SENSITIVITY TO THE PAST IS PART OF ECONOMIC GROWTH 

      Heritage Kincardine acts as stewards of heritage properties, conservation districts, marine heritage sites and archaeological resources.  The committee works very hard to prevent the demolition of these things.  They represent our community’s history, a history that we can actually see, touch and experience first hand.  When heritage buildings function as public spaces, they serve the community as a whole.  Such is the case with the Old Town Hall in Kincardine, a designated Heritage Property for over 25 years.  It is a representation of our collective civic memory.  Since 1872 it has been the centre of town life in Kincardine; politically, socio-culturally and economically.  Regardless of our conflicting opinions about the “look” of a building or even the style, the preservation of heritage buildings and other built structures and environments is extremely important for future generations; for their judgement, and wonderment, and feelings of their past.  And it teaches them about their history in ways that books and computers cannot.  The presence of the building allows all of us to ask questions important to our history: If it is a modest Town Hall, then why?  What makes our Town Hall different?  What makes it unique and interesting?   What is it about the building’s location that is important?  How can we properly preserve and display it?   

All of these things play an important economic role in our community.  Old buildings need to be economically viable and sustainable as well.  The misconception exists that new buildings are always more economical and more efficient than old ones.  New buildings need to be maintained just like old ones.  They can leak and lose heat too.  And they are also susceptible to mould.  The operating costs of new buildings can often be crippling because developers insist on pursuing inefficient, showy, and expensive designs that are sold to communities as “archi-tourism” draws.  Often over budget, with lengthy drawn-out construction schedules, the enormous cost and time delays incurred by new construction should not be underestimated.