| Because of the
high degree of similarity
between PDVC's two applications, much of
the information and Expert Opinions included in
this website about the old application are still
applicable to the new one. Every effort has been
made to identify the limited information that would
apply only to one of the proposals. |
To:
Messrs. David Bergen and Carlos Garcia
PROUD
From: Robert R. Taylor
Professor Emeritus
History Department
Brock University
Re: proposal for a tower in old Port
Dalhousie
Dear Sirs:
I have spent many years studying the
history and architecture of the
St. Catharines era and have written and co-authored
several books on those
subjects. As well, I have served on the St. Catharines
Heritage Committee, the
Welland Canals Preservation Association, and the Canadian
Canal Society. I am
therefore familiar with Port Dalhousie, its built environment,
and many of its
residents.
Consequently, for these reasons and
because of a recent visit to St.
Catharines, I know that there are hundreds, if not thousands,
of people like
myself who are shocked at the plan to build a high-rise
tower in the heart of
old Port Dalhousie. The atmosphere of that village depends
on its NOT having
glass and steel structures in its midst. The re-development
of heritage
townscapes throughout the western world has thrived
on sympathetic re-use of
older (and not necessarily historically significant)
structures in ways that
stimulate the local economy and yet preserve the charm
of small-scale
communities. Were this tower to be built, Port Dalhousie
(and St. Catharines)
would become a ridiculous laughing-stock among visitors
from Britain or the
United States who have experienced the sensitive preservation
of canal-side
structures in their own communities. Conceivably, such
tourists would return to
their hometowns, advising friends never to visit Port
Dalhousie, “because it’s
been ruined by that ghastly tower! ”
Please add my support to your campaign to prevent this
desecration of a
unique Canadian townscape.
Sincerely,
Rob Taylor |
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