Gravenhurst Council recently agreed to a homeowners request to repeal the heritage designation on their home.
The request was put to council in the fall by the owners of 190 Royal Street who said that the designation was negatively impacting their ability to sell the property.
The home was designated a heritage property by the Gravenhurst heritage committee less than three years ago. Once designated a heritage property, a homeowner is limited in what additions or changes can be done to the property.
The decision by council follows consultation and approval from the heritage committee. At the meeting on Tuesday council voted unanimously to repeal the heritage designation.
Several councillors expressed understanding of the home owner’s] situation, but said they were unhappy with what they described as flaws in the designation process.
Councillor Heidi Lorenz stated that a homeowner who is approving their home for heritage status, should have to seek a legal opinion before doing so.
“Maybe we need to tighten the reins a little bit as to what obligations should be met by the parties, the property owners and ourselves,” Lorenz said.
Lorenz also stated that the township needs to ensure homeowners are aware of what accepting a heritage designation entails.
“We have to take some responsibility as a town to make sure that people are aware of the consequences of doing this,” Lorenz said.
Town Clerk Kayla Thibeault said that heritage designations were done to guidelines of the Ontario Heritage Act, but that the municipality could implement its own policies.
Councillor Sandy Cairns, who sits on the heritage committee spoke of designating heritage buildings for community history.
“If people don’t want to designate their properties, our history is gone in our community,” Cairns said.
Cairns said that the owners of 190 Royal Street care about the heritage of the home as shown by their willingness to have it designated several years ago. She also stated despite this repeal she hopes that any new owners respect the heritage of the property.
“That house has been there for a long time and it is part of our heritage and our community and I hope that they don’t change it,” Cairns said.
Cairns suggested that any changes to the heritage designation process not be rushed and should involve input from the heritage committee.
Council did not put any motions forward to change the current heritage designation process, but Mayor Paul Kelly said the matter would be put on the agenda at the heritage committee.
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Turk Gruman says
One of the major reasons I moved to this area was the municipality’s stated commitment to the preservation of historical landmarks, including the many beautiful century homes. Now I wonder if this Council really cares about the importance of the architectural record or prefers the tax revenues that flow from new (and in my opinion unnecessary and shortsighted) development. I am glad that Mr Goyer exposed what seems to be a significant flaw in the municipality’s approach and the need for reform. This issue needs to addressed and the sooner, the better. Because if we don’t, we will just be another humdrum town that big city folk pass through on the way to their McMansions. More articles like this, Mr Goyer, please. Keep us informed and a job well done so far,sir!