The combined Committee of the Whole and Council meetings on Monday night resulted in a long and contentious meeting with the proposed Heritage Conservation District Study of Main Street East coming to the forefront.
For those who did not catch the debate and vote, here is “How They Voted” on the proposed HCD study put forth by the Heritage Committee :
| NAYS - Did Not Support HCD Study By-Law | ||
|---|---|---|
 Councillor Ritchie Ward 1 |  Councillor Kadwell Ward 2 |  Councillor Dunstall Ward 3 |
 Councillor Vaine Ward 3 | ||
| YEAS - Supported HCD Study By-Law | ||
|---|---|---|
 Mayor Jordan |  Councillor Freake Ward 1 |  Councillor Vardy Ward 2 |
 Councillor Bothwell Ward 4 | ||
Note: Councillor Sharpe did not participate in the vote or discussion as he declared a conflict of interest; he has family members in the By-law’s proposed study area.
The motion to approve the Study By-law was defeated, due to a 4-4 tie-vote.
While the original HCD Study By-law from the Heritage Committee was not passed by Council and may appear dead, a later resolution may have given it a second chance. An HCD study for Main Street East may be back “only if it is paired with a more comprehensive land use planning strategy for the Main Street East area generally…”.
It has been a long and lively debate as to the future of Main Street East. With the original HCD study not formally approved, it should be interesting to see the process moving forward.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from GCFRG!