Concerned homeowners were assured being added to the register wouldn't restrict what they could do with their own properties, and likely wouldn't prevent future demolition. But the case of 860 Colonel By Dr., the first one involving a home on the register, has thrown those assurances into some doubt. City heritage planner Lesley Collins said protection from demolition can only be guaranteed with a designation under the Ontario Heritage Act, something staff did not recommend. "It is a typical, perhaps pattern-book Edwardian Classicist house," said Collins, noting staff didn't think the house showed a high degree of craftsmanship, either. If city council ultimately designates 860 Colonel By Dr. a heritage home, it would be the first among the thousands of homes on the city's new register to receive such protection.

Source: CBC News June 09, 2020 20:15 UTC