THAMESFORD SURVEY 2009 COMMENTS CAPTURED –82 paper + 45
online submissions (anything that might be interpreted as slanderous
or potentially libelous has not been included, for example,
individual’s names, other than business names which are identified
on buildings)
6.
What do you like about Thamesford?
-Quiet, people, accessible to several major centres
-small town friendly, no major crime, close to major highways and cities
-it is a great community
-small town safer for the kids, school, soccer, the library looks great
-public school, church, parks
-small community atmosphere
-small town, close to big cities-large lots, friendly people
-quiet small town, safe
- it is a small quiet community
- quiet, friendly community, easily accessible
- it is a quiet town that is also growing
- the size, library, good neighbours, relatively quiet and safe, close to London but
not too close
-out of bigger city, better family values
-the new library-resource centre
-the people, the community spirit, the mill, the river, the parks
-people are friendly
-it’s small, not too big, friendly
- good neighbours; safe place to bring up a family
-it’s our roots; home; size of the community
-Thamesford is a caring, friendly town-people are loyal to each other-we
attracting “off spring” of our citizens, which is good.
-location; small town atmosphere; we like our house and lot
-proximity to London, 401, shopping and groceries
-home town values; friendly people
-small town, close to London, 401; relatively quiet
-it’s a nice place to live
-small town yet close to larger cities
-sidewalks, library, safe
-quiet place to live
-small village; affordable living
-location-midway between London and Woodstock; peaceful/quiet and friendly
community
-small village, 10 minutes to the city and airport
-It’s a safe, friendly, peaceful village with lots of green space
-the Library–beautiful building’ Tim Horton’s
-it is quiet but close to bigger cities
-everyone is friendly, it’s a small town, my children can play without too much
worry
-quiet, safe community to live in
-the friendly people and the fact I know most people in the Bank, Pharmacy and
small stores
-small town living
-friendly atmosphere; quiet
-everyone is friendly; I like outside pool
-the mostly quiet neighbourhoods and the co-operative business people who are
also friendly and for the most part
-small town and yet located close to Woodstock and London; arena, swimming
pool, ball diamond all in our community and the community centre
-sense of caring and community; I love small town living; I hate to have to leave
-It’s quiet, friendly neighbours; I feel that myself and my family are safe
-people, safety, river, Tokyo Joe’s Restaurant
-not much
-small town charm, friendly, safe, tree lined streets
-friendly people, cleanliness; community effort for various projects
-quiet, good neighbours, nice parks, nice place
- the friendly people
-friendly, quiet, safe, good pharmacy, dentist, good churches, wonderful Library,
good hairdresser
- I’ve grown up here and have always found it to be a great place to live;
entertaining things to do; safe; great community spirit
-relatively quiet residential area
- the friendliness, easy comfort, parks, recreation facilities, and “fun”
-quiet community; close knit
-Tim Horton’s, new sidewalks, sewers, quiet town, library
-people are quite friendly
-small town
-small town atmosphere, good schools, short drive to London
-close to home; like to shop local
-small town close to London
-residents are extremely friendly and kind
-small town atmosphere, library, school
- close knit, caring community; the bank and post office are great places to
remain connected to our small town social network
-I like the small town atmosphere
-it is not too big; good place to raise your family
- small community where you know your neighbours
- small community/central to London, Ingersoll, Woodstock; quiet
- the location–close to London, Ingersoll, Woodstock, Mississauga, quieter
country type subdivision (Thames Springs)
- its friendly people
- everyone if so welcoming, polite and friendly; sewers completed and the town is
beautiful
-friendly people; clean
- Cali weekend; dentist
-friendliness, ease of travel, location on the river
- everything
-quiet and nice people, friendly and safe place to live
- quiet
- quiet, provincial community; away from the city; safe, nice library, exceptional
dental clinic
- quiet, safe
- the people, quiet
- recreation events like buck & does at the arena, the streets are safe & well kept for walking, events like
Calithumpian & parade. The proximity of the parks are close for all residents .Small town fell, easy to
navigate.
-quiet, peaceful village, no constant noise from fire or police sirens
-love that it is a close community
-Friendly Community that is well taken care of
-small town; clean and safe. love the river and that there are 2 public schools here
-Proud sense of community; friendly and safe environs; rural but with good access to city facilities; our
current eateries; recreational facilities are excellent;
-small community with a big heart, everyone is friendly and willing to make Thamesford a better place to
live
-Quiet, friendly and safe
-I like the peaceful and cozy atmosphere. I also like the feeling of it being safe for my kids.
-I like that it is a small tight knit community that has a variety of recreation activities.
-It’s very homey, lots of things to do if you join in, good community spirit.
-Small community, friendliness, warmth of all businesses, the main street - even though it is lacking in
stores. We love the community spirit, watching the children play in the parks, the ball diamond facilities,
the arena etc. The new gazebo adds a lot of class to the library.
-I like the small town atmosphere. I feel safe walking in town both at night and during the day.
