New Letter to the Villager - May 27, 2010

LETTERS

Preserve heritage, character of Baby Point

Re: Homeowner allowed to demolish Baby Point home, news April 29, 2010

Regrettably, this situation is another example of how modern planning fails to take into consideration the character of an existing neighbourhood. Instead, it permits property re-developers to build out to the limits of the zoning regulations, using their as-of-right to construct modern super-sized buildings that do not fit In with the built heritage fabric of the surrounding neighbourhood.

This is a particular shame when it occurs within an enclave like Baby Point, so closely resembling the original Robert Home Smith tract of architecturally coherent residences, interspersed with later infill development that has for the most part been sensitively designed.

An appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board would achieve little more than a delay for the Project, at monetary expense to the plaintiffs. The proposed building conforms to the existing City of Toronto Official Plan, zoning and site plan regulations, leaving little to no legal grounds upon which to overturn the council decision.

In addition, Ontario's recent Places to Grow-legislation makes the intensification of development in existing neighbourhoods more likely.

Since the current planning framework for they city is unlikely to substantially change any time soon, other approaches may be examined.

Given the distinctive nature of Baby Point ans strong community interest in preserving the distinctive built heritage and cultural heritage landscape, designation as a heritage conservation District under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act would be an effective mechanism.

This would permit the identification and definition of specific heritage features that make Baby Point what it is, and in doing so, guide future alterations, demolitions and new construction to conform more closely with the existing built form, architectural styles, and materials.

Heritage Conservation Districts are in use across Ontario to successfully maintain the character of distinctive neighbourhoods like Baby Point, while permitting alterations and development that are sympathetic to the original built heritage.

Given the inevitable development pressures within the city, it may be prudent for this community's members to consider this alternative while there is still a neighbourhood to protect.

Signed:
Joseph Muller