Town of Collingwood

Those In Favour Of Admiral Collingwood Development
Have Their Say At Public Rally

Those in favour of the proposed Admiral Collingwood development have now had their say. Three Collingwood citizens, Don Paul, Brian Hickey and Dunc Hawkins, organized the public rally that was held at the Collingwood Legion on Sunday, January 29th. The objective was to encourage citizens to show their support of the proposed six-storey Admiral Collingwood condominium/retail development, and to make their voices heard by members of Collingwood council as they prepare to decide on the future of the on again, off again project.

Brian Hickey opened the program by stating that he is proud to be a member of the "Committee to Support the Admiral Collingwood Project." He said the committee was formed by a group of people who want to see the Admiral Collingwood Project completed. "It's been underway for five years; it's time to get it done."

Hickey said that the proposed Admiral Collingwood building is a beautiful structure that heritage committees will be honoring next century. "If Collingwood is to maintain it's energy we need a town that is evolving. We need to foster commercial and employment development. We need to continue the growth of our residential alternatives."

While the current town council deals with zoning issues regarding the Admiral Collingwood proposed development, former Collingwood Mayor Ron Emo cited the Olde Town Development on the former railway yard property along St. Paul Street as an example where zoning issues were worked out to allow for the creation of a residential community.

"No member of the committee has any financial interest in this project.
All funds for our committee have been raised from local people who want the Admiral Collingwood Project completed now. Our only vested interest is we are property owners in Collingwood and a healthy, vibrant main street makes all of us happy!"
Brian Hickey - Committee to Support the Admiral Collingwood Project

Downtown business owner Penny Skelton (above left) encouraged those in attendance to contact Council to voice their support for a project that she feels will create jobs, add to Collingwood's tax base and will greatly enhance the downtown. "This town council was elected with a clear mandate to see this development go forward. I believe this project will rejuvenate our downtown. As a book seller, I am a great believer in Jane Jacob's theory of community, whereby we need a mixture of stores, amenities, restaurants and housing ... all within walking distance."

Lesley Paul (above right), owner of Stuart Ellis Pharmacy, stressed to the audience that she feels at home operating her business in the downtown district, having resisted any thoughts of establishing a new location away from Collingwood's main street.

Margot Bulmer and former Collingwood Mayor Ron Emo delivered their messages of support of the Admiral Collingwood Project to the packed auditorium at the Collingwood Legion

Wayne Noble (above left), owner of Noble Insurance in Downtown Collingwood, stressed that more jobs are important to the ongoing growth of the downtown.

Dr. Don Paul and Dunc Hawkins, together with Brian Hickey, organized the rally to support the Admiral Collingwood Project.