This post is the twenty-eighth in a series in which we reached out to municipal candidates to ask their heritage platform. Responses will be posted in the order received.
The twenty-eighth to respond was Angelo Marignani, Candidate for Windsor City Council – Ward 7. The responses are in the candidate’s own words only slightly edited in a way that doesn’t in any way change what they said.
It is important to speak of retaining our built environment as it is a means to better understand our regional histories. Sometimes the argument is that we cannot afford to preserve some buildings and sometimes the argument is that the building has no significance. But these kinds of decisions need not be made hastily. The interests of development must be in the conversation, historical preservation should also be a priority. Historical areas have appeal to residents as well as visitors. As for adaptive reuse, it’s not only a means to preserve our built heritage, but it can also be a means to reduce the carbon footprint of new construction. Here are some points that I feel are very important In the conversation.
Adaptive reuse is sustainable, Due to the reduction of building materials needed to transform a space.
Environmental sustainability, Reuse introduces the ability for communities to meet the needs of a growing population while conserving land and reducing urban sprawl.
Economic sustainability, the reduction of hurdles generally associated with Greenfield sites, like legal issues, pressure from anti development factions, Design and construction cost.
Repurposed spaces can be useful for fledgling businesses, The adaptive reuse of existing buildings in general can be less costly than the forms of construction many of these spaces are ideal settings for start-up businesses.
Saves time faster than new build construction. Time is money which will allow developers to revitalize their projects quicker which then allows developers to have cash inflow sooner than later.
Save costs on demolition. Typically 10% of project cost.
Preservation of local identity and sense of place, it creates an authentic experience that can’t be replaced elsewhere.
Take advantage of urban revitalization trends.
For this example, we need only look at the city of Detroit and how it is flourishing at this point in time as a result of maintaining its heritage buildings.
Decreased public and social costs, active reuse can serve as a method to reverse the economic decline of inner-city communities while reducing displacement associated with gentrification.
My favorite landmark in my ward would be the Monarch Liqueur building next to Sandpoint beach.
To reach out to Angelo Marignani, visit his Website, Facebook Page, or Facebook Group.
Picture from CBC. Click here to see the original source.
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