Dear Editor:
RE: Vapid platitudes, Sept. 12.
Richard Giles is not the only one to protest the Pearle Hospitality Development on the south side of the Grand River, and the lack of public participation in the ultimate design. I myself have written to Centre Wellington staff and councillors with my concerns. I quote, from my letter to each councillor, sent prior to the crucial council meeting:
“Can you confirm that … as an important voice on council, you are aware that this entire project has been changed since 2012-14 when it was presented to … citizens. A new architect was introduced, and the height and scope of the enterprise has changed. And yet council has not consulted with citizens on what will be a major change to the village nature of Elora.”
And later, after the plans had been accepted, I wrote: “How can it possibly happen that a huge change in design of the Pearle south side condo buildings, as well as change of height, arguably beyond the scope of the bylaw, have never come to the citizens of Elora in an open presentation for their input … I get a notice of a change of zoning for a small building near Hoffer Park, but this immense change is only presented to HCW (Heritage Centre Wellington) and then ratified by a special council meeting…”
I am in contact with citizens who have continually expressed to staff and council concerns at the lack of democratic and transparent communication to the public.
We do not know the extent of the acceptance or the protest of the public with regard to recent designs in this huge development. Why? Because it was a manoeuvre on the part of Pearle and our township to evade asking our opinion.
Even if the zoning did not demand public consultation, surely there was a moral imperative to do so. What ensues is a sense of betrayal and realization that heritage has been treated as a commodity, not a public trust.
Beverley Cairns,
Elora