Communities have the right to protect heritage

With reference to Margaret Coburn's letter (Sept. 5 edition of the Sentinel), I referred the question to the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) who reminded me of the principles of the Ontario Heritage Act and its intent.

Without going into detail, the Act is clear that a community has a right to protect heritage assets. Thus to the suggestion that the public needs a public policy, and "undefined public rights," the Ontario Heritage Act legislation and policy statements are clear, have been sharpened over the years and are continually being enhanced to try to eliminate anything arbitrary in the evaluation of heritage assets. Evaluators, if they are experienced, base their observations on research and on principles established by the International Council of Monuments and Sites, UNESCO, the Federal Heritage Board (Canada), Standards and Guidelines issued by Parks Canada and other heritage standards organizations.

What the letter seems to be asking is why should the community have any right to tell a property owner what to do with his or her property? Why is a person's right to alter a property influenced by a community's right to protect what they value? I think the answer is that a building, property, etc. exists within the community and that there is a real responsibility that the property make a worthwhile contribution to the whole. A desirable result is one that is to the community's advantage as well as the owner's. Thus the purpose of the Ontario Heritage Act legislation is to give a community time to explore options to preserve and promote what that community values.

A building does not exist in isolation. The context of that building is very important and it contributes to the contexts of other buildings. The total gives the community its style and identity and a sense of place. Retaining a heritage context in a community enhances the value of the whole. There are many communities in Ontario which are richer places because they have retained their heritage context. And property values do not decline.

Nobleton is a curious case since the main crossroads of the community has a number of heritage buildings, including a number of frame dwellings with heritage value. It has a potential heritage core which currently is loosely defined. It is being or will be surrounded by the endless monotony of cookie-cutter housing and strip malls. So, in the end, who is the "community" that will define the core of Nobleton and give it its future identity? The people of Nobleton, King Township, the developer?

Why is a photograph of a heritage building not sufficient for those who need a memory of what was there? Perhaps, in effect, who cares? I think a book could be written in response to this one! Villages which have retained their historic core and have made it an integral part of their space have more people walking around, more visitors and higher values. Who is going to go out of their way for a stroll through or visit yet another variety store, or glass and aluminum shop or similar undistinguished setting? Many people love living in an area with a bit of character and not a poor copy of another period. Older buildings often have features that we cannot reproduce today. The honest craftsmanship and materials are no longer available except at great cost. These buildings tell our children that people did things differently at one time, and remind them (and us) of what we can do with our own hands and skills. A photograph, if you take the time to look at it and its abbreviated caption, cannot do that.

A word about heritage designation. A designation usually applies to the exterior of a building and may also include elements of context. It sometimes includes interior features. It is not the intent of designation to prevent a person from modifying a building or re-using it for a different purpose and demolition is still permitted when no other alternative exists. It does give the community the opportunity to look for alternatives and to ask the owner to consider alternatives. Owners have the right to have a proposed designation reviewed by the Conservation Review Board and the Ontario Municipal Board. The ACO PreservationWorks! advises: "It is good practice to involve owners at the earliest stage of considering listing or designation."

Ian McGillivray,

Glenville