7.
What do you think is most important to improve Thamesford? Please list up to
three suggestions.
- The Main Street in general is not very aesthetically pleasing, e.g., building to
the west of the gas station, also beside old grocery store, suggest new quaint street
lights; tear down old mill and replace with condos, restaurant (?)
- need more people involved from the businesses to look after flowers, etc., too much
is left to Bob Houston to do.
- remove huge eyesore of the parked trailer right next to Mac’s–embarrassed to have
this as one of the first things you see–get some businesses to come, i.e., Canada
Trust (drive up); The Legion needs a lot of work. Open auto parts store, Dairy Queen
(seasonal), gym (Good Life)
-doctor, grocery store
-combined dental and medical clinic; grocery store
-eye sores along Dundas, i.e. Mill, beside RBC
-need a grocery store
- another light at Mac’s would slow the traffic down; having a movie theatre; a grocery
store
- I very much miss a grocery store; I also miss the flower shop
- building a grocery store; fixing up the Mill (attracting visitors to a historical site)
-keep our schools, services to keep our seniors here, a small grocery store,
something to keep teens a bit more involved and active–they can’t all get to Fusion in
Ingersoll. Need more “community sense”–some way of connecting new with old
residents of Thamesford. There is a danger of it becoming only a bedroom
community where neighbours do not know each other, especially as new ones move
here.
-medical centre; grocery store
- a grocery store; clean up the old mill site; repair the dam
- grocery store; MD; trees downtown
-a medical centre to encourage new doctor; put where the old IGA when it comes
down; a grocery store
-medical centre; grocery store; medical doctor
-grocery store; seniors’ accommodations; hardware store; small feed store
- We need more community events–Winterfest; Cali and Wienerfest are good. We
need to look into a nursing home in Thamesford, it is an industry–provincial.–The
idea of buying the Wright Motors building; put shops below and senior apartment with
elevator above has been proposed by business people
-medical facilities (no Doctor); slow speeds on Dundas Street
-a grocery store fo the people of Thamesford
- repairing the Mill; it’s an eyesore. Every other community takes pride in their mill
and mill pond
-Scout Hall could use updating inside and outside; North Park Concession needs
updating; Self Serve Power Wash for cars and trucks
-grocery store; reduce traffic cutting through residential ; cleaning up Dundas St–junk
yards, empty store fronts
- grocery store; hardware store; (keep $ in town)
-fitness centre
-medical centre; grocery store
-small busy downtown; food store; hardware
-doctor (medical centre or walk-in clinic) with lab for med. tests, etc; grocery/bakery
and general store
-a reasonably priced grocery store
- a grocery store; some way of getting traffic to “slow down” when going through the
village; present business landlords need incentives to improve the look of their
buildings. Also need to monitor the kind of new businesses starting up. (i.e., too
many used car dealers)
-a grocery store; similar to Foodland in Dorchester, very clean and well stocked; nice
restaurants
-medical and dental services
-grocery store and doctor’s office
-grocery store; pharmacy open earlier in the mornings; doctor’s office
-grocery store; splash pad; skate board park with better up-to-date playground
equipment
-health services; grocery store; strip mall
-community support of Thamesford
-grocery store; clothing store; medical centre
- a good grocery store as well as a fitness centre and a good family doctor or walk in
clinic
-grocery store; medical doctor or walk-in clinic; public transportation to London and/or
Woodstock
-stop the gravel pits; save the mill; more shopping so money can stay in the village
-grocery store; business owners taking pride in their curb appeal
-grocery store; extra traffic light
-grocery store, hardware store, butcher
- more trees; tourism or more community events, i.e., Harvest Fest, winter games or
something all the family can enjoy; grocery store
-grocery store; more playground equipment in parks; activities for teens after hours to
cut down on vandalism
-grocery store, doctor’s office
-grocery store, doctor, medical centre
-grocery store, skateboard park
-more stores needed but people would have to support them!
-people caring about curb appeal of their home–store extra vehicles in garage or no
recreational vehicles in driveway; have a centre for youth activities like Fusion Centre
in Ingersoll
- the mill site has to be cleaned up; we need a doctor; improve street
scape–particularly around bank area and Mac’s Milk
-grocery store; updated main street–appearance and new businesses
- need a doctor, grocery store, more apartments for seniors
- grocery store and doctor for people unable to drive
-grocery store
-more for youth who don’t play sports; grocery store that isn’t a variety store; job
selection
- need grocery store
- people to clean up cars and other large items in their yards; cut grass and paint
their homes; do not put leaves or snow on sidewalks or roads/streets
- the old mill; second set of traffic lights; pedestrian crossing in centre of village
-reduce mostly teenagers’ crime, SPEEDING on Dundas Street
-grocery store ( but please include fullest options for organic food and products
section); fine dining establishment; use our empty, beautiful buildings on main street
and the mill.
