I’d like to address the article written on the lack of support for the Orchard House in the Jan. 17, 2017 edition.
Tracy Hughes stated that Dorothy Rolin listed some of the history of the building at the city council meeting on Jan. 16. First of all, it was Dec. 20, 2016, that she and a group of 25 residents attended the meeting five days before Christmas.
Secondly, it seems to me that the most basic requirements of journalistic style should be followed. I don’t see any evidence of quoting support for the preservation of this historic Orchard House.
Two residents that were very much opposed were quoted.
The City of Salmon Arm has developed an Official Community Plan under a Legal Policy Context which guides land use and document developments for the City. It contains a number of references towards embracing the heritage of Salmon Arm, including: “The District will promote awareness of the Municipality’s heritage and will encourage: a). sensitive integration of local heritage themes into new development form; and b). sensitive adaptation of built heritage structures for other uses.”
The city owns five acres of undeveloped land and a 105 year old building, rich in local history – it should go without argument that they should follow their own policies in conserving heritage of this city that shows so little of it.
There is an Open House featuring the empty Orchard House on Saturday, Mar. 4.
You will see a heritage house stripped of furnishings. It will look very desolate and neglected inside.
This house has a unique architectural style, unlike any in the city, is full of stories of the past, and a history of gatherings producing thousands of memories from people in the community.
Louise Reimer
