Quote:
Originally Posted by TheHonestMaple
I am in no away against helping the vulnerable, I just think the government (I believe this is a federal project) could have found a much more suitable piece of land to purchase and develop into this apartment building. Why they chose to destroy what is essentially a heritage building is beyond me.
It is for developments like these why we no longer have a historical downtown core. Slowly eaten away by new developments, until we're left with what we have today. It just keeps happening, and it's such a shame.
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I'm in agreement here. While I do think homes for vulnerable people is a good goal, there's something to be said about the character of these 100+ year old neighbourhoods. Many of these areas are some of the most dense neighbourhoods in the country, especially when some are converted duplexes and triplexes. I do think a lot of "character" protections is bullshit. If it's a crummy 1960s house, or even a 100 year old house that is burned out or condemned, then build whatever you want in it's place. There are some great examples of this in Hamilton, Toronto and Ottawa. But existing housing of heritage age in decent condition should be protected in some way.
I cannot subscribe to the idea that we must raze the old, for what we now consider to be a good cause. Firstly there are better places like vacant properties, that now remain vacant, and much of what we see as terrible (Jackson Square, Main St, Giant raised pedestrian malls, parking lots, ghetto social housing, were all seen as noble and good causes.
I do think I'd rather see this house torn down for affordable housing, 100%. Much better than demolition for a terrible set back m mansion, but it's still sad regardless. If they demolished the Royal Connaught, or some other large building with zero historical significance but it's historic beauty, many would lament, no matter the cause. There are some of us the appreciate the hand crafted wood, hand laid brick with articulations that make you feel comfortable and homey unlike new neighbourhoods.