Woodlands Centre Block tower could be kept as a ruin
A massive fire ripped through the historic Centre Block building last July, and now only the tower portion remains.
Email
Print
Letter to Editor
Share
Updated: September 16, 2009 4:31 PM
In hopes of reaching a compromise, New Westminster city council is considering preserving the Centre Block tower at Woodlands.
But not strictly for its heritage value. Nor as the future home of a coffee shop or retail outlet, as originally proposed.
The centre block is important to keep as a reminder of the abuse and injustice that took place when Woodlands School operated, said council.
“It’s going to remind people of what went on there,” said Mayor Wayne Wright.
Council, in considering a staff report on the centre block at Monday’s meeting, support two options.
One would have the tower kept as a ruin to tell the story of Woodlands. It could also include a community amenity, such as a garden.
The other option is to preserve and upgrade the remaining building so it could become a museum or arts studio that would benefit former residents and their families.
Council needs further investigation into the costs associated with each option before making a definite decision. Stakeholders, such as the former residents and heritage groups, will continue to be consulted.
Groups such as B.C. Association of Community Living, who have advocated the building’s destruction, say the centre block is a painful reminder for the former residents it represents.
Some members of council disagreed.
“It really would be easy for us to demolish it,” said Coun. Lori Williams.
“But that doesn’t make all that went on go away.”
She favours the option where it would be converted into an art studio or museum because “it would be a victory for the (former) residents.”
A preserved centre block could help the community with “understanding what went on there,” said Coun. Bill Harper.
Earlier this year a staff report recommended the building’s preservation mostly because of its heritage value.
The tower is all that’s left of the centre block after a fire destroyed the rest of the building last July. It’s estimated it would cost as much as $3 million to bring it up to today’s seismic standards.
The original building was completed between 1875 and 1878 and used as an asylum before being converted to a school for children with physical and mental challenges, as well as those who were unwanted.
mmcquillan@newwestnewsleader.com
