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Home My WebLink AboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-07-22, Page 4aga AG GatlaicM1 SlgnslSlar. WudresOey JuN p� Heritage districts an effective tool, study suggests 1)111 ! I \1( III 1 a 11 \ lit 1V'11( ( ) 1.‘ F. 'I1 At)l I<.FF1' Tilly StJNE 1(;11 I. EHE HIGH 1J INE I:GY Rt LL_S. HOT AND BRIGHT WARM AND INVITING Discover Duette' Archhtella'shades. This patented honeycomb -within -a -honeycomb innovation puts three layers of Insulating alr at your window. Cali today to loam more. And reduce energy loss at the window up to 50%. • 01009 Hnbr Douglas to. ®Repko red Vaderrwk d H,Mer Doupas Inc. Hunteroouglas hunterdouglas.ca For your FREE In-home consultation Paul & Finola MacGinty 519-524-5773 DominlIqueMiliburn signal -star staff Following a comprehensive report of Goderich's Heritage Conservation District (HCD), the town has been given a passing grade, and the main message has been made clear: Heritage districts work. According to an HDC study, compiled by the Archi- tectural Conservancy of Ontario with the assistance of Huron County's Municipal Heritage Committees and members' of the University of Waterloo's Heritage Resources Centre, designated heritage districts are an effective tool for preserving and enhancing communi- ties. Satisfaction and values within and immediately surrounding an HCD are not only stable — but increase and resist real estate downturns. The study included three communities within Hu- ron County — Goderich, Seaforth and Bayfield and is based on a straightforward questionnaire delivered to property owners and residents. In Goderich, the target area for the study was The Square, as well as a portion of West Street combined together as one district. The area includes 75 buildings and one public park. "What we've learned about Goderich is that the ma- jority of people— 78 per cent living and working within the district are satisfied or extremely satisfied to be in the area," said University of Waterloo student Kayla Jones, one of the researchers involved in the study. But that's not the only good news. Most properties in the district had above-average sales history trajec- tories, and the application and completion of building alterations is not considered to be an issue within the district. IMPORTANT NOTICE To all Central Huron Property Owners The Municipality of Central Huron has a new Draft Zoning By-law. This document brings the three former zoning by-laws (Town of Clinton, Township of Goderich and Township of Hullett) into one document for the Municipality of Central Huron. The new by-law has been updated to be consistent with the Central Huron Official Plan and also provincial poli- cies and current mapping. As a result of this update the zoning on many properties has changed, and this may affect the use of your property. The Municipality of Central Huron will be holding three Open House meetings for property owners to attend as follows: For the Lakeshore communities: Date and Time: Saturday, August 1, 2009 - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Location: Holmesville Community Centre -180 Community Centre Drive For the Agricultural/Rural communities: Date and Time: Tuesday, August 4, 2009 - 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Location: REACH -169 Beech Street, Clinton A General Open House: Date and Time: Saturday, August 8, 2009 - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Ldcation: REACH -169 Beech Street, Clinton The draft can be viewed on the Central Huron website • (www.centralhuron.com) and at the following locations: ➢ Clinton Public Library, 27 Rattenbury Street East, Clinton ➢ Central Huron Municipal Office, 23 Albert Street, Clinton Huron County Planning Department, 57 Napier St, Goderich We encourage all property owners to view the draft by-law and attend an Open House. We look forward to seeing you there. "Overall, we attempted to an- swer key questions, including whether or not property rates were affected by HCDs, whether they're effective, and how people perceive them," said Jones. "55 out of 75 properties [in Goder- ich] answered the survey, a 73 per cent response rate." Goderich Counc. Heather Ly- ons, a liaison to the municipal heritage committee, said that residents and business owners in the district have embraced the designation and work well with the heritage committee to enhance and maintain proper- ties. Still, as the study points out, there remains "residual resistance to HCDs from some members of the public" that usually "centres on con- cerns about loss of control over one's property, impact of property values and bureaucratic processes." "So often all you hear about are the rules and regu- lations, but really the benefits and features in the type of environment clearly outweigh those guidelines," Lyons said. "What we've learned now that people want good and clear guidelines." According to the study, Goderich's HCD has been successful in preserving, protecting and enhancing its heritage buildings. Its work to extend the district and reinforcement of the area as a business and histroic centre have also been met, but according to the study, one objective has been less successful. It's all in the details, according to John Rutledge of the John Rutledge Architect firm who provided assit- stance during research phases. He said that some of the renovated architectural details within the heritage district are not always appropriate or authentic. It's a feeling that has been backed by the study. "The objective of the HCD Plan to coordinate de- sign and colours with individual blocks has been less successful," said Jones. "Overall, the study was very good, it told us a lot of things about what people perceive as the need for preserving our heritage, but it also brings out some of the frustrations as well," said Rutledge. "The Goder- ich heritage committee is very strong, and generally doing a good job, but like other communities they run into problems when it comes to details of the build- ings." The report cited certain signage elements "ques- tionable" in both material used and placement on the building. "It highlights the constant battle between what people think signs do, and what they actually do," Rutledge said, adding current market trends, fashion styles, placement and lighting are just a few key fac- tors. "There were few illumated signs in the 1800s. We really don't need illuminated signs on these old building. "It's also in placement — there are places historically where signs were put. Unfortunately everyone seems to think a bigger sign is better." The study also raised another concern, one from its community participants. Goderich's heritage district includes Courthouse Park, and its use is unclear ac- cording to survey respondants. "People are worried about the park, and asking 'what on earth is happening?"" said Lyons. "It has lost a lot of trees. We want to have this vibrant park, and we have to look at the whole picture— what is good for business, and what is good for the park." C6IN�I6Nt4U)641C61Np ff\August 4-7 for ages 5-12 Cost: $90 This caw includes all our regular caw activities canoeing. kayaking and swimming in Lake Hu- ron!, archery. arts & crafts. disc golf. music & drama, outdoor living skips, tow roues adventure course & faith learning. Buses are available for day campers free of charge supplied by Knox Presbyterian Church Goderich. The bus leaves from the Newgate St. Parldng tot at 8:55 a.m. and returns at 5:00 P.m. You can call the camp @ 519.529-T31 T or go to our website @ www.canwWntatl ca for more information and the registration form. Informa- tion on our summer residential and canoe camps is available from our mite. See COURTHOUSE, Page 17 oRAIKou MEDIA Bowes Publishers Limited A Subsidiary of Sun Media Corporation - A Quebecor Compaq The Goderich Signal -Star, published every Wednesda , 52 times year, at Goderich, Ontario is one of the ' ! Star Sigh Group not he punity blish an ad,• or for typographical ems in publication except to the extent of the cost of that porion of the ad in which the error occurred. The Goderich Signal -Star reserves the right to reject or edit any advertisement Subaltipton nide is $42.00 per year plus GST. The Goderich Signal -Star is a member of The Canadian Newspaper Association (CCNA), The Ontario Community Newspaper Assodation (OCNA), and the Ontario Press Corndl. For any non deliveries or delivery concerns please cal 519- 524-2614. 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