ERIN – Council has approved new heritage designations for three properties in Hillsburgh, despite objections from the property owners.
The designations, approved on March 13, apply to properties at 93 Trafalgar Rd., 3 Station St., and 12 Orangeville St.
93 Trafalgar Rd.
The property, which features an old church building, is situated next door to the Hillsburgh arena and next to a creek.
Property owner Stan Gaveyez presented his objection to the council, stating that “the property has changed ownership several times and has not been used as a place of worship nor as a public community centre for almost half a century, if not longer.”
He also stated he considers the building “not unique” as other heritage properties on Trafalgar Road and noted the building’s poor structural integrity.
Designating his property as having “cultural value will unfairly and negatively impact” him, said Gaveyez.
He said he also owns the property next door, 91 Trafalgar Rd. and has plans to demolish the old church and build a commercial business or office building on the two lots.
However, town manager of planning and development David Waters told council any development on the site would be tricky, if not impossible, as all of 93 and part of 91 Trafalgar are located on the flood plain.
Councillor John Brennan inquired about the building’s structural integrity, asking what would happen if the building were to collapse.
“Is there an onus on the owner to maintain the building, or could he just simply let it fall down if it was in such a poor state of repair?” asked Brennan.
Waters told council the owner would need to abide by all town property standards and bylaws in terms of upkeep, however, if the building were to collapse, he said it would be deemed a “clean slate” in terms of heritage designation.
Waters also said any development on the next-door lot, 91 Trafalgar, would have to be “sympathetic” to the church building and should not look to overpower or diminish the heritage value of the property.
Brennan responded by voicing further concern.
“If we are not designating 91, there should be no impact on that property at all,” said Brennan. “We should not be putting the onus on a bystander, so to speak.”
Councillor Bridget Ryan voiced her concerns over demolishing the building.
“Part of our vision is our historic charm, and if we start allowing [people] to demolish our historic charm, then we won’t have any,” said Ryan.
Council voted unanimously to pass the heritage designation for 93 Trafalgar Rd.
3 Station St.
This property, also known as Hillsburgh House by the Pond B&B, is located next to the Hillsburgh Century Theatre.
The property owners did not present their objection. Instead, Waters read a summary of the objection letter.
“The property owners argue that designation should not proceed because it will limit their choice or make it more expensive to purchase home insurance,” said Waters.
Brennan spoke first, validating the property owners’ concerns.
“If somebody is going to have trouble with purchasing home insurance because of a designation, I think that’s a legitimate objection for people to have,” said Brennan.
Ryan responded to Brennan’s concerns by addressing a provincial document provided to council prior to the meeting, which stated “insurance premiums should not go up because of heritage designation.”
Cheyne stated just because the government says designation shouldn’t increase insurance rates doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t happen.
“The government doesn’t tell insurance companies what they can charge and what they won’t insure, so that’s the sticky wicket,” he said.
However, Cheyne also pointed out that if council grants the objection, it could set a precedent for others to say they can’t afford insurance and therefore their property should not be designated.
Council voted unanimously to pass the heritage designation for 3 Station St.
12 Orangeville St.
The property planner that submitted the objection for 12 Orangeville St. was also not in attendance, and a summary of their objection letter was read by Waters.
“It is the opinion of the planner … that Orangeville St. only meets one criterion for designation … its design and physical value,” said Waters.
The planner also questioned the historical association of Charles James McMillan, the man who built the house, as not important to the Hillsburgh community.
Waters noted staff disagrees on that matter, stating “12 Orangeville St. is important in supporting the late 19th and 20th century character of the historic village of Hillsburgh.”
There was no discussion or questions from council and the heritage designation bylaw was passed unanimously.
