The deplorable state of things at Scotsdale Farm & "Beecham House

[Canada]

Dear editor, Friends' hope to save Fallbrook

In her letter to the editor (February 27), Mary Shier describes the deplorable state of things at Scotsdale Farm and "Beecham House" (the latter better known by the public as Fallbrook Farm, at the Silver Creek Conservation Area).

It is indeed appalling that a public agency, Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) with an annual budget of some $9 million, has abdicated its responsibility to adequately manage these historic structures under its care.

In the case of the Fallbrook Farm homestead, years of neglect have rendered the 150-year old heritage building to now be in a state of abject disrepair. CVC argues that it has no funding for ongoing maintenance and, as the building is a liability, has determined that it should be removed from the property. What kind of irresponsible conclusion is this?

Some 100 concerned citizens have joined together as the "Friends of Fallbrook", and are diligent in their pursuit to save the farmhouse. There is a future for this historic building, and that future is bright.

As required by CVC, a business case and viable proposal for the house will soon be tabled for its consideration. Progress has been slowed, however, by an unwillingness of the CVC to collaborate:

* meetings with its staff, management and board have proven fruitless

* a three-month old commitment to secure the house has not been actualized

* commitments for background materials and information have not been fulfilled

* a request for a consultant / advisor to the planning / visioning process was rejected

Rather than a "liability", this building is a public asset; an asset entrusted for safeguarding to a public agency. As present guardian of this building, CVC has a fiduciary responsibility to protect and preserve this structure for the benefit of future generations.

Supporters wishing to lend their names to the network, may contact the "Friends" by e-mail at fallbrook @ live.ca

To conclude in a manner similar to Mary Shier, I offer this: "The quality of the future depends upon what is kept from the past.": Pierre Berton.

John Carroll,

Milton

[Canada]

CVC study indicates Recreational fishing on Credit River has a value of $48M

http://www.independentfreepress.com/lifestyle...

[Canada]

"Either we put it in the budget and fix it, or we don't put in the budget, and we still have to fix it," she said.

"It's sort of a reality check in my mind....

If we don't budget for it, it will come back to bite us."

http://www.independentfreepress.com/georgetow...

[Jon Baldock]

I have been recently Drawing images and taking pictures of Fallbrook farm and around Scottsdale Farm, I'd love to meet these Friends of Fallbrook to show my Drawings to.
Also to discuss my idea I have: I am 36 years of age, Married,with a 16 mth old Daughter and I live in the North Georgeorgetown area in a house built in 1864 which I am rebuilding/restoring.
I am an Architectural/Mechanical Designer by Trade and am very handy with tools,(my own tools).
Given the opportunity than I am offering; has anyone considered hiring someone(myself) full-time to Maintain and restore these places? It would cost alot less than some of the other ideas that have been thrown around, and the advantage is, is that these places will be still around for another 100 years or so, perhaps longer. And all concerned (Halton and CVC) will come out winners in the end.

[Learn more]

about the cultural history of your greater community...

http://www.topix.net/forum/ca/halton/TLS1539T...