www.babypointheritage.ca

Projected Impact of the Proposed Front Setback Variance of 66 Baby Pt. Rd.

The Villager - August 11, 2011 by Lisa Rainford

Residents on Baby Point Road are dismayed a neighbour has been given permission to build a three-storey house mere metres from the sidewalk.

Flash: - This may be Appealed to the OMB

A City of Toronto Committee of Adjustment, deemed the application a minor variance Thursday evening, July 28, despite the neighbourhood's effort to prove otherwise.

Property owner Lorne Bozinoff had the original 1920s Arts and Craft-style, one-and-a-half-storey cottage designed by architect Robert Home Smith demolished in November to make room for the new house.

"We are disappointed in the committee's decision. The applicant's reason for moving this 6,000-square foot house forward was to improve the streetscape," said David Bronskill, the lawyer representing some Baby Point residents. "We fail to see how pushing forward a house that is two times the size of nearby homes does anything except overwhelm the streetscape."

Reached by telephone Monday, Aug. 8, Bozinoff said he was "very pleased" with the outcome of the meeting. "It was unanimous in our favour," he said.

As many as 15 residents attended the late July meeting. Those who could not be there expressed their opposition through written letters to the committee. The new house is the first in the immediate area to violate the front yard setback requirement of 9.13 metres, Bronskill said. Bozinoff plans to construct his house 6.46 metres from the south front lot line. Although, he said he has yet to determine when construction will be begin.

Parkdale-High Park Councillor Sarah Doucette supported the consensus of her constituents by writing a letter to the committee. She said she felt that by moving the house forward, the property would lose crucial green space.

Area residents are scratching their heads as to why the committee decided the character of Baby Point Circle should be forever altered to accommodate a large house with a backyard pool. "Neighbours are incredulous at why the streetscape should be permanently be changed to suit Mr. Bozinoff's development rather than changes being made to his development plan to suit the streetscape," said David Ceolin, who lives on the Baby Point Circle.

Based on neighbours' input last year, Bozinoff said he and his architects redesigned the house. Neighbours had 21 days from July 28 to decide if they wanted to fight the decision at the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).

This decision had yet to be made by The Villager's press deadline.

Meanwhile, Bozinoff said he is in the midst of finalizing interior drawings. "If the committee's decision is appealed, we would hope that the OMB would place great weight on this persuasive evidence and protect the existing physical character of this beautiful neighbourhood," Bronskill said.

Neighbours charge the new structure will occupy 90 per cent of the allowable lot space, 99 per cent of the allowable width and is twice as large as the house next door, despite claims that they are similar in size. "I feel like the people on the committee have failed us. The evidence that was presented was ignored," said Kevin O'Doherty, a nine-year resident, adding that he feels the new house will dramatically change the imprint of Baby Point.

The neighbourhood was a featured on a show called Structures, which highlights stories about Toronto's local culture and heritage. The program, said Ceolin, included architectural and urban planning experts commenting on Home Smith's vision for Baby Point. Home Smith wanted to ensure that houses did not overwhelm each other or the lots on which they were built, said Ceolin.

"The implications of this decision are that this historically admired streetscape has now been permanently altered so one individual can have a large lap pool for his 6,500-square foot footprint," he said.

Visual Impact of proposed 66 Baby Point Rd.

The top image is a rendering of the visual impact that the new home at 66 Baby Point Rd. will have on the streetscape if the Minor Variance of moving the house forward 8-3/4 ft. is granted.

The middle image is a rendering of the visual impact on the streetscape with the home situated on the required setback line.

The bottom image is the streetscape prior to demolition of the original house at 66 Baby Point Rd.

Register your concern about approval of this Minor Variance with your Councillor:

Katherine

Assistant to Sarah Doucette

Toronto City Councillor, Ward 13

councillor_doucette@toronto.ca

66 Baby Point Road - Setback Variance

Facts:

The proposed new home to be constructed on the empty lot at 66 Baby Point Rd. is 6,000 sq. ft.

It is 2.2 times larger than the immediately adjacent 12 homes
It occupies 90% of the allowable lot space
It uses 99% of its allowable width at 66 feet
It is twice as large as 68 Baby Point Rd. despite claims that they are comparable in size(5941 vs 3033 sq.ft.)
It will be closer to the street by 1/3 of the depth or dimension of the east wall of the old home

66 Baby Point Rd - Minor Variance Application

The Bozinoff's have applied for a Minor Variance for the planned new dwelling at 66 Baby Point Road.

They want to move it forward 8.75 ft towards the sidewalk, on the basis that this will restore the street scape.

Recall that the original request for a Variance in 2009 was to increase landscaping space. (note EW orientation of original pool design). The latest plan (bottom) now has it aligned North/South.

Is this the real reason ?

Community Meeting 66 Baby Pt Rd. June 21, 2011

Councillor Doucette arranged a Community Meeting with Mr. Lorne Bozinoff this past Tuesday evening at the Baby Point Clubhouse. At that time Mr. Bozinoff undertook the task of presenting updated drawings of the home to be constructed at 66 