PH26724 - Ministry's view of Cultural Heritage

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Community : Bradford West Gwillimbury
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Description : In a special meeting of Council on December 8, Bradford West Gwillimbury Council returned to the Heritage debate, with a presentation by Burt Duclos of the Ministry of Culture. Duclos advised Councillors that the Ontario Heritage Act requires municipalities to keep a "current, publicly accessible register of properties of cultural heritage value or interest" - but that it is up to Council to determine what appears on the Registry, and what buildings are "designated" under the Act. Registry does not confer designation - it only provides temporary protection from demolition or alteration, requiring a homeowner to notify Council of the proposed work 60 days in advance. The Heritage Registry, besides "creating an inventory of your assets," also provides time for sober second thought and negotiation - but does not interfere with the rights of the property owner, or involve any legal implications, unless Council decides to Designate. The process? Identify buildings of interest; conduct research into their history or importance; carry out a site analysis and measurements; and finally, evaluate the property, using criteria developed by the Province. The evaluation looks at the "what" but also "more importantly, the 'why?' An evaluation will lead you to make informed decisions," Duclos said - and possibly to designation. "What if a property owner doesn't want his property designated?" Councillor Mark Contois asked. "It is Council's authority to make the decision," said Duclos; there is no statutory requirement to seek the approval of the homeowner - although the Ministry urges municipalities to involve the owner in the discussion as much as possible. But just being listed on a Heritage Registry has no impact, Duclos said.