THREE RIVERS – The quick action taken on Georgetown’s Holy Trinity Anglican Church showed how a larger group also has a louder voice, says a former Georgetown mayor.
Although Lewis Lavandier didn’t specifically say amalgamation when addressing Three Rivers council at Monday’s meeting, his message was clear.
Lavandier thanked council for taking quick action on the derelict church, which has become a safety hazard in the community.
During the committee of council meeting last month, council agreed to move forward a motion to send a letter to the province advising that council would soon authorize demolition.
Council would have voted on a motion during Monday’s meeting. However, the province committed to exploring preservation options for the church due to its historical significance.
“I just want to commend council on their quick action for doing that… it’s very much appreciated and I think it shows how working together with a big group like this can make a difference in our voices being heard,” said Lavandier, who also served as chairman of the Three Rivers steering committee that first explored amalgamation.
The church was built in 1842 and was recognized as a provincial registered heritage place in 2009 but has not been used in a number of years. It was previously unpurchased in a tax sale, which left it in the ownership of the province.
A fence will now be erected around the site while it is being cleaned up.
Tourism and Culture Minister Matthew MacKay said government hopes to work with community and heritage groups to secure the piece of Island history for future generations.
“Built in 1842, the church is an excellent example of its style of architecture, its age and its association with the early Anglican church in Prince Edward Island,” said MacKay.
Mayor Ed MacAulay said it was nice the town could work with the province.
“That’s our job, if residents look at a place and it’s not in good condition and becomes a danger zone like the church did, somebody has to respond,” said MacAulay, adding he hoped the preservation would move forward if possible. “It would be nice to see the church restored, or at least some type of a positive resolution.”
Council did ultimately vote during Monday’s meeting to send a letter to the province requesting a plan for the church by July 5, although it was acknowledged that may too early to have any finalized plans.
Although the church was spared from demolition during the meeting, council did pass motions to authorize the demolition of two other properties if owners did not repair, demolish or have a suitable plan of action established by July 5.
Those two properties are 133 Elm St. and 9 Riverside Dr. In both cases, a lien would be placed on title for full recovery of all costs borne by the town.
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