A couple living near the Leacock Museum say the condition of the property is a “definite deterrent” to marketing efforts and attracting new events, and they are calling on the city to carry out more maintenance work on the historic site.
In a June letter to the mayor and two city councillors, residents Doug and Rosemary Mitchell highlight numerous issues they have with the condition of the Museum Drive property, ranging from a fence blowing down in a recent wind storm, to “unsightly” dead trees on the property, the “overgrown” shoreline on the cottage’s property, and more.
“The shoreline at the water’s edge of Lake Couchiching is overgrown to the point that the water view is non-existent,” the letter reads. “From a marketing perspective, we think that any events taking place on the property would like to have memorable photos taken with a water view background. The scrub brush at the water’s edge needs to be removed.”
In the letter, the couple say they recently moved to the city, mentioning they “have been pleased” to see events taking place at the museum, but that its current condition prevents it from hosting more events.
They mention hosting more events could help offset the costs of maintaining the property.
“In an effort to strengthen our community and help with things that matter, such as the preservation of historical sites, the care and maintenance of the Leacock property needs to take on an increased priority,” the letter states. “It has the potential to be a more desired event location and tourist attraction.”
They also said they should be able to see the lake more clearly.
“It is our understanding that we are taxed as a lakefront community,” the letter states. “If that is the case, we should be able to see the lake. With the overgrowth, that view is completely obstructed.”
In response, Mayor Don McIsaac wrote that maintenance of the property was carried out by volunteers “until recently,” with the city in the process of hiring a company “experienced in heritage sites, for a thorough cleanup followed by ongoing maintenance.”
“We anticipate bushes and plants to be pruned and weeded and dead trees to be removed,” the mayor wrote in late June. “Some of the major work may lead into next year. The groundskeeping work is anticipated to start by the end of June.”
The mayor said maintaining the property is a “critical element” of promoting the museum for tourists and local residents alike, but said trees along the shoreline cannot be removed in many cases.
“Regarding the shoreline, unfortunately, plantings cannot be completely removed as this is a rich archeological site, and protection against shoreline erosion is necessary,” he wrote. “The landscaper will assess the shoreline and selectively identify vegetation that can be trimmed or removed within this context.”
However, the planned work will address many of the couple’s concerns, he said.
“The groundskeeping work mentioned within this response will address many of the concerns, which will enable to the museum to continue providing exceptional experiences to those who visit,” he said.