- medical centre; drug store that stays open longer; youth centre; fitness centre
- improving air quality by restricting gravel pits; more businesses; better health
facilities
- doctor #1 priority; larger farmers’ market; medical centre
- grocery store; splash pad; landscaping downtown core, appealing store fronts, seek
companies to fill vacant space downtown
- closer compost site; there is no sidewalk on Linda Lane; pave the street with the
second coat of asphalt; garbage and recycling pick up works fine, except blue box
weekly would be better to recycle plastic
- get rid of stinky turkey smell; need grocery store/small market to keep people in
village; need people to support what’s already here
- Farmers’ market/grocery store; hiking/biking trails; outdoor rink; swimming pool
-medical centre, grocery store
- doctor; grocery store; pub with entertainment and food
- grocery store !!; hardware store; clean up vacant buildings or rent them
- family MD; weekend pharmacy
- grocery store; gas price sign at Ray’s–people won’t stop for gas if they don’t know
the price
- grocery store
- turn mill into theatre = stores, B+B’s, $, etc.; air hose at gas station; establish a
marathon ( check other cities/towns that have them, e.g. Boston)
- fix up empty buildings on main street; do something with the mill
- slow down traffic; put in a crosswalk with light by the library; clean up the area
around Mac’s Milk
continuing community continual beatification keeping the kids occupied & out lack of decent everyday grocery items events of main street & parks
of trouble
fresh produce etc.
lack of lighting along hwy 19 north
Grocery Store
enforcement of speed adding street lights to attracting a doctor who practices
limits
make walking after
family medicine
dark safer
The lack of concern drivers have
towards the speed limit in residential
neighborhoods such as Sloan Drive,
Banner/15th Line, Middleton, Sheldon,
and Stanley.
The township needs to reduce the
speed on these streets by using signs
and speed restraints such as speed
bumps or changing the road layout, like
London did to Jalna Blvd.
Drivers don't even slow down for
children walking to school and the bus
stops. On the recent foggy days I
watched drivers just miss small children
walking along Sloan towards the bus
stop on Boyd. These drivers turn off of
Banner/15th Line racing along Sloan,
barely stopping for the Stop sign at
Boyd. When they get to Middleton, often
they do not even bother to Stop at the
sign, before racing north on Middleton.
Some turn onto Dundas, others race
along Brock to Tim Horton's.
Who decided that downtown
Thamesford should become a used car
district ? I realize that Thamesford is
trying to recruit businesses to setup
here, but why make downtown look like
Wharncliffe Ave in London?
Thames Springs residents pay full taxes
but do not receive city services such as
sidewalk snow removal, street lights
along Banner/15th Line from Linda to
Seldon, and street lights along
Middleton from Sloan to the rec
centre/arena.
lights at the macs
corner
more stores
employment speeding cars down dundas street need
to be slowed down, please put in a stop
light
More businesses
More advertisement
about services offered
improve downtown
more trees and trails
medical services
traffic moves too fast; garbage
containers around Mac's and the
buildings next to Mac's which are not
very inviting to people who are driving
through, same problem with the Mill and
the empty stores downtown.
Involve the whole Township needs better
community - new areas control over building
and old.
activities.
Utilize opportunities at the mill
site.
Lack of a police presence;
No grocery store to pick up even small
items so you have to make a trip to
Ingersoll.
doctor
medical center
larger farmer's market
gravel pits, we are selling out to big
business to make them rich. We need
to realize inorder to expand as a
community we need to keep our
boundaries open to expand, all gravel
pits do is leave a large hole filled with
water. After they leave we can not build
anything on that land as there is nothing
substaiable to put a building footing on
and therefore the land is usless.
We can not grow and get new business
to build or locate here if we have no
room to expand our borders, no
industrial land no new businesses.
fi
new business
more stores, like
grocery, liquor and
dollar store
something for kids to
do like a skate park
The dam is in critical need of repair and
the mill needs to be removed from our
town entrance signs and banners unless
we are prepared to fix it.
little more parking
Not having enough local shopping
miss having a dollar store and grocery
store
no places to rent, have to buy or cannot
live in Thamesford
flashing cross walk at reduced speed limit on
macs across Dundas
Dundas street
street
more than one gas station how it is expanding... our family doesn’t
want another Dorchester...
clean honest
businesses
no grocery store, no medical centre
Medical Center
Grocery Store
We need a doctor
We need a grocery
store
We need a hardware store
We are working on downtown
beautification and that is coming along
nicely. Hopefully this will continue with
some big improvements.
grocery store flashing crosswalk sign Properties generally cleaned up
Many of the businesses on the main
street and other streets do not present
themselves as friendly caring
businesses. There are signs that can be
painted, old vehicles can be removed,
potholes can be filled in. Garbage bins
could be hidden behind Macs instead of
visible to everyone who drives by.
Properties generally cleaned up.
I really miss having a grocery store.
There should be another stoplight at the
west end of town. There should also be
a flashing crosswalk sign at the main
intersection by the post office/library.
