The building was habitable for almost a century and a half.
Despite sitting at the roadside like a pile of garbage, rotting lumber, several generations of animal carcasses, feces and mould that had to be scraped off walls and floors with shovels by men wearing masks then taken carefully apart ,piece by piece because it could no longer be moved whole, the building is restored to exactly how it was ,except without an attic.
It could have been done for half the price had the decision been made when it was originally moved from its footings.
There was no use nor place for it when the town required the developer to put it down at the side of the road.
We have a heritage planning department to advise Council in these matters.
It's how things happen...or not... when numbers are making the decisions with advice from experts.
Never said it was easy. My hair was black when I became a politician. See how the experience has aged me.
The building will not be a rotting pile again in five or ten years.
It was taken apart with extraordinary care by town workmen.
Logs beyond repair were replaced with sussed out lumber of similar vintage. Others were repaired with artisan skill.
It is re-built exactly as it was .The same materials. the same construction.
Logs are once again protected with clapboard cladding milled for the purpose.
Windows are custom made.
Already it's a decade older. In another century and a half , it will be three hundred
years old.
If it ever needs to be moved again, the job will be simpler. If need be, it could be sold.
In the meantime, it stands to the credit or shame of those who did and did and have not made timely decisions.
And that's how it is in our system of government.
It's the worst there is except for all the rest.
If you think you can make a difference. this is the year to try.
Posts
7 comments:
It could be done but both sides would have to show willing. The ones who instigated the original plan as well as those who tried to fix the mess and fell short. It could be accomplished using in-staff, capable volunteers with experience in the trades and those willing to simply lend a hand. That need not cost a bundle except in good will, a commodity lacking at the council table.
Christopher
This kind of stuff just makes me laugh. Off topic but we clearly see where Councillor Ballard stands. (I know Evelyn this is just water off a duck's back).
On his current & apparently last posting at chrisballard.ca (until after the provincial election) he states:
"Aurora Town Council has unanimously agreed to suspend my remuneration during the election period. I will remain available to residents if they have a concern. If I can't immediately help, I'll find someone who can. Two councillors who have been particularly effective in working with Aurora residents are John Gallo and Wendy Gaertner. Click a name to send them an email."
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and so there's his opinion of the rest of council.
What's this a payback endorsement? What a way to build bridges. Good luck to him if he ever wants to work with the Town Council from a higher level.
Like he said when he got into office "Let the games begin."
Now that the Petch House is structurally completed, and very pleasing to the eye, apparently with a hydro line in place, there are several other amenities that should be provided.
If the building is to be used year round the interior should be properly wired, water and plumbing should be installed for a toilet and a small kitchen area. Heating can be arranged either through gas or electric baseboards. From an operating cost the former is preferable. Has anyone thought of installing solar panels on the roof, while initially costly in the long run these would result in considerable savings over any alternative.
I don't know the exact dimensions of Petch. I would guess roughly 20' x 30'. This is large enough for almost limitless uses.
One that immediately comes to mind is as a working craft centre, where local artisans could ply their artistic bent; their production could be sold to the public. Another is as an extension of Aurora's Historical Museum, providing far more display space than in the single room in the Centre. Replicas could be produced by some of the town's artisans, also for sale to the public.
No doubt others have different ideas. The town had requested suggested these be submitted by April 30. Have they, what are they and will these be brought to the attention of our residents?
If the Petch House has electricity and they get running water & a toilet - it could be rented out as a small house. Oh, sorry that was it's original use and they would have had an outhouse, candles and/or oil lamp and hand pump for the water I assume. This could be Town of Aurora's contribution to the housing market- though I'm sure the rent will be either very high or $1/year (just had to get that one in).
Evelyn... you are not paranoid. The problem is that you always try to answer questions no matter how bizarre they might be. Lately that has fed the trolls who are attempting to tire you out.
THIS IS YOUR BLOG
10:36
That would make sense if it was a resident in entitlement mode wanting to claim a neighbour's trees or to have a park of their own. Cllrs Ballard, Gaertner & Gallo are masters of red herring that cost a lot of money.
Post a Comment