“Brainstorming” session planned by EcDev committee regarding HCD

Amherstburg's Heritage Conservation District.

With town council approving a heritage conservation district (HCD) for Amherstburg, there is now talk about what to do to create economic opportunities around that.

The town’s economic development committee discussed the matter at its July meeting, with deputy CAO/director of development services Melissa Osborne stating the goal of the HCD is to preserve the heritage of the downtown core, but also to protect what draws people to live and visit Amherstburg.

“There has been economic spinoff from that,” said Osborne.

Osborne cited new businesses opening and commercial investments, such as older buildings that “are really coming back to life.” She said she has been talking about the issue with manager of economic development, tourism and culture Jen Ibrahim about possibly doing a brainstorming session or workshop with the economic development committee around leveraging what the HCD could do for further investments for commercial or tourism activities.

Topics that a session could include further exploration of the issue and what community improvement plans could be developed or enhanced to incentivize businesses and homeowners to further invest in their properties “and refresh the heritage” there.

“I just wanted to throw that out there for conversation as to whether the committee thinks it’s worth having a bit of a workshop/brainstorming session around that. If it’s premature, certainly we can deal with that,” Osborne told the committee.

Heritage planner Adam Coates would be invited to such a brainstorming session. 

Clerk Kevin Fox said a number of things could be explored during a meeting like that and it could be scheduled at a later date. He said it would be “a component of a meeting to come if this committee was interested in that.”

Osborne said options could include open houses and surveys could be done as part of the process.

“I think it’s a great idea. It’s worth looking into,” said Councillor Linden Crain.

Committee chair Patricia Simone also believed it was a great idea “and a great opportunity for this committee to brainstorm.”

“It sounds like a separate meeting. That way we can have that full-time (discussion) rather than cram it into a (regular) meeting,” she said.

Fox said the next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 16 but a special meeting could be held prior to that to have the brainstorming session. 

“Brainstorming” session planned by EcDev committee regarding HCD

By Ron Giofu