This would not only make it safer for the
crossing guards and our children at
school but safer at all other times of the
day.
These 2 things would go a long ways to
slowing down traffic on Dundas Street.
It would also be nice to have a
Doctor/Nurse practitioner in
Thamesford.
It would be nice to see more condo units
available for empty nesters looking to
downsize but stay in Thamesford.
8.
What do you dislike about Thamesford?
- the building between Mac’s and the gas station
-the traffic
-too many gravel pits opening up, change the name from Thamesford to Gravel Pitt
-how many used car dealers does one town need? Is Thames Springs different from
Thamesford–town feels divided between the two
-no grocery store; the mill is an eyesore
-allowing land for use as gravel pits (what an eye sore!); noise pollution, dirt pollution,
decreased property value
-no daycare facility
-no grocery store
-the traffic on Dundas Street going too fast
- the attitude of many residents that small town businesses cannot keep their prices low
enough to compete with those in the larger communities, i.e., grocery stores
- more medical services
-having to drive to larger centre for groceries. Poor reception for cell phones–we have
to go outside
-lack of medical centre and grocery store
- the lack of a grocery store and the lack of a doctor
-lack of funding, speed of traffic, surrounded by gravel pits
-no grocery store; no medical shop
-we wish someone would rebuild the dam
-we need a grocery store , of course, but it must have congenial people who run it.
-fast, noisy traffic on Dundas
-too many gravel pits and trucks
-no grocery store or medical centre
-lack of curbside leaf collection; high monthly water use rates/impending tax levies to
cover storm drains and sewage assessments
-so much transport truck traffic
-lack of shopping for basics (i.e., groceries, hardware) plus too lenient bylaws (building
and noise bylaws). It seems anyone can build anything on their property.
-the bad smell
-the lack of facilities
-lack of huge businesses
-nothing
-no indoor pool
-the gravel pits and big trucks pounding through as well as the chlorinated water
-taste of water; Main focus for recreation is the arena/community centre but missing
lights and hang over of tree branch on 1st base side were left un-maintained plus
warning track
-all the gravel pits, getting worse; unregulated building in residential areas
-no grocery store and the bank parking lot
-no grocery store
-no grocery store, no hardware store, no butcher
-lack of events; broken dam–looks horrid and poor for image
-speeding traffic through downtown; smell from turkey factory
-nothing
-people using home driveways to park recreational vehicles year round; bylaws not
enforced; lack of grocery store; mill being unoccupied.
- the mill site has to be cleaned up; we need a doctor; improve street scape–particularly
around bank area and Mac’s Milk
-main street is fairly busy; not many shops (grocery/hardware)
-dogs barking at night
- the look of the mill as you enter the village!
- teen kids breaking stuff
- that the town DOESN’T put the tax payers’ money back into it. That we had to pay
$7,500. for sewers.
- no public transport facilities
- nothing, however, I want Thamesford’s growth to reflect a focus on quality forward
planning. Do nothing to make Thamesford feel like “ Anywhere Canada”.
- I dislike how hard it is to be accepted moving into Thamesford
- slow moving and ineffective local government that does not listen to its voters
- gravel pits, no real asset for the village; can’t grow if surrounded by pits.
- no grocery store; no traffic lights at Stanley and Hwy 2
- hard water–we have a softener; snow plow sometimes a bit late
- I love Thamesford
- no car wash, no grocery store
- too much traffic on main street; no doctor; no grocery store; no pub
- ugly main street; river mill in disrepair
- no groceries
- no grocery store
- too homogeneous, no grocery store, no more “Wallace” hardware, too insular, there’s
no “there” there
- the appearance of main street ** ( see bottom of report)
14.
What are your thoughts about a medical facility being established in
Thamesford?
-it would be great-convenient for older people
- a lot of people could use a good local GP
-good idea
- good idea–will open more spots for other towns/cities, if we have one of our own
-good idea
-it is needed
-like to see a family doctor here
-great idea
-I thought we already had one
- I am sure it would be valued by some. I would not choose to change my doctor at
present. I do choose my chiropractor because he was here.
- with the expanding amount of housing in Thamesford, a medical facility would be
essential
- great idea; a centre with multiple services would be fantastic
-all for it!
-senior citizens and non-drivers need a doctor in town
-try to utilize the existing one; finding an MD is the hard part
- much needed, soon 2010
-we need one
-great!
-good idea
-it would be wonderful to have a doctor in Thamesford
-very strongly in favour
-worth establishing
-go for it!
-it would be good for seniors
-would be nice but I have a doctor in London
-yes
-this would be excellent
-important to have
-would strongly like to see one
-important asset for seniors and families with children
-I’d be happy with one good GP !
-very necessary, particularly for the elderly population and also for families with young
children
-it is necessary
-prefer to have one
-would be excellent idea
-we would like to see one
-it would be a great improvement and help for our seniors
-nice, but is it a reasonable option
-yes
-we really require a doctor and/or a walk in clinic with competent medical staff
- I think it is long over due as far as a medical doctor/clinic is concerned
-it would be wonderful
- use St. Mary’s, ON as a guideline or reference. It works very well!!
