Towards a heritage constitution for Old Aylmer
Dear comrades of the ever-lasting revolution,
Towards a sustainable and innovative consensus for Old Aylmer.
What is historic and worth saving varies depending on the viewer. Simply put, “historic” means “old and worth it”. This applies to a building that is part of a community’s tangible past. And while it may surprise cynics, old buildings can provide opportunities for the future of a community.
Old buildings have intrinsic value.
Buildings from a certain era, i.e. before World War II, tend to be constructed with higher quality materials such as rare hardwoods (especially heart pine) and wood from old growth forests that are no longer exist.
The pre-war buildings were also built to different standards. A century-old building might be a better bet in the long run than its brand new counterparts.
As I have preached for 40 years, apply the teachings of Frank-Lloyd-Wright and you will have 300 years of bio architecture.
Old buildings are reminiscent of the culture and complexity of a city.
Seeing historic buildings – whether related to something famous or recognizable drama – tourists and longtime residents can witness the aesthetic and cultural history of an area. Just as banks prefer to build stately and old-fashioned facades, even when located in shopping malls, a city needs old buildings to maintain a sense of permanence and heritage.
Regret only goes one way.
Preserving historic buildings is a one-way street. There is no chance of renovating or saving a historic site once it is gone. And we can never be sure of what will be valued in the future. This reality highlights the importance of locating and saving buildings of historical significance, because once a piece of history is destroyed, it is lost forever.
Personally,
The Place des pionniers building reminds me of where I come from and who I am.
Although I adhere to the evolution of Greater Gatineau. I do not accept that we want to make this ugly ( for some people), but historic, monument disappear.
Architecturally,
Luc Paquette et Micheline Lemieux
Leave a comment
Randall Russell
Good morning, first of all, I love the work that the AHA does to preserve the history of our beautiful Aylmer. I could not agree more that historical buildings need to be preserved and certainly not torn down. However, I have an issue that has bothered me about the AHA for years. The first time I walked into the home of the AHA for a presentation on Queen’s Park years ago, I was so terribly upset to see the renovations that were done to this beautiful. Gyprock walls painted white, modern fixtures, etc. that made it look more like a modern day community centre than an incredibly beautiful heritage Methodist Chapel. This has stuck with me. Should the AHA not lead by example and maintain the historic value of the building, not only outside but inside as well. To me it borders on hypocrisy. Others are prevented from modernizing them properties, but the AHA did that very thing in renovating the Methodist Chapel. As I said earlier, I love the work you have done over the past decades, but what was done with the Methodist Chapel I just cannot shake off. Please do not get me wrong, I think the work you do is of incredible value, but I believe you should lead by example. BTW I had been a member for a few years, but my last cheque was returned stating incorrect address.
apa
You are right. This work was done before my time as an active member involved with the board. They were more concerned with preservation of the exterior. As many heritage property owners. And it is a start. But more could be done.
It is quite a battle these days to preserve old buildings and worse, to make sure the owners keep the buildings in good condition. Too many sad examples of buildings left to rot, and then they are demolished.
Our mailing address : C.P. 476 Gatineau QC J9H 5E7. We had a postal code for the street address, but the post office a few years back stopped delivering mail at the door.