Don’t demolish historic Raymond building

LETTERS

To Alberta Health Minister Hoffman and Culture & Tourism Minister Miranda:

I am joining the appeal on behalf of the Friends of Raymond’s Historical Buildings and the Raymond Care Centre.

There are many reasons to consider selling this property for re-purposing rather than investing money in demolishing this magnificent example of historical significance. Not to mention the enormous impact on the local refuse site.

Please look to the future; past PC governments did not. Their lack of vision has allowed this site to deteriorate but the location is almost complete; I understand it is asbestos free. The historical and architectural components make this a tourist attraction as well.

There is need in in our smaller communities for development and employment and the locals believe this centre can make a significant benefit to Raymond and it’s citizens quality of life.

A 2013 Alberta Culture and Tourism mature building assessment states, “Under the theme of Agricultural Training School, there are no currently designated resources that are directly comparable with the Raymond Care Centre,” and that the “property does merit Provincial Historic Resource designation.”

You have the power in your hands to make this happen.