-good idea if it is for long term
-that would be great
-due to elderly, it sounds like a good idea
-much needed, trips to London, Ingersoll and Woodstock take much too long in
emergencies
-would be good
- sure would be good
- we would strongly support this
- Due to the number of elderly people, a medical facility is a good idea but not at the
expense of other established businesses
- build it on the proposed gravel pit
-we need one urgently
-excellent idea, a GP in Thamesford is necessary
- we could use one
-very good idea!
- good as long as we get 1st to be patients before outsiders
- we need dependable doctors
- I have a doctor
- good idea
- essential requirement
- might be good if doctors accept new patients
- Please!
- it would be a good idea
- good idea, much needed
- should look into this and a doctor
- would be an asset for families
- good idea; we have a doctor at Clarke Rd., London; specialists in London
- the only thing missing is a Doctor
- we have a DR in Ingersoll but with a nut allergy child and 2 other young kids, it would
give a sense of relief
- excellent idea–necessary
- we need a local doctor
- I agree, it’s needed
- needed
- a new physician would be great
- would like a doctor
- great! , but so what
- we need an MD
- non
-my doctor is in London, but for locals without transportation, that would be a benefit
-Would support!
-Great idea - will there be a doctor who practices family medicine who will accept patients who want to
change doctors?
-would be great to have one
-It would be an asset to residents as the majority travel to Ingersoll London and Thorndale & areas for
medical services
-there are many people who do not drive and since there is no public transportation, it would be a major
benefit to having a facility that could provide services to a wide range of residents in age
-This should be a priority. Present facilities do the best that they can but we desperately need a full time
doctor. If a medical centre is built consideration should be given to opticians/optometrists, and a pharmacy
with longer hours - some evenings but also weekends - Saturday at least.
-should be looked into for our aging community, a doctor would be a huge asset
-Excellent idea
-a clinic would be a great idea for Thamesford
-need medical facility, build it were the mill is now located
-Need at least a Nurse Practitioner and part time Doctor
-We all ready have a medical facility and pharmacy in Thamesford. It would be nice to see a doctor/nurse
practitioner added to the existing medical facility.
-Why are you asking if one should be established???????
15. What are your thoughts about the Mill?
-would love to see it restored
-beyond saving
-keep as a Heritage building and the river
- tear it down-don’t spend good money on a mill that has done its job but is no longer
required. Bring in a larger company to build office space=new jobs=more money
coming in
-tear it down or fix up
-an historic building–now out of repair
-demo
-it’s a dump, restore it or tear it down
-needs to be preserved and restored
-it should be used and not left to fall apart as it is now
- this is an Historic landmark, it should be fixed up. It would draw more visitors.
- I like it but it looks like it soon will need $ put in to maintain ???
-do something with it OR get rid of it!
-demolish it and create more parkland/gardens and outdoor recreational facilities
(skateboard park)
-buy it; preserve it
-not worth keeping?
-don’t know
-mixed
-demolish or restore
-it needs to be owned by Thamesford and restored
-it is rapidly becoming an eyesore. Either paint and maintain it or tear it down and let it
be parkland
-tear it down before it falls down
-we should be embarrassed
-would be excellent focal point if preserved
-keep it –that is the foundation of Thamesford
-eyesore
- tear it down
-let’s do something to preserve this landmark!
-too expensive for taxpayers to repair/restore
-bad economy but if a fine dining restaurant for base and then artisans and farmers
market, a really good one, would put Thamesford on the map-other villages have done
it.
-some small part of it which is structurally sound could be left but the rest should be torn
down and left as green space. Right now it is an eyesore.
-it should be restored to its essence and a viable business location
-it is run down and ugly
-refurbished as a historical site
-tear it down if it can’t be renovated
-tear it down or fix it up (it’s unsafe and an eyesore)
-good spot for a high rise apt.
-wished it could be restored at a reasonable cost
-fix it up and have tours, income and an attraction
-it should have been declared a historic building and kept in better condition. Would
make a good hotel, theatre, and dining facility
-I would not care to preserve it and am against funding from any level to try to restore it
- I hope it can be preserved-it’s beautiful
-fix it up or take it down. It’s not safe and major eyesore.
-currently it is an eyesore
-keep mill pond, lose the building or renovate
- looks gross but it’s a landmark that is to be respected. Make it a market.
- is becoming town eyesore, needs sprucing up or torn down; becoming a haven for
stray animals and hobos
-take it down
-iffy
- either restore (preferable) or demolish
- something needs to be done before it becomes even more of an eyesore. It would be
good to keep some of the existing structure/history
-win the lottery and open it as a fine dining restaurant/bakery, gift store, and/or
something to attract tourists and locals
- restore if possible (only the original building plus silos) otherwise tear down and leave
foundations, have historical plaques and turn into parkland
-would be great to preserve it (motel/restaurant) BUT, tear it down if nothing is going to
happen
-tear it down; improve park or negotiate housing east of pond with UTRCA
-should be restored or come down
- I like it. Should ___ more within our community
- not much–eyesore!
