“New York, New York” jazz night raises over $5,000 for the Belle Vue Conservancy

available through www.talktheburg.ca/ bellevue. She said town council has been clear that the historic mansion be public facing and that it not be a private home or estate.

“It is solid,” she said of the building. “It needs an investor to see the vision and opportunities. It does need a lot of attention.”

“We have several people already picking up the EOI,” said Osborne. “We look forward to bringing something to council that will be very positive for the community as a whole.”

Osborne told town council Monday night they have lined up six tours thus far of the site. She indicated a virtual option will also be made available.

By Ron Giofu

The Belle Vue Conservancy held its latest fundraiser last week with a packed house at the Artisan Grill not only enjoying the food but some jazz as well.

The conservancy held its latest jazz night last Monday evening (June 19) with singer Renée King-Jackson and her band and the evening is expected to bring in between $5,000-$6,000, according to conservancy president Shirley CursonPrue. In addition to the actual fundraiser itself, those in attendance were reminded of the Expression of Interest (EOI) the Town of Amherstburg has issued for the development of the property.

“I think we have a good partnership with Renée and her wonderful musicians as well as (owner) Matthew (Johnston) and the Artisan team,” said CursonPrue. “In addition, we have a number of people who can be relied upon to support these events by sponsoring or attending. All of these folks are supportive of our fundraising efforts for the Belle Vue and I know they enjoy the events as well.”

Curson-Prue said she contacted KingJackson about the theme, suggesting New York or Paris, with King-Jackson agreeing to do a New York-themed event.

Curson-Prue’s husband, Mayor Michael Prue, said he was happy with the issuance of the EOI, hoping that it leads to the renovation of the 200-yearold mansion sooner rather than later. The town is also looking for a “visionary developer to bring forth a transformative project that showcases creativity, innovation, and a deep respect for our community’s heritage” with that including the possible redevelopment of the nine acres of land surrounding Belle Vue itself. The mayor said there is “a lot of interest” in the Belle Vue site.

“We are excited that after years and years and years, the light is at the end of the tunnel for Belle Vue,” said Prue. “We hope it is restored in very short order.”

Deputy CAO and director of development services Melissa Osborne said the EOI was released June 9

“We did it very thoughtfully and with council’s direction in which to do it,” said Osborne.

Osborne said the town is marketing the lands with a video and more information

The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is Aug. 16. People can also view the EOI package at www. bidsandtenders.ca.

Curson-Prue said the Belle Vue Conservancy is planning more fundraisers in the future.

“We have been asked to consider another jazz night in October and we hope to bring the WSO to St John the Baptist Church in November,” said Curson-Prue.

For more information on the Belle Vue Conservancy and their fundraising events, visit www.bellevueconservancy. com or www.facebook.com/bellevueconservancy. People can also call 519-736-7586 or e-mail info@bellevueconservancy.com if they want information or to make a donation.

Local school assists SSVP