Dear Editor:
When the developer purchased the property at the corner of Geddes Street and Moir Street in Elora, he was aware of the height restriction of three storeys and that it was designated in the heritage district.
He has already received a variance for the 12-unit stacked townhouse on the same parcel of land. Now he wants to add an extra floor to the apartment building fronting on Geddes Street. This is not just any location, it is on the main street of a historic southern Ontario town where a four-storey building would ruin the streetscape!
We have an extraordinarily rich history as evidenced in Steve Thorning’s newly released book and we need to preserve our uniqueness.
Elora has become a busy tourist destination and is marketed as such. Any European town would not destroy their streetscape with a four-storey building. Heck, even Niagara-On-The-Lake would not allow this to happen.
I am aware rental accommodation is needed, but for the sake of a few more apartments on the fourth floor, it is not worth the negative impact it would forever have on Elora. Other options should be investigated!
The provincial government has opened the door to building rental accommodation on existing single home properties. Council should find the means to encourage and incentivize this. There are also options on the periphery of the historic core that are still within walking/riding distance to downtown.
Please think of our history and the future generations who should be able to enjoy a vibrant yet preserved Elora.
Lori Hintermeister,
Elora