Some community members continue to speak out against the planned demolition of Stratford’s first public hospital.
A vigil and information meeting is being held on Saturday in Market Square, behind Stratford City Hall, by a group of residents who say they are concerned about plans to tear down Avon Crest, which sits vacant on John Street South.
The vigil will take place from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. with the meeting to follow.
The past city council decided not to designate the building as a heritage site. At Monday night’s council meeting, Councilor Cody Sebben plans to table a motion to reexamine that decision.
Jane Marie Mitchell is a spokesperson for the group and she says they want to give information to citizens on what the demolition means and the significance of Avon Crest.
She says it would be much better to repurpose the structure instead of tearing it down and adds it could be used for things like a walk-in clinic for people struggling with mental health issues or for homeless people.
Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance President Andrew Williams counters that they have been clear all along that if somebody approached them with a timely, funded, responsible plan for the building they would listen but he says that hasn’t happened.
He says the HPHA wants to see the building’s site developed so that it meets the health and wellness needs of the community.
Williams says the tender for the demolition is scheduled to close on March 30th and adds that, so far, over 20 interested individuals have toured the site.
