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.
The twelfth to respond was Kristen Siapas, Candidate for Windsor City Council – Ward 4. 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’m committed to heritage conservation wherever possible in our city. I believe the buildings that make up our neighbourhoods tell a story about who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going.
As an active member of the committee responsible for planning the new James L. Dunn school on Mercer Street, I advocated for finding a name that suitably reflected the school’s location and history of the neighbourhood. The new school is set to open this fall and has undergone a beautiful process of renovation and preservation of the heritage elements of the original building, the International Playing Card factory. It’s a great example of what happens when we decide to preserve and honour the places and names in our history, and breathe new life into existing infrastructure.
Quote:
“He was somebody who represented equal education, equity, and standing up for what you believe is right,” said Kristen Siapas, chairperson of the parent council at Giles Campus French Immersion Public School, which will move to the Mercer Street site, and a member of the board’s naming committee. “These are all things we want to teach our students.” Click here to read article.
One of my hobbies is to explore the old city directories and photo archives, and research the stories of our past neighbourhoods. Ward 4 in particular has such a rich and interesting history that tells us about how we came to be. In these resources lie the answers to our city’s changing identity, and the potential we have to grow and evolve over time. I believe knowing this history is essential as we make decisions about how we conserve and adapt the architecture of our city, to serve our community generations into the future.
To reach out to Kristen Siapas, visit here.
Picture is from the Windsor Star. Click here to see original source.
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