For a century it has been a part of Meaford's waterfront landscape, and though it had been vacant for years, the red brick structure on the corner of Nelson and Bayfield Streets was a historical landmark and a reminder of Meaford's industrial past.
Today though, demolition began on the building, and it will soon be reduced to a pile of rubble, and ultimately a vacant lot.
Contacted by phone, Meaford's Director of Planning and Building, Rob Armstrong, told The Independent that a demolition permit had been issued by the municipality shortly before Christmas.
Armstrong said that without any bylaws on the books to provide for protection of historic buildings, a property owner need only meet the building code requirements for demolition and a permit will be issued.
“I would love to see a heritage conservation district in place,” said Armstrong who in December advised council of the process required in order to move toward implementing such protections.
Vic Michener, spokesperson for Heritage Meaford told The Independent that the demolition of the building was a depressing event.
“It is depressing. Meaford is starting to look like a war zone,” said Michener, “A big part of Meaford is its heritage buildings, and we've lost a lot in the last decade.”
Michener also said that the loss of the building which began its life as a lumber planing mill, and in later years was home to a handful of restaurants, reinforces the need to establish a framework to protect historic buildings in the municipality.
In recent years opinions varied about whether the long neglected building could or should be preserved, with some suggesting that the costs to preserve the building would be too high, while others disagreed.
Part-time Meaford resident Billie Bridgman who has had a long and successful career restoring historic buildings had visited the Nelson Street building many times, and in a phone interview told The Independent that the building could have been saved.
“I've worked on buildings that were five times worse off than that one. It was fully recoverable, it breaks my heart,” said Bridgman who is the founder of Artscape, an organization that turns derelict heritage buildings into innovative and award winning work and living spaces.
John Kerr who is the chair of Meaford's Museum board was among a handful of residents on hand to witness the demolition.
“I'm really very disappointed. I'm disappointed in council, and I'm disappointed in the community that we haven't been able to get organized to do something to prevent this kind of thing,” said Kerr.
Kerr said that he isn't against development, but he does take issue with demolition of a historic building without a plan for what will replace the structure.
“Nobody's told us what they are planning to do with the property,” said Kerr who characterized the demolition of the building as an act of vandalism.
News of the commencement of demolition prompted Meaford Councillor James McIntosh to submit a letter to the editor to The Independent. In his letter, McIntosh says that the municipality needs to implement protections for historic buildings.
“The demolishing of the former Grants lumber Mill highlights the urgent need for our Community Improvement Plan to be put into action so that this type of episode may not happen again,” wrote McIntosh.
McIntosh also said that developers also need to understand the importance of preserving Meaford's heritage.
“It is important that going forward we are able to preserve what is old and incorporate it into the new. Costs should not be a deterrent, as cost will translate into value, and we all value Meaford highly. So should our developers if they truly see the potential Meaford has. If they don't see this potential then they should take their developments elsewhere,” said McIntosh.
Attempts to contact Meaford Mayor Francis Richardson were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
