May 31,2006
ACO ST. CATHARINES LAUNCHES MAJOR FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
TO SAVE PORT DALHOUSIE'S HERITAGE - WE NEED YOUR
HELP
Hello Volunteers and Friends of Port Dalhousie,
Last night's General Meeting was very well attended and
we covered a number of key areas. These included: updates
on our tree replanting program and the work to save Dalhousie
House; the release of the Secret reports; the upcoming
Public Council Meeting (June13/14 and 15) and how we can
participate; parking permits and; the launch of ACO-St.Catharines'
major fundraising campaign.
The campaign to raise money for the ACO's new
Port Dalhousie Heritage Fund, which is dedicated to preserving
Port's heritage, is the most pressing issue that has ever
faced our volunteer organization. ACO-St. Catharines
President Ken Mackenzie announced the launch of this campaign
and ACO member Colin Johnston reviewed the details. We
have attached the package that was handed out to everyone
(hope you can open attachment). Here are the highlights:
CURRENT SITUATION
- Volunteers, Staff, Mayor and Council worked for five
years to get Heritage Designation.
- Now Mayor, Staff and some Councillors support a condo
tower proposal that violates their own rules including
the Official Plan, Zoning By-Law and Heritage Guidelines.
- The proposal would overwhelm the unique Heritage and
limited Parking/Traffic capacity and Port would no longer
be a village.
- Community's only alternative to ensure appropriate development
will be the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).
- OMB has never approved a tower in a designated Heritage
District. However, Top lawyers and Experts are needed
at OMB and Developer has deep pockets.
- Community’s battle could cost as much
as $250,000 and we are all UNPAID VOLUNTEERS
who care about Port.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
- Don’t let the developer flaunt all the rules just
because they have money. Help Build ACO - St.Catharines’
Port Dalhousie Heritage Fund.
- We can raise enough money if those who care
-and particularly PROUD members- GIVE FROM THE HEART
- Fill out a Pledge Card (attached) NOW. We are asking
all caring members of the community to try and donate
$250 in cash, credit card or cheque NOW, and a second
$250 post-dated to later this year or to January, 2007.
A TAX RECEIPT will be issued for every donation.
- We know this is a significant amount as many of us are
on fixed or low incomes but, we know everyone cares. Give
to your own ability to donate and GIVE FROM YOUR HEART.
Because there are major legal expenses between now and
the Council Meeting in June, we are asking that you please
email us at saveport@aol.com or phone 905-646-1264 confirming
you are sending your Pledge Card ASAP. Our volunteer canvassers
will be phoning every member to follow up by May 31st
and this will ensure they don't phone those who have already
pledged.
Thank you for your help and, please, encourage
others you know to donate as well. Donations
are confidential (only Accounting staff knows amounts)
and can be kept totally anonymous if requested. Please
remember cheques are payable to ACO-St. Catharines and
write Port Dalhousie Heritage Fund in memo area.
Together we will Save Our Seaport
David Bergen and Carlos Garcia
PROUD Port Dalhousie
A PROUD Seven-Year History as a Volunteer Community Organization
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