June 26, 2015
1733
A proposal by Kincardine resident Bryan Walden, to transform the old Kincardine fire hall into a multi-use building and tourist attraction, will be forwarded to the new municipal arts, cultural and heritage committee for review.
Walden presented his idea to council in committee-of-the-whole, Wednesday night, June 17.
A businessman in Kincardine for 40 years, he said the downtown core is important to the future of the whole municipality.
"The best approach should include: encouragement for people to live in the downtown centre; new projects should be appealing and draw people to the downtown core; new projects should be developed in ways to increase citizens' enjoyment and use of the downtown core; and in today's competitive environment, municipalities need to do more financially for their residents, and I believe that financial benefits to area citizens will flow from upgrades to the urban core."
He proposed turning the old fire hall, located at the south end of the Kincardine Arts Centre, into a multi-use building including the following features:
"I honestly believe that my suggestion has significant merit and would be a fabulous asset to the community," said Walden. "I am asking for your support so that a detailed review of this proposal can be completed and, at that time, a determination can be made on whether to move forward with this tower and multi-use facility."
A conceptual drawing of Bryan Walden's proposal for the old fire hall in downtown Kincardine
Councillor Laura Haight said the tower is not very aesthetically-pleasing. "People on the (Huron Terrace) bridge can see the sunset. And we have Queen's Lookout, the beach, areas all along the shoreline where people can watch the sunset. This tower is not in keeping with the heritage aspects or the look of the old town hall."
She said council has a $9-million deficit on roads and other infrastructure. Plus, a proposal to alter plans for the arts centre would put a stop to the current renovation project, she added. "I don't want to do that. I'm unwilling to support this tower."
Walden objected, saying that the status quo isn't getting the municipality anywhere. "There are not a lot of towers along the lake. I think this is a good idea, as well as other aspects of the building, such as the outdoor stage."
"We need something that blends in better (with the arts centre)," said mayor Anne Eadie. "You were envisioning an extension of the art gallery and a multi-use facility?"
"It's supposed to look like an extension of the existing building," said Walden.
"It's good to have ideas," said Eadie. "If we had lots of money, this would look nice."
"I'm not asking for money, just support from council and the community," said Walden. "I need that or there's no sense in going forward. I have ideas about financing as well."
"I suggest we refer this to the newly-appointed arts, culture and heritage committee," said councillor Maureen Couture. "I'm keen to get the renovations done at the arts centre, and I would hate to see anything hold up that project."
Haight said this proposal should go to the recreation department for review. "But we have to do a reality check," she said. "Is this something we'd pursue? This is just a conceptual drawing. I appreciate skyscrapers, but not this skyscraper tower. We should refer this to committee or wait until we have completed other projects before considering it."
Eadie agreed with sending the proposal to the arts, culture and heritage committee. "This might not happen for five to 10 years, but it's still worthwhile to consider it."
Council agreed to refer the proposal to the committee with a recommendation back to council at a future meeting.
A conceptual drawing of Bryan Walden's proposal for the old fire hall in downtown Kincardine
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
Related Stories
No related stories.