The Editor,

Whoops! Low Down reporter Lucy Scholey’s picture of the Hamilton’s Garden condos, “Public meeting zones in on Hamilton’s Garden” (Low Down, Feb. 27 edition) is very discomforting.
Be assured that this is not suggestive of the streetscape that the draft urban plan (PPU) envisions. What then, should we expect when the developer makes his public
presentation?
First, La Peche council will insist on empathy with Wakefield’s economic designation as a Touristic Centre – the condos sit squarely within the village’s much-visited historic core.
Second, to secure a handsome profit and to satisfy council’s desire for tax revenue, the developer will attract owners with modest-density, mortgage-affordable, rural-village homes that assure an exceptional family-living experience.
Third, the architecture and landscapes will mimic the best characteristics of the river-facing properties – from the old brick ‘school’ at Rockhurst Junction to heritage Earle House at Valley Drive.
What, then, is the character of this unique streetscape? Well, it is a
collection of quaint one and two-family houses. Backs and sides are designed with the same consideration to detail as the fronts. Some are single-storey and others are two floors with converted attics. A few have garages and all have side parking.

Most are built low to the ground for easy access, especially important for aging owners and young children. Many have welcoming verandas and generous rear decks. A few have spacious second-floor balconies that take advantage of spectacular views of the river and the steep hill behind.

Each house is nicely set back from the street and from its neighbours. The houses appear different one from the other, in architecture as well as horticulture, expressing individuality and pride of ownership.
The developer’s task is not simple, but it is achievable. At day’s end, the village will want to find itself much enriched by his contribution.

Stanley Britton
Wakefield, Quebec