Forgive me for being a little miffed. I’m somewhat annoyed and perhaps a bit disgruntled. I know many local residents share my displeasure. The first long weekend of the unofficial summer season has passed and an eyesore still sits idle on Port Stanley’s main corner.
When Derek and I first moved to Port Stanley my cousin BA (of the Europe trip) came to visit. We wandered into the village and enjoyed a beverage and baked treat at the Village Square Coffeehouse, right on the main corner.
Today, that brick building is an empty, papered-over shell and it has been that way for years. There seemed to be activity there a couple of years ago but nothing came of it.
I haven’t lived here long enough to commit the business’s history to memory. One of its operators passed away suddenly and the building was eventually sold. I believe there was one more merchant there before the sale, but I could be wrong.
I also believe that it shouldn’t be allowed to sit idle in a village this small. It stands out and looks derelict, right at our main intersection. Someone has written on the board over a window, “fix it or sell it.” I wholeheartedly agree.
If someone doesn’t cut their lawn for long enough, the township gets involved. Why isn’t anything being done about this? I checked: there are no build or tear-down permits filed for this property. It’s sitting there looking awful on a row of beautifully kept establishments.
Time Is A-Wasting
I don’t know the owner or I’d ask them directly. Some say the building isn’t structurally sound. There’s a fix for that. Repair it, sell it, or tear the thing down. Put something else there. A parkette. A couple of condos. Anything would be better than what’s there now.
The merchants here put a lot of effort and money into promoting Port Stanley. And like it or not, there are many other places tourists can visit and spend their money. The tourist season is short and it’s all they’ve got. The village goes pretty quiet in the winter.
One empty building won’t change someone’s mind but it does add to a perception of the village. If it wasn’t at our main intersection, it probably wouldn’t draw as many complaints as it does. But it does! People are fed up.
The question is, who’s going to do something about it? Municipal candidates have signed up for October’s election. Will any of them make this part of their platform? I’m betting they’d get lots of support.
Tonight, St. Thomas city council will look at a proposal from the fire chief. He wants a Vacant Building Registry bylaw. Owners of vacant buildings would need to be on the (private) record for keeping their empty places up to code. The chief says a registry would reduce vacancies and encourage the owner to do something with the property. Hel-LO! Central Elgin Fire Chief VanRybroeck, I’m looking at you! Let’s come at this from any angle we can to encourage the owner to get moving.
On the Upside
Construction at the main beach wrapped up just before the long weekend. That’s great news for the Pierside Pub, GT’s on the Beach, and all the other businesses, not to mention visitors wanting to reach the beach. There are a few little chores left to tidy up the area but it’s a welcome reprieve from two months of a torn-up road and confusing detours. Thank you workers!
I agree 100% Lisa, someone needs to do something, The municipality takes him to court and before the court date he pays the fines and it starts all over. He has turned the old Catholic church on George St into a dumping site: old cars, boats, appliances, construction waste from the building on the corner. I don’t think the municipality knows how to deal with him. His name is Mike.
Mike isn’t a very good neighbour. Thanks, Chuck.
We live in Sauble Beach and had a similar issue with a large building for many years ( 5 at least ) on the main strip leading to the beach. It was an eye sore. It was allegedly under construction with very little to no action. It got so bad that when we went by I would say “ no work today” Finally, there is progress but it’s still very slow. I agree with you there should be a bylaw to enforce this. Many towns struggle with this. I hope St.Thomas sets this in motion.
I hope so too, Carolyn. It would be a good start.
There’s another property in that area that is falling into the ground but is zoned B1 so it can be used as commercial on the main floor and residential on the top floor. The earth is swallowing it, unfortunately. With so little commercial space available in Port Stanley it’s a shame (should be a crime!) that the buildings are allowed to crumble to a point that fixing it is beyond the financial scope of many. And then those who want a space to work have to jump through hoops to find alternative options or move their business out of the village. Council doesn’t make any of it easy.
I can’t picture where the other one is, Rachael. But at least it’s not on the main corner where everyone sees it as they enter the village, like this one.
Just around the corner on Orchard, approximately behind lady Savannah and those other businesses. Go for a drive or a walk and you can’t miss it.
I will – thank you!
I published on Port Stanley Event page about a month ago and got almost 200 responses. No one had and idea of what to do (lots of suggestions though). There must be some sort of bylaw that covers this. I suggested a petition and get as many signatures as we can and present it to council, maybe then something will happen. If enough people sign maybe. I know of one bylaw that states if a building in disrepair effects the businesses around and the price of other commercial buildings something can be done.
Hey Michael, it sounds like something formal needs to be put together. I think it’s time, and although I’m not a village merchant, I’ll lend my support in any way possible to get it done. I’m super organized and more than willing to help, even if it’s just to do the grunt work! Enough, already, with this place. Port Stanley has been patient.
Agree totally. I think a petition to CE and Fire Dept., demanding they act on this issue with a By-Law, covering derelict properties, is a great idea. Keeping up with all building and fire codes is essential, along with some strict guidelines of acceptable appearances for vacant properties. Where do I sign?
As soon as I find out, I’ll let you know!
I think Toronto has a by law to fine the owner of the property that is vacant and not being kept up. The fine is pretty substantial
Maybe that’s where St. Thomas got the idea. I had an email exchange with our fire chief and he says he’s going to look into it.