CULTURAL HERITAGE LANDSCAPE DISCUSSION & MEETING

This occurred last night at 7 pm. in the Woolwich Council Chambers. There was an excellent turnout from my former neighbours, the residents of West Montrose and area. Woolwich Staff began by describing the background to the CHL designation. They then further described many elements of the area which indeed qualify it as deserving of the Cultural Heritage Landscape designation. Finally their conclusion and recommendation to Council is that the West Montrose area should be so designated.

There were seven speakers from the audience who all enthusiastically endorsed staff's report and position. At the same time Councillor Bauman and Mayor Cowan as well as three of the speakers expressed the need to know unequivocally that the CHL designation while having major significance towards new "development" would not affect either on farm building nor individual residential additions or improvements. In my opinion staff clearly answered this by differentiating between existing homes and farm businesses versus new "development" be it industrial, aggregate or residential.

I am hopeful that last night's meeting will see this CHL designation go ahead with nearly unanimous support of the local residents.