-not sure
- eyesore, get rid of it
-as part of Thamesford history, should be preserved if costs can be kept under strict
control
-nice building, landmark
- The mill is an opportunity long ignored. DO NOT sink money into Mill only to allow
kitschy, craft stores, etc. to rent the space. It could be just what Thamesford needs if
turned into a high class shopping, dining, and cultural spot.
- many things could be done with it: home made bread, pick your own ingredients, enjoy
a beverage in restaurant or patio while waiting for bread to bake
- as it is, it’s an eyesore; refurbish it and make it a business area or tear it down
- can this be made into a medical centre
- could be improved aesthetically
- historical building; we are new to Thamesford; nice landmark
- restore or tear down
- clean it up or take it down
- do something with it or get rid of it!
- fine eatery, bar, art overlooking the river or move on and tear it down (eye sore)
- please fix it up; restore it with shops/boutiques/restaurants as the mill in Elmira has
been done OR tear it down, but do something.
- eye sore as is
- tear it down, re-build the dam and pretty up the area for picnics, walking, etc.
-fix up
- money, money, money–gold mine for smart business person. Retired baby boomers +
theatre = $, higher property values, B + B’s, shops, retirement condos, restaurants, golf
courses–think big, think 10 years!, think Stratford, Niagara-on-the-lake! Chinese
investors!
- fix it up
- it sure would be nice to save it. The building is beautiful
- the mill should be bought back and used as a youth center/ meeting place, or business... maybe even a gym? get the dam
fixed and generate hydro for the town
-Needs work.
-If this could be turned into a viable restaurant, craft, antique market - go for it!
-needs to be torn down or fixed up so it is safe too many kids play around there
must be maintained well enough that it is an attraction and not an eye sore. It seems to be a good place for photos... otherwise not
used for anything???
is on all the banners and it is probably the oldest building left in the Village. It is an eyesore as it stands but it could be a wonderful
space with links to trails, artists' space, medical. other businesses, etc.
Preservation is vital with a strong push to make it into a viable operating business - art gallery, artisans' studios, boutiques etc.
could this could be the start of the medical building ? with other shops (eg. gift shops, local artist)
The mill is an eyesore and I would like to see it fixed up and possibly used as a museum, arts and crafts, farmer's market, etc.
however I believe it has deteriorated beyond repair. There was an opportunity years ago when we were asked this before,
but nothing was done about it then.
-tear it down-looks terrible and would be a great location for some new shops in town
-Do something with it .... it is an absolute eye soar... a recreational facility with a pool and a gym would be nice
-Tear it down ,eyesore , repair dam , long overdue
-Needs at lease a face lift, its an eyesore at present.
-The entire Mill area is an eyesore and a safety hazard.
I would like to see the majority of the building and all out buildings torn down leaving only a little of the original property standing.
Perhaps part of a silo and the original building is structurally sound.
-The remaining parts of the property could be incorporated into as lovely park like setting that would enhance the river view.
his is assuming the dam is not torn down. If the dam is torn down, then the mill should be completely torn down at the same time
16.
What are your thoughts about gravel pits?
-don’t like them, too many trucks
-none
-don’t think we need them
- 1 ok, 2 ok, 3 fine; 4,5,6,7,8,9 Way too many!
-too many and close to subdivisions and residential homes
-too many
-good outside of town, not near schools or houses
-no thoughts
-I do not like them
- I don’t like them!
-there are too many. They detract from the appearance of the town.
-concerns regarding water table and companies move on when use up land and leave it
unusable and eyesore.
-do not like it! Does not put revenue into Thamesford
-enough already. Hard for the farmers to resist selling!
-desecrate landscape (greed)
-don’t know
-don’t like
-not popular but necessary
-what can we do? Too many
-they should not be allowed within 5 km of a community
- they are a necessity to progress
- don’t like them!!
-would prefer not to have them close to town
-as usual, it is all about money-limits need to be applied
-necessary evil
-don’t open any more
-should not be part of town
-no objection as long as they don’t invade/encroach on good agricultural land
-hate them, a blight on the land
-dirty, noisy, destroying wild life habitat and also may be a deterrent for families looking to buy
a house here.
-important they are restored when gravel removed
-too many surrounding the village
-necessary evil
-keep them away, they are loud and dirty
-it is okay what is being done
-don’t want them, but good for the economy
-we have enough of them! Put a stop to having more!
