Village Green progressing

 In Community

Creemore takes care of its own. The process of developing the Village Green reinforces that truth with Creemore’s many skilled and creative community members enthusiastically pitching in. As promised throughout the community consultation period, the Creemore Community Foundation (the Foundation) encourages and appreciates input from local businesses and experts to make this a true community project, according to Brent Preston.
Demolition of the former TD Bank building by Kostick Demolition (with assistance by village residents quietly removing bricks from the site as mementos) has created an open view from Mill Street to the Station on the Green.
The building removal clears the way for construction to begin this spring. Local contractors are expected to be hired shortly, according to Stuart Lazier of the Foundation. Agreements with Clearview Township for the construction and long-term management of the Village Green are now fully executed.
The Build Team, all volunteers from the larger Creemore community, is led by Inese Bite, landscape architect and includes Laurie Severn (BIA President, owner Heirloom 142 and Lagom 142), Sass Dempsey (owner, The Sanctuary), John Gordon (J.W. Gordon Custom Builders) and Judi Parker (president, Creemore Horticultural Society). Stuart Lazier is the Foundation liaison. Abbey Scott, Project Manager, works with the Build Team to utilize local contractors and materials.
Community members are sharing their expertise with PFS Studio who are finalizing details. Dunedin resident Steve Lucas is directing technical stage canopy and podium theatrical components. Historian Helen Blackburn is advising on Creemore history to be memorialized in the paving stones. Master Gardener Gail Cocker is leading the design of the Horticultural Gardens, a key feature of the Village Green.
Hoarding is expected to be in place this spring for an anticipated three- to four-month construction period. James Bruer, exhibit designer, is creating the hoarding graphics.
Tony Arrell reports that fundraising is going exceptionally well toward the $3 million goal; the Foundation now has in hand more than 15 cornerstone donations from area residents that serve to anchor the campaign. While confident of achieving the target, a program to engage the local community will begin in early spring to ensure its success. Donation information, including the full fundraising presentation, is available on the donations page of the creemorevillagegreen.ca website.

Judi Parker is president of the Creemore Horticultural Society and a member of the Village Green build team. Comments and questions may be directed to Sass Dempsey at sass.dempsey@gmail.com.

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