Monthly Archives: January 2009

01.31.09
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No future for heritage preservation

Ian McCallum

Ian McCallum


As guest of the Elgin St. Thomas Archives Association, Mayor Cliff Barwick’s presentation Wednesday on heritage building preservation was so laced with negativity, it made his bland New Year’s address stand out as stirring motivational oratory.
And as was the case in his state of the union to open the 129th council of the Corporation of the City of St. Thomas early in January, Barwick proved a master of buck passing this week before 50 or so gathered in the public library’s Carnegie Room.
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01.31.09
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Central Elgin Mayor Sylvia Hofhuis addresses water concerns in Port Stanley

Here are Central Elgin Mayor Sylvia Hofhuis’ comments Thurs. Jan 29, 2009 dealing with drinking water concerns in Port Stanley.

mayors-remarks-news-conference-harbour-divest

01.29.09
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Aileen Carroll is waiting for a light bulb moment

Culture Minister Aileen Carroll

Culture Minister Aileen Carroll

Minister Carroll,
I’m pleased you’re promoting energy efficient lightbulbs,but could you possibly spend a little more time promoting our built heritage.We’re still waiting for a response from the ministry of culture,on designating 96 Moore Street in St.Thomas,Ontario as provincially significant.I understand the need for energy efficient lightbulbs,but I dont believe you were hired,to worry about our energy problems in Ontario,and we would appreciate a little more focus on our built heritage,as we’re losing historic buildings at an alarming rate,on your watch.The difference between the lightbulbs you’re promoting,and our built heritage is,lightbulbs can be replaced,our built heritage cannot.Please respond to our request,to have the property where beautiful & historic Alma College stood for 130 years designated,so the 2 remainings buildings,and the outdoor amphi-theatre,will have government protection.

Robert F.Foster
Brampton,Ontario

01.28.09
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Heritage Canada Foundation encouraged by federal budget

Heritage Canada Foundation

Heritage Canada Foundation


Ottawa, ON February 27, 2009 The Heritage Canada Foundation (HCF) expressed measured satisfaction that the federal Budget tabled this afternoon by the Minister of Finance includes some recognition of the need to invest in historic preservation.
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01.24.09
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Federal budget is nothing but ‘magic beans’

Ian McCallum

Ian McCallum


Jack (The Mouth) Layton roared into St. Thomas on Wednesday for a town hall meeting that, for the most part, focused on the task at hand — addressing the needs of Canadian families ravaged by a vicious downward spiral of plant closings and layoffs.
“This is driving people into homelessness and despair,” warned
Layton. “How are we going to bring the economy back if that’s how
we’re treating people?”
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01.24.09
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Bombshell letter derails Dunlap Observatory hearing

David Dunlap Observatory

David Dunlap Observatory


Posted by Ian:
My but this story has an eerie familiarity to it. Perhaps because we in St. Thomas have lived through it first hand. Withheld Alma report So what exactly is the mandate of Culture Minister Aileen Carroll and her staff? It would appear preserving the heritage of this province is not anywhere on her radar, as witness this story from yorkregion.com. Thanks to the Alma Advocacy Association for the heads up.

The Minister of Culture could have preserved the Dunlap Observatory site’s entirety with the stroke of her pen, according to newly-released information.
A letter sent by Ontario Heritage Trust chairperson and former Lt.-Gov. Lincoln Alexander to Culture Minister Aileen Carroll in September, recommends the province take immediate action to declare the site’s main 177 acres a heritage site.
That would mean if designated by the minister, no alterations to the property would be allowed without her consent.
Full story

01.23.09
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Journalists can be a council watchdog

Media jobs are evaporating like water puddles on a hot tin roof, but journalists don’t garner much sympathy. Reporters, auto workers, Bay Street traders — the economic carnage is everywhere so complaints about cutbacks at newspapers and broadcast outlets are generally dismissed as self-indulgent whining.
Then somebody like York University professor Robert MacDermid comes along with a powerful reminder of why dwindling media scrutiny matters. MacDermid, an expert in political campaign financing, recently released his latest analysis of corporate contributions to municipal election campaigns in the Greater Toronto Area. Once again, his research suggests the development industry — most obviously in the suburbs — picks its candidates, co-ordinates financial support for the chosen and usually ends up with friendly faces on council.
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01.22.09
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Aileen Carroll strikes again

Erie Street United Church, Ridgetown, Ont.

Erie Street United Church, Ridgetown, Ont.


Minister Carroll,
I’ve attached a photo of the Erie Street United Church,in Ridgetown,Ontario.The church was recently demolished,after you FAILED to issue a “stop work order” on the demolition.It’s fast becoming a trend,that you readily give the go ahead to bring down every heritage building that is threatened,without so much as a second look.
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01.20.09
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Bill Sandison address to St. Thomas council, Jan. 19-09

I appreciated what little time I was given this evening to share the findings from the 2008 Ontario Municipality Comparison. Unfortunately I was only able to get halfway though my deputation, so I have attached the full transcript below for your information. I sensed that the results were unwelcomed by the chair and it may be worthwhile for you to watch the December broadcast of Politically Speaking regarding the $80,000 as I did not invent that number.It is not my credibility that is in question.

I was not advised how much time I had to make the deputation, but sense it was less than 10 minutes. I was not aware there was such little interest in the facts, but sometimes the truth is just too difficult to face.

If you have any questions, please give me a call at 519-207-0819.

Bill Sandison

2008 Ontario Municipality Comparison Study
Population Range 30,000 to 45,000

I would like to thank council for allowing me to make a deputation this evening on the results of a study conducted through December and January in conjunction with Ontario Municipalities within a population range of 30,000 to 45,000 people.
I would also like to thank those in attendance and those watching at home for sharing their time this evening to listen to my deputation.
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