March 03, 2005
*Pickering News Advertiser
PICKERING - Pickering council is concerned about the "wholesale slaughter" of the potentially historic homes on the federally owned land in north Pickering.
The recent decision by Public Works to send out a dozen eviction notices, as well as a decision to demolish 25 vacant buildings on the federal lands, was a hot topic of discussion at Monday's council meeting.
"Hopefully we can work together to collectively save some of these homes," said Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bill McLean. "We know we won't be able to save them all, but hopefully we can prevent some of them from being destroyed."
One of the homes where the tenants were sent a notice to vacate was the Tullis cottage, which was designated as a heritage property by the City in December. The 165-year-old home has been occupied by the Barclay family since it was built. Heritage Pickering sees it as one of the most historically significant buildings in Pickering.
Ward 1 Regional Councillor Maurice Brenner was upset with the actions of the federal government.
"How can they totally ignore this municipality as it pertains to our heritage," he said. "They must abide by the same rules as everybody else."
Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson said he didn't understand why the government was tearing down "perfectly good homes" while there is such a problem with homelessness.
"Homes that were lived in just a few months ago by happy tenants are now being slated for demolition," he said.
He said the actions of the federal government are causing councillors and residents alike to ask questions.
"The federal government... their wholesale slaughters of these homes makes people stand up," he said.
Mayor Dave Ryan has been trying to find out more information about the demolitions and evictions.
"Obviously there is widespread concern on council about the north Pickering issue and evictions," he said.
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