A local developer doesn’t want its south end property designated for heritage preservation, arguing such status would be “unduly restrictive” for its approved townhouse project there.
A numbered company which includes Reid’s Heritage Homes has filed an appeal with the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) in response to city council’s intention to designate 331 Clair Rd. E. for protection under the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA).
The property is home to the James Hanlon farmhouse, built circa. 1850, and is on the city’s municipal heritage registry.
The developer plans to build a 136-unit townhouse development at 331 Clair Rd. E. – located on the south side of Clair Road, between Gordon Street and Victoria Road.
In its appeal notice, the developer states its intention is to “relocate and restore the farmhouse as part of the proposed development,” with key aspects of the original structure “adaptively reused within the central amenity area.”
As a result, it claims OHA designation is “unnecessary and duplicative in the circumstances and the additional requirements which would be imposed under the Ontario Heritage Act would be unduly restrictive.”
City council approved a motion last month confirming its intent to designate 331 Clair Rd. E. under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. That confirmation followed council’s initial designation approval in November, which prompted a letter of objection from the developer.
The site meets four of nine criteria to be considered for OHA designation, city heritage planner Jack Mallon told council last month. At least two criteria must be met in order to qualify for designation.
Designated properties require municipal approval before alterations, renovations or additions can be done that may impact the property’s heritage attributes, including landscape and natural features.
Council approved the development plan in December.
