Dear editor,
In response to Mr. Morrison’s comments in the Comox Valley Record of late, that relocated buildings should be out of sight and mind (June 19 letter to the editor, Derelict houses a sore sight for eyes); I respectfully submit that he is entirely missing the point.
Re-purposed or reused buildings provide the public with the opportunity to enter the housing market in an affordable and relatively quick way. I would also point out that most of these re-consumed structures are far preferable to the buildings being created today; quality of materials alone will define this. From the point of view of the perfect business model, we should all move willingly into maximum mortgage, gated Mc-subdivisions, and keep the undesirable and unpainted out. In doing so, we deny some people the basic right to house themselves.
Let us not forget that the goal in many cases is to allow people to provide basic shelter for themselves and their families and to have some control over this process. It is an effort as old as dirt. It also needs to be said, that buildings seen on the roadside provide an incredible impetus to the mission of house relocations and helps keep this alternative in the forefront. Let the public decide how they choose to shelter themselves and allow them a market choice.
Derelict refers to something in very poor condition as a result of disuse, or alternatively, a person without a home, job or property. I am aware that some relocated homes involve fixing and cosmetic reconditioning, but I would argue, after 30 years in the industry, that people who choose to move buildings are up for the task. Furthermore, every decent building saved from machine demolition, is one small improvement of the waste management problem that we are now fully engaged in.
Should enough of us be mindful of this issue we can make a big difference to the outcome. In addition, recycled homes offer several opportunities and jobs where nothing would otherwise exist.
Be patient and tolerant and allow this model to flourish, otherwise, kick your blue box to the curb and shop till you drop.
James Connelly
Nickel Bros House Moving