific example of what can happen with adaptive reuse. Unfortunately, when we look at Belle Vue the same cannot be said. Amherstburg purchased Belle Vue for $1.1 million a decade ago and it has remained stagnant. The Belle Vue conservatory raised $300,000 dollars 8 years ago along with a grant of $100,000 from Parks Canada. Unfortunately just recently in July the new roof was damaged due to a terrible storm. Ironically, just two months prior Amherstburg decided to shelve the proposal with Amico-Loop to redevelop the Belle Vue property and restore the Manor.
I have a great appreciation for historical buildings and landmarks. I grew up in Windsor, Ontario and went to many hockey games at Windsor Arena. I was at the final hockey game that was played there back in 2012. We are now almost 15 years later and nothing has been done to it. I don’t want the same thing to happen to Belle Vue that has happened to Windsor Arena.I believe it would be in the best interests of Amherstburg to sell Belle Vue to a prospective buyer and ensure it is preserved.
The property is very large at almost 9 acres which can be used if we can find a buyer with the right vision. Amherstburg has been doing much better financially over the past decade. It would be a good decision for the town to sell this property to a buyer who has a vision and the financial ability for adaptive reuse. In my opinion, I think it’s important for the town to divest themselves of properties that they have continued to pour money into that have not brought much return on the investment. The best solution is restoring historical buildings that can still provide much use decades down the line like the General Amherst High School and Valente Development project.
To follow TJ Botsford’s campaign, visit his Facebook Page.
Featured photo is from his Facebook Page.
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