It needs a new roof, it?s missing its tower and ventilation pinnacles, but Stratford?s first hospital, opened in 1891, is still standing. For now. 
The repurposing potential of this landmark building has yet to be realized, something the Huron Perth Health Alliance has never looked at. Instead, the HPHA, the building?s owner, is determined to have it demolished for a parking lot.  They have posted a request for tenders for its demolition later this year. But only if the City of Stratford issues a demolition permit. 
Instead of allowing demolition, the City should work towards the building?s repurposing, heritage listing, and designation. Avon Crest, its name since the 1950?s when it was converted to a convalescent home, has outstanding architectural, historic and cultural value.  In an era when public health was influenced by Florence Nightingale, the benefits of ventilation were expressed in the design by a series of vent spires that add to the building?s exuberant exterior.   In the late 1880s, having a public hospital in Stratford was championed by a determined group of civic-minded people, mostly women, who raised funds to get the hospital built. Architect George Durand of London was hired as he knew Stratford well, having designed the Perth County courthouse and waterworks building (now Gallery Stratford).  
Last year, bowing to the determination of the HPHA to have the building demolished, Stratford City Council rejected a thoroughly researched application by ...