The Parkin Professional Building in downtown Marmora.(Photo: John Spitters / Quintenews).
Downtown Marmora is in for some change, big change. The core of the town has, like every other downtown,
deteriorated over the years, but a British Colombia developer is on his way to bringing new life and prosperity to
not only Marmora but the surrounding region as well.
Last night, FairTradeWorks celebrated the grand opening of the Parkin Professional Building on Forsyth Street in the
heart of the downtown. It had been the home of the beloved family physician, Dr. Herb Parkin, who lived and practiced there
for many years.
Mary Jane Goodchild (centre) cuts the ribbon at the Parkin Professional Building, formerly her family home, headed by her father, family physician Dr. Herb Parkin. FairTradeWorks President and Founder Jim Perkins is to the left, and Marmora Building Superintendant Ruth Potts is to the right. FairTradeWorks Communications Director, Sandra Lummis is in the background. (Photo: John Spitters / Quintenews).
Now, after extensive renovation, the heritage home will house eight professional businesses.
However, the professional building is just the first step toward a major remake in downtown Marmora. Surrounding it will
be four seniors apartment buildings, including commercial space.
FairTradeWorks President Jim Perkins said when he first visited the area years ago, he noticed the aging downtown and was told
by many that there was nowhere for seniors to live and they were moving away to other communities.
Perkins, who plans to build a large luxury resort on the shores of Crowe Lake near Marmora in the future, said he knew the first
step toward any success would be a revitalization of the downtown in the village, and made the decision to invest millions to bring
new residents and business in.
The first seniors building, the Bleeckers, is under construction and will be ready to open in spring of next year.
The first of four seniors apartment buildings, The Bleeckers is under construction beside the Parkin Professional Building in Marmora. (Photo: John Spitters / Quintenews).
When the four buildings are completed, there will be around 50 seniors apartment units.
Mr. Perkins had high praise for local politicians MPP Todd Smith and MP Mike Bossio, as well as Royal LePage realtor
Mary Provost and others that played important roles in making the early stages of his vision for the area become a reality.
Local MP Mike Bossio said the professional building and seniors buildings would be a “game changer” for the area.
“The empty storefronts will soon be filled, and people will be moving into, not out of, Marmora and area. I love what FairTradeWorks is doing!”
At the opening celebration last night for the Parkin Professional Building, the ribbon was cut by Mary Jane Goodchild, one of Dr. Parkin’s
six children.
“I am so proud to see a part of me and my family honored in this way. This building celebrates our connection with what was our home,
and our connection to the Marmora area.”
FairTradeWorks has several other developments planned for the region, including a seniors residence and commercial building where the Hotel Quinte once stood in downtown Belleville.
More information can be found on FairTradeWorks website.
