Dear Editor:
I understand that an advocacy group has been formed to monitor the ongoing Pearle development anchored by The Elora Mill, to ensure that it complements the unique heritage of Elora.
The work that Pearle has done to date is exemplary. It has resurrected the economic vitality of much of Elora’s historic core in a tasteful fashion.
Indeed, in terms of bringing new residents to Elora, a more intensified condo style development along the river, within walking distance to downtown, is far more preferable than the cookie cutter sprawl on the margins of Elora, common to many North American communities.
Note, I have refrained from using the term “village”. The expansion of the community has ensured that Elora is no longer a “village”. A term useful in marketing, but not in the cold light of day. I mention this because it brings a dose of reality concerning the ongoing growth from those, like us, who have chosen to live here.
However, Pearle’s future development must blend in with Elora’s heritage. As stated by its CEO and their consultant, during the virtual public meeting held a month or so ago, they intend to respond to the excellent suggestions of the many citizens who spoke. I hope so. I will leave it up to others with more urban design skills than I, to contribute to this.
But, there remains one very troubling element of this planned expansion. It is the proposed additional pedestrian bridge, downstream from the existing splendid, renewed bridge recently completed by the township. A second bridge is not needed nor desirable. It will only serve to block the view of the river’s iconic ‘Tooth of Time” by the public at large. The current pedestrian bridge is an excellent means to traverse the Grand River by all.
With the inevitable give and take as part of the continued negotiations between the township and Pearle, this flawed element in the development should surely be taken off the table.
Rick Goodfellow,
Elora