Part of Minto’s economic development strategy is to spruce up the downtown cores of Palmerston, Harriston, and Clifford – but it is not the job of the municipality alone.
On April 19, council reviewed its economic development committee, which provided an view on downtown revitalization committees.
The minutes noted discussions that the main issue in Palmerston is the number of vacant and structurally deteriorating buildings in the downtown core.
Chief building official Terry Kuipers said that he has researched vacant building bylaws in other areas where a registry is required, and those buildings are periodically inspected.
He explained that those communities have proactive property standards enforcement strategies where buildings are targeted on a cycle and orders issued as needed.
Kuipers explained that following that route could be complicated and expensive.
Questions were raised if using the Fire Code or condemning particular buildings would address issues.
Kuipers said a structural engineer would be required to deem if a building was unsafe, and at this point, no buildings have reached that stage.
Kuipers plans to conduct further investigation into the issue and meeting with Palmerston’s downtown revitalization committee to determine if that is what the group is seeking as a solution.
Mayor George Bridge said there are some fine lines, but anticipates Minto Fire Chief Chris Harrow would be looking into the Fire Code aspects further.
Councillor Rick Hembly added the economic development committee has been working on the issue for some time, to have landlords fix up their buildings.
“We’re not having much success right now – but we are pursuing it.”
Bridge said, “We’ve been actively seeking any remedy we can on that.”
He noted he had been part of the economic development committee for a few years before coming onto council.
Work on this issue has been constant, Bridge said. He pointed out there are glimmers of hope. “Some landlords have started to look at possibly fixing up some of the buildings they own.”
Bridge hopes that the message was getting through.
“We’ll see what happens.”
Meanwhile, in Harriston, a downtown property open house is set for mid-day on May 28.
Properties and businesses that are for rent or sale will be showcased.
Local business resources and downtown ambassadors will also be on hand to provide a one-stop shopping for investing in downtown Harriston.
