Speak up to save 19th-century buildings

Re: Heritage Designation of 144 Brock Street and 450 George Street North

What happened at Monday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting in respect to the Pigs Ear and the Black Horse buildings was a disgrace. Council ignored PACAC recommendations to designate these properties. The report states that these buildings have “strong associations with the community, are integral parts of the 19th century streetscape and display a high order of architectural design.”

Mr. Dietrich, the developer, provided council with an unsubstantiated figure of $20 million which he said he intended to invest in his project on these two properties.

This is far more than the $15 million being spent on the new library and difficult to believe. He dangled this carrot and threatened to cancel the development if the buildings were designated. So be it.

There are other developers in this area and some may have the creativity and community interest to include these historic landmarks in their designs. This is exactly what Atria is doing with the former YMCA project across the street. That building is designated under the Heritage Act.

Councillors Vassiliadis, Therrien, McWilliams, Parnell and Beamer supported a motion contrary to the recommendations of City staff and PACAC. There will be no application to designate these two historic buildings. If the vote next week is unchanged, Mr. Dietrich can demolish them as soon as the deals close. There was some nice flowery language about staff having discussions with him about heritage but that ship has sailed. The city gave up all of their leverage when they refused to even consider designation. Shame on them!

It is not too late. A number of local historical locations were saved at the last minute by citizens who cared and rallied around the cause, including Cox Terrace, the Morrow Building, Market Hall and the Pagoda Bridge.

Contact the above councillors. Talk to them. Go to the council meeting on April 3 and speak to council. You can register in advance with the city clerk or just attend and speak.

These buildings also belong to the community. They can still be saved!

Ann E. Farquharson Peterborough