St. Marys recently had an open house as a first step to engage the public in deciding the future of the closed, former Mercury Theatre.
The building, like Avon Crest in Stratford, has been closed and is in need of repair. St. Marys' citizens came to find out more about the building, reflect, ask questions and discuss as the town looks into its future use.
The next step for them is to have a survey to get the thoughts and ideas of residents before planning for the future.
What happened to public engagement about the community created asset of Avon Crest, Stratford's first public hospital? This still sturdy and stable building was built on land donated by the City of Stratford (the citizens) and wholly funded by the community spirit coming together with money and other types of donations to see this community's health needs were met.
Community ownership of the project was very evident.
Now this community asset is in danger of being demolished because of the direction the Huron Perth Health Alliance (HPHA) wishes to move toward. There has been no community meeting or other public engagement offered by either the HPHA or the City of Stratford to hear from the public about their wishes, ideas or thoughts about the future of the land and building from their perspective. There is no accountability or engagement.
There have been two public meetings put on by citizen groups to educate everyone and only one councillor attended to find out more about the issue, although all members of council were invited. How are the people who are voting on the heritage designation of this building getting the information they need to make an informed decision? Have they talked to an engineer about the structure, architects about the possibilities of retrofitting the building for reuse, our climate change program manager about the climate lens that should be applied, community groups about their ideas, The National Trust who helps protect our culture and heritage or just the HPHA's information and opinions?
Public engagement is part of how a transparent council works, taking opportunities to hear information and the public's wishes, thoughts regarding any community issue such as this. We really need to work together, just like our ancestors did when the hospital was built.
The community took ownership of the hospital and saw that the hospital happened and we need that spirit now. St. Marys is demonstrating an excellent example of a fair process of public engagement so that their representatives on council can make well informed decisions affecting the citizens now and in the future. When our councillors vote on an issue, they need to know the information and advice from experts about the issue (not just legal advice) and to talk with and consider the opinions and wishes of residents that they represent.
Related:
Town of St. Marys continues service location revue
Revera Canada to build long-term care home
Jane Marie Mitchell
Stratford
