Decision on whether to designate Pringle House delayed to allow discussions
By Anneleen Naudts

Determining the future of Pringle House, a 19th century building in Nobleton, has not been easy, as King council recently had to consider both the owners' concerns and the desire to preserve the heritage building.

While the owners said they are at wit's end as to what to do with the building, the Township's Heritage Committee, among other groups, wanted council to initiate the designation process to ensure the building's preservation.

At a recent meeting, council opted not to designate the property under the Ontario Heritage Act, but instead recommended the property owners and the Heritage Committee meet to discuss options for the building.

At a meeting in August, council voted to place the property on the Township's Heritage Registry, offering a level of protection against demolition. Now the house cannot be torn down for at least 60 days after applying for a demolition permit.

Council had also requested an independent inspection of Pringle House, located on Highway 27, just north of King Road, to determine its status.

Engineer Peter Willis (from Totten, Sims, Hubciki Associates) conducted the study, and reported the house is structurally sound.

With the exception of the possibility of ongoing movement in the rear addition's foundation and the deteriorated state of the chimney, there are no signs of distress, the report stated.

The cost of moving the building to an alternate site, within one kilometer of its current location, would range from $150,000 to $200,000, reported Willis.

The Heritage Committee reported it does not support relocating the building, due to its contextual significance to the Nobleton streetscape, and the cultural loss that would ensue from its relocation.

Joan Jackaman, of the Nobleton Women's Institute, spoke to council on the need to preserve the heritage property. It is important to ensure the ones that are remaining are preserved, she remarked. "King can demonstrate it values heritage," Jackaman told councillors.

Maria Gallo, owner of the property, also addressed councillors, saying she and her husband considered several options for the house, but building contractors dissuaded them.

"The house is nothing but costing me money," said Gallo. "We can't seem to get any luck to do anything with it."

Gallo advised that prior to buying the property, she consulted the Township with respect to the house's heritage status. They purchased it because they were told the house was not designated and it would be possible to demolish it.

The house required more repairs than anticipated, and the insurance company denied coverage until it is repaired. The house cannot be rented out because it cannot be insured, and Gallo disconnected the gas and hydro to the house.

"I don't know, I really don't know at this point what to do," Gallo told councillors.

King Township Heritage Committee Chair Elaine Robertson said she wanted to refresh everyone's mind regarding the property "and why we feel it is so important."

That house is what gives communities like Nobleton its unique character, she said. "It's our job to preserve heritage for future generations."

Robertson said the Heritage Committee would be happy to help the Gallos look at alternatives for the building, adding there are similar examples in other municipalities.

Councillor Jeff Laidlaw inquired if the Heritage Committee had come across people with ideas regarding the property, and Robertson confirmed there had been.

Laidlaw, admittedly a bit biased, said he enjoys the property and knows the people of Nobleton would like to save it. On the one hand there is the importance to preserve Pringle House, he said, while on the other hand he understood the Gallos' concerns. "Damned if I do, damned if I don't," he remarked.

Councillor Jane Underhill would like to see the building preserved. "I think the building should be kept," she said.

Councillor Bill Cober asked whether there are any willing hosts for the building. He said this could be something to look into, because "we may be blessed with somewhere to move it."

Cober also asked if it would be possible to come up with a program or plan to finance repairs to the building, and wondered if the owners could apply for government funding.

Township Clerk Chris Somerville replied inquiries were made in the past, but said government funding avenues can be looked into again.