-I think they should be filled in after gravel removed, I think by having allowed so many they
are stopping the natural filters of our water sources and would prefer land being used
for housing or recreation
- there are far too many-outrageous what is happening to the landscape
-dusty
-too many in area. Eating up our farm land and green space
-keep them out of Thamesford and area
-none
-we don’t need any more
-we need the business
-noisy and lots of trucks
-they should be well managed and hidden (berms)
-none
- build a Fusion Centre for youth on it
-keep them outside of town; ask them to contribute financially for the betterment of our Village
-eyesore BUT it does boost the economy
-gravel must be mined–more planning in restoration- housing around ponds or industrial use in
some pits-commercial
-ok
- do not like ( loud and messy)
-eyesores!
- don’t think they should be near town
- getting too close to town
- creates jobs and may benefit Thamesford, would have to work out what is best for village but
creates other environmental problems
- hate them, dirty, more trucks on road kicking up rocks at my car!
-Time to use a little more foresight. Isn’t there another way for both sides to enjoy the beauty
of Oxford County, as well as the development of natural resources with more sensitive
decision making?
-should not be allowed within 10 kms. of any village, etc; air and water pollution not
considered
- we only get revenue once and then they leave a big, gaping hole. Don’t need them.
-more than enough
- keep ½ mile or more from subdivisions
- dirty, but if profitable to Thamesford, do what’s best
- we don’t need any more!
- should have never happened
-no more please!
- too many
-they suck!
- they suck
-none
-enough is enough already- its effecting our air quality and water table.
-If they bring income to the Twp. then go for it.
-They are a necessary evil - but one that needs to be controlled.
- don’t bother me
-They bring people to Thamesford and $ hopefully to Thamesford. As long as they do not start to
overwhelm the town (stay outside of town) and keep their property professional and respectful to the town
they are an asset.
-There are too many of them. Thamesford is becoming pit alley--not much tourist attraction in that and it
doesn't create any jobs locally. Creates pollution--air and noise. There needs to be limits placed on these
enterprises. People want to support local farmers, but if they sell out to gravel pits, there will be not land to
support.
-There are currently too many and a moratorium should be called immediately until the cumulative effect
of many pits is studied and made known to the local township and it's residents. We risk compromising
our safe water supply.
-stop them in their tracks, the community gets nothing from this business, only deep holes, noise pollution,
air pollution . We need to realize we are closing our development chances by surrounding our community
with them.
-the gravel companies are the only winner here
-concerned about the water table and the pits need to be monitored closely. Also concerned about the
truck traffic and noise.
-they are not a bad idea. They create jobs and are good for businesses because Thamesford has lots of
gravel
-outside of town is good location for them though
-they don’t really bother me that much... with the exception of the speed of the gravel trucks.
-stop any further development
-Too many too close to the village
-They are a necessary evil. The government has mandated that gravel must be allowed to be removed
where ever possible.
- I do believe the gravel pits should be a minimum of 500 metres from existing village boundaries and NO
gravel pit within 1 km of Thamesford should be allowed to dig below existing ground water levels.
** typed comment attached to survey:
I would like to thank you for preparing this survey. What a great idea!
I must say that the appearance of Thamesford’s main street has improved, however,
there is one spot that slaps me in the face every time I pass by.
The corner of Stanley and Dundas, where Mac’s Milk and Silver City Auto Care are
located needs some desperate attention. What a mess!
●
The biggest issue is piles and piles of empty beer bottles that sit in the parking lot of
Mac’ Milk. A few years ago the government enforced a law that prohibited the exposure
of cigarettes in stores. They felt that our young people would be less likely to smoke if
they didn’t see them. As the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind. What kind of
message are we sending to young people in the community. I don’t believe a very good
one. Cases upon cases stacked on top of each other. But let’s not forget the visitors
and commuters that pass through our village. What kind of message are we giving
them?
●
The lack of parking in the lot is a big concern as well. The garbage dumpsters and the
storage for “some” of the beer bottles take up room. Vehicles park over the sidewalk
and block the way for pedestrians. There’s been a number of times that I’ve had to walk
around vehicles and on occasion almost been hit by them.
●
The big semi trailer that’s parked between Mac’s and Silver City Auto Care. This huge
advertisement may be ok for a city, but for a small village? It looks junky and terrible.
The area by the Royal Bank is messy as well, but it looks like there’s been some
clean-up progress. The little market in the lot is a good idea, but it could be made a little
tidier too.
The speed of trucks and vehicles coming in and out of the village really concerns me. I
wonder what it will take for traffic lights to go up on the corner of Stanley and Dundas?
On a positive note, we love this village! We moved here from London about 11 years
ago and we have no plans to leave. We hope that if our children leave home for their
continuing education that they return to raise their families here.
Everyday I commute to London and I always look forward to coming home to
Thamesford. This wonderful community is full of great people, business, and
organizations.
