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2-The Canadian Champion, Friday, June 25, 2004 Preserving core's heritage is focus of meeting By STEPHANIE THIESSEN The Champion Fnnîtr tion 'îi ':',, m . , Strengthening Downtown Milton Through Historic Preservation was the official name of the meeting held June 15 at Hugh Foster Hall,'but the questions and comments posed by attendees at the end of the meeting lacked the positivity the name seemed poised to inspire. Disappointment was evident even before the meeting began. Although 350 invitations were sent out for the evening, only about 30 people showed up. "Imr frustrated because we never do anything," said Marsha Waldie, who said she's attended her share of similar meetings. "It becomes a 'See you next year.' We haven't got a lot of shopkeep- ers (attending) because they've come out in the past. Having this "Having this once a vear savs nothing. We ide t u get everyonae on Oard. once a year says nothing. We have to get everyone on board." The forum hosted by the Town and Heritage Milton gave the downtown business and property owners in attendance a chance to express their frustrations about the downtown core. Some attendees, like Jennifer McConnell of Pickets and Primrose home décor on Main Street, commented it isn't easy to contribute to downtown Milton's worth when she's at the mercy of her landiord - like many shopkeepers. TOYOTA Lease or purchase a new Toyota and receive up to 500 LITRES 0F GASOUNE ON ALL VEHICLES* "Everything we've done we've done ourselves with our own money," she said of her building, adding she'd even be willing to dont care about the properties they manage. Ward 4 Councillor John Challinor addressed the issue, saying, "Have some strides been made? Yes. It's largely been made through new landlords. We need more of that - people who have a vision for their building and a respect for heritage." Another issue discussed was the sort of businesses that attract people to the downtown core. Ward 2 Councillor Mike Boughton, who operates a barbershop on Main Street, said he'd like to see more "basic" retail establish- ments, and was met with a chorus of agreement. "We have to try to locate and find different retail businesses." Long-time Milton resident Jim Dills said he thinks there should be fewer services on Main Street. "I think the ice cream shop (attracts) more pedestrian traffic than all the lawyers and accountants combined," Mr. Dills said. Mr. Challinor said it often all comes down to money, and posed a question to attendees. "Would you be willing to take some of your tax dollars and invest it in the downtown core? Because at the end of the day, that's what it's going to take." Grace Saunders said it's up to Milton residents to take a stand for historical buildings. "All our heritage buildings are susceptible to demolition, no matter what municipality they're in. It's not policies that protect these communities, but people who come in and say, 'There's a benefit to this (preserving heritage)."' Several audience members voiced their concems that the down- town would soon lose its charm and not be distinguishable from the rest of Milton. Other concems were expressed about what will happen to Milton's downtown core when the Wal-Mant and other big box stores arnve. Stella Parton, who has lived in Milton her whole life, said resi- dents need an affordable grocery store downtown, particularly with the high number of seniors living in nearby apartment build- ings. "As par of the Officiai Plan review. we're going to look at all that," said Mel lovio, the Town's director of planning and devel- opment. "I think the downtown needs to re-invent itself to keep a strong centre." Also at the meeting was Niagara-on-the-Lake's director of plan- ning, Stephen Bedford, who spoke about how the much-loved town got its stan. Jim Watson, who owns the historic 'Thompson Hotel' on Main Street, built in 1847, discussed the importance of investing in downtown Milton properties. Ken Keates, chair of Heritage Milton - which is made up of citizens, elected representatives and municipal staff - said although the evening raised some challenging questions and issues, it was worthwhile. "It boils down to commitment, patience, love and resources," he said. "We have something to work with, and I'd like to sec Heritage Milton take a key role with this and get the turle to run a bit faster." Stephanie Thiessen can be reached at sthiessen@miltoncanadi- anchampion.com. Psychiatric testing sought for accused A Milton man who pleaded guilty to possession and distribution of child pomography earlier this month will make another court appearance Tuesday. Kirk Scott Pierrepoint, 34, appeared at the Ontario Court of Justice in Burlington Wednesday before Judge R. LeDressay to set the date. Mr. Pierrepoint's lawyer, Mark Miller, told court he's trying to arrange for psychiatric testing and a risk assessment for Mr. Pierrepoint and required extra time to do so. "Arranging for testing while he's in custody is difficult," he told the court. Judge Lesley Baldwin denied the release of Mr. Pierrepoint June 9, despite Mr. Miller saying it would make securing a date for the testing easier. Mr. Miller told the court he hopes to have an order for the test- ing ready to be signed by the judge at the next court appearance. Mr. Pierrepoint of Oriole Court pleaded guilty to two child pomography charges along with the charge of possession of a con- trolled substance June 9. His Tuesday court appearance will once again be held at the Burlington court house. PLUS NO SECURITY DEPOSIT ON ALL 2004 LEASES* ON NOW June 24h, 2&h & 26h 3 DAY PT-STOP EVENT -1 1