To the Editor,
I moved here nine years ago for a simpler life. It is soothing to drive past farmland and charming period houses, cruising along main street and its nostalgic atmosphere. But I’ve got to say, “Has time forgotten Vankleek Hill?” Will the so-called “Gingerbread Capital of Ontario” soon deserve the moniker of “ghost town”. A quick look about and what once was a great restaurant, Le Vert Fourchette has been empty and poorly kept up for years. Across from it another vacant storefront has had windows covered as long as I remember. Recently, the depanneur has closed, as has the furniture store next to Foodland. And are we losing our hardware store, too?
Elsewhere around town, numerous buildings could use some serious sprucing up.
One bright light I am pleased to note was the tremendous revitalization done on the Art House (formerly the original Arbor Gallery). Samme Putzel and Susie Fairbrother deserve our thanks.
I had hoped that the new housing development would spur on economic growth but so far that is not a factor.
So, what is to be done? It is election time and I think we need to challenge all candidates not only about their stances on the high-speed rail threat but also what ideas they have on rejuvenating our beloved town.
Ian Griffiths
Vankleek Hill