Thank you for taking the time to organize this survey. Our family looks forward to seeing
the results of the survey.
prepared by M. Keasey
Jan. 9/10
consolidation of #6 What do you like about Thamesford (Steve and Nancy Turner)
friendly people and safe and a nice place to live
small town charm / atmosphere
61
54
Quiet
safe place to raise a family
accessible to several major centres and an airport
the new library-resource centre
schools
cleanliness
the community spirit
restaraunts
mostly quite friendly neighbours & neighbourhoods
the river
parks / green space
37
25
17
13
8
7
7
7
6
6
5
outside pool
ball diamonds
community effort in projects
Tim Horton's
community centre and arena
soccer
churches
nice homes and good sized lots
sense of caring and community
dentist and dental clinic
new sidewalks
sewers
Community festivities (Cali and parade)
recreation events like buck & does at the arena
love that it is a close community
you know your neighbours
Our children want to raise a family here
the fact I know most people in the Bank, Pharmacy and small stores
the co-operative business people who are also friendly and for the most part
4
4
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
small but still growing
affordable homes
better family values
the mill
tree lined streets
not much
pharmacy
hairdressers
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
close to home
shop locally when available
the bank and post office are great places to remain connected to our small
town social network
everything
1
1
1
I have not included the following comments in the above totals
-I like that it is a small tight knit community that has a variety of recreation
activities.
-It’s very homey, lots of things to do if you join in, good community spirit.
-Small community, friendliness, warmth of all businesses, the main street even though it is lacking in stores. We love the community spirit,
watching the children play in the parks, the ball diamond facilities, the
arena etc. The new gazebo adds a lot of class to the library.
1
-I like the small town atmosphere. I feel safe walking in town both at night and
during the day.
7. What do you think is most important to improve Thamesford? Please
list up to three suggestions.
(Steve and Nancy Turner)
We need a Doctor/dental medical clinic
We need a (small) grocery store
101
95
Clean up the town
The Main Street appearance
building to the west of the gas station
remove huge eyesore of the parked trailer right next to Mac’s
embarrassed to have this as one of the first things you see
Clean up around Macs
beside the RBC building
junk yards on main street
Main street looks like a used car lot
37
6
5
Slow down the traffic on Dundas Street and residential streets
Stop lights a Stanley and Dundas
Cross walk at Library
Possibly speed bumps or road layout
17
7
8
2
Old mill (eyesore)
tear it down
replace with condos, restaurant (?)
fix up (attracting visitors to a historical site)
fix the dam
17
2
1
9
4
Increase overall curb appeal - main street and all others
incentives for owners to clean up their businesses
Store extra vehicles out of sight
14
6
4
The Legion needs a lot of work
Renovate the North park concession booth
Fix Sylvite gas price sign
Fix up the Scout Hall - in and out
1
1
1
1
Attract more business/clean up empty buildings
Gym
hardware store
upscale restaurant
Open pharmacy earlier/later
26
7
7
3
2
3
8
5
2
2
Farmers market - larger
Canada Trust (drive up)
Auto parts store
Dairy Queen
Movie theatre
Flower Shop
small feed store
Bakery
Butcher
Clothing store
Pub with entertainment & food
Dollar store
Another gas station
More parking
More advertisement for services offered
Township needs better control of building activites
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Something for the teens
like "Fusion" in Ingersoll
skate board park
splash pad
Better playground equipment
9
2
4
3
2
Seniors
Senior's accomodations
Retirement/Nursing home
Services to keep our seniors here
7
2
2
Need more “community sense”
some way of connecting new with old residents of Thamesford
There is a danger of it becoming only a bedroom community where
neighbours do not know each other, especially as new ones move here
More Community events like Winterfest, Cali and wienerfest
blue box weekly would be better to recycle plastic
5
We need biking/walking Trails
plant trees
Stop gravel pits
Better street lighting - Hwy 19 north
suggest new quaint street lights
3
3
3
2
1
Lack of a police presence
Closer 'compost' site
Install Sidewalk on Linda Lane
Apply 2nd coat of Ashpalt to streets
public transportation to London and/or Woodstock
Nurse practioner
Outdoor Rink
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
2
1
Car/Truck wash Swimming pool
Keep our schools
strip mall
clean up turkey smell
establish a marathon
air hose at gas station
These comments are not included in the above numbers
We can not grow and get new business to build or locate here if we have no
room to expand our borders, no industrial land no new businesses.
no places to rent, have to buy or cannot live in Thamesford
Drivers don't even slow down for children walking to school and the bus stops.
On the recent foggy days I watched drivers just miss small children
walking along Sloan towards the bus stop on Boyd. These drivers turn
off of Banner/15th Line racing along Sloan, barely stopping for the Stop
sign at Boyd. When they get to Middleton, often they do not even
bother to Stop at the sign, before racing north on Middleton. Some turn
onto Dundas, others race along Brock to Tim Horton's.
Who decided that downtown Thamesford should become a used car district ?
I realize that Thamesford is trying to recruit businesses to setup here,
but why make downtown look like Wharncliffe Ave in London?
Thames Springs residents pay full taxes but do not receive city services such
as sidewalk snow removal, street lights along Banner/15th Line from
Linda to Seldon, and street lights along Middleton from Sloan to the rec
centre/arena.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1