Does the city have a role in preserving Heritage Site, and if so, what?
The role of the city in preserving heritage sites is vital to the nuance of our city, and our communities. The City of Calgary’s Heritage Policy provides important guidance and direction within the greater planning process.
Plan It Calgary will direct our communities of all ages and it includes heritage value statements. Imagine an archery target. The center is what we call Inner City, downtown, Fort Calgary, Inglewood, etc. The next ring of the target is called Inner Suburbs. Think about Mountainview, Tuxedo, Highland Park, etc. The third ring, we term established communities – Thorncliffe, Huntington, North Haven (most of the ward), and then the outer ring, New Communities Edgemont, Hidden Valley, and Country Hills.
Our communities may have buildings or landscapes which may be of heritage value in the future. The key to Heritage sites, is their “SIGNIFICANCE”. Significance can be anything from architecture to a person of interest and can be relevant to one of our communities or the City as a whole.
Consider our commercial sites. Perhaps the owner that would like to demolish and rebuild. But what if the structure is sound. If it is deemed of heritage significance can we not work with the owner to preserve the storefront, and rebuild the interior to suit the needs of the property owner. Examples that come to mind are 8th Avenue Mall, and the Alberta Hotel – Interiors redone, building structure and aura are maintained.
Next we have our residential homes. Does the house across the street have some heritage value? The communities of Calgary have a variety of architectural types and styles included some that will be significant examples of war time housing, 4 square bungalows, 60’s two storey two bedroom 1 bath houses, etc. Not everything should be saved but our City has an important responsibility in determined and encouraging preservation of what is of heritage value.
We also have industrial heritage. The Inglewood Brewery is a prime example. This is Calgary’s most significant industrial site and was owned by A.E. Cross of Big Four fame. Imagine the potential for integrating the heritage of this site into the site redevelopment. it could be the site for specific retail, restaurant, and cultural business while maintaining the key buildings and preserving our heritage. An example of re-vitalization of Heritage is Whyte Avenue, and Strathcona in Edmonton. (Sorry for swearing).
Let’s also consider some significant modern buildings and how they might be repurposed. The current CBE building will be vacated by the board, and this building is part of all our lives (specifically Native Calgarians, but we all refer to it as the building with the Statues…) Do you think, and this is my idea, that that building could host the Library? It may not be big enough for all the library infrastructure, but if it became “just a library”, I am sure there is enough space. Another site could perhaps house some of the administrative aspect of the library. This is just one example of thinking outside the box and retrofitting, reusing and refitting buildings of significance
The city has the Calgary Heritage Authority with a mandate to advise City Council on heritage matters. A study was done to make the committee even more effective and it ligers on a shelf. If elected, I will work to take the review off the shelf, and make sure the committee becomes even more effective. We need our Cultural Heritage as much as we need our Library’s, Police, Fire, and transit systems. They are a vital part of what makes our city and our communities great.
Do you support a long term lease for Race City as a track and advanced driving facility in Calgary?
Race City is an interesting topic. I am in favor of Race City having a facility, as it is important for people to have a place where they can actually use their muscle cars, and not race in the streets. It can also be key in bringing in other events like possibly an Indy or F1 race. These however require a large commitment from the community.
Race city is also a descent venue for Outdoor concerts.
Now, the land, which is owned by the City is scheduled to become a landfill. There is a lot of work that goes into preparation of an area to become a landfill. As the City is the landlord, they can in essence, not renew any lease they see fit. As was the case with the Golf Facility near the Calgary West soccer centre. If the city has not already invested the funds into landfill preparation, then I say keep Race City open, and extend their lease. If they have, the city may be able to make some concessions to help them move, but that would be all. Race city is a private company, and with any company and its dealings with landlords, sometimes, buildings and land at the end of a lease become unavailable, and the tenant has to make alternate arrangements.
My personal opinion is Keep it open. But I am unaware of the financial implications required in doing so.
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Keeping up with the sign race - below is once again, your Eco-sign. Please vote for me on Election Day!
Elect: CURTIS KRUSCHEL
Alderman - Ward 4!
ELECTION DAY IS OCTOBER 18, 2010
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