Letter to the Editor
Editor,
I’d like to put a couple of comments forward regarding the proposed development of a commercial section of Sykes Street. First of all, there is a third option when it comes to retention of the “look” of a historical block of buildings.
When such buildings are demolished, the brick is invariably sold to parties who wish to use such materials as facing on new buildings. Therefore it seems obvious that new facings, with recycled brick, complete with classic brick patterns, pilasters, etc. can be applied to new buildings. Replica cast or molded corbels are also readily available. It’s being done elsewhere.
Look at the great job the Muxlow’s owners did. We already know that traditional window shapes that reflect century-old designs are readily available. The Meaford Hall has them.
It would not be an architectural challenge to replicate the “look” of the present block of buildings.
However, this would not be the case if the new building section was five stories high. It would not fit in.
The second observation is more commercial. Does Meaford have a logical attraction for potential tenants of new commercial construction? Most of the retail start-ups in Meaford over the past 10-15 years, have sadly, not been successful. Many reasons abound, but one of the first issues cited by any struggling retailer is occupancy cost. They have difficulty selling enough goods or services to cover all of their costs, and occupancy cost is a major element. It includes rent,utilities and leasehold improvements. Certainly rents in a new development must be priced substantially higher that the rents presently being charged. It would seem to me that only purveyors of “high-end” goods and/or services would have any potential to cover their occupancy costs.
Would (or could) Meaford residents support “high end” retail sales and services? We really only have the populations of the town and the former St. Vincent township to attract downtown, as residents of the former Sydenham are well served by Owen Sound, especially the east end commercial complex that Owen Sound has. (With respect to overall commercial potential, it should be pointed out that Heritage Mall is losing 5 more retailers in February, and the reality of Sears Canada’s downward spiral looms very large)
My third comment has to do with affordable residential housing. Meaford needs it, and rather badly.
Is the proposed development one that could provide any of such needed affordable housing?
Please the define what an “affordable” monthly rent means in our local context.
We have a lot of jobs that do not pay very well here, and that is not about to change.
Mike Robertson, Meaford
