This post is the fourteenth 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 fourteenth to respond was Gerry Theriault, Candidate for Amherstburg Town Council. 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.
I believe the heritage in Amherstburg is very important, it has been a concern of many councils in the past and should maintain a front line for councils to come. And rightfully so with all the amazing things that have transpired long before I was born, so many and to many to name. Having said that I don’t believe that if a property is designated heritage that it should place a financial burden on the property owner if and when it requires extensive (not regular) maintenance and or renovations. The Heritage committee with the assistance of the town should work together with the property owner, and try to secure any and all grants that may be available to assist the property owner in those extensive tasks, to keep the property within the heritage designation and as close to original as possible so long as it meets the current days safety regulations . I also feel that before any naming rights are changed or given to any member of our community that extensive research should be done to see exactly what the proposed individual has done in town and how they contributed to the history of the Town of Amherstburg, then once the name has been attached to a property, building, road or any other facility it should stay attached, and any changes that may be made in the future years to come the surviving family members should be made aware of the intended changes that are being proposed to be made and they should have a say as to the extent of the changes that they agree on. Once all considerations have been made a mutual agreement can be put in place so as to avoid any unnecessary hardship between residents and their town.
So I would have to say I have a lot of Amherstburg memories and there are many that would be tied for my fondest. Starting with meeting my wife here in town and getting married and raising our family together in Amherstburg. Going to Bob Lo Island as an amusement park with our son Tim, unfortunately it was sold off before our daughter Kim could experience it. Having had the opportunity to own and operate a business in Amherstburg for over 21 years was also a great memory for me as well as my family and for many of our customers, as well as having the good fortune to serve the community as a member of Amherstburg Town Council from 1994 – 2000. As I Continue to experience great memories every year in the town and am very proud and happy to call Amherstburg my family’s hometown.
To reach out to Gerry Theriault, visit his website or reach out to him on Facebook.
Picture from the Gerry Theriault for Council Facebook page. Click here to see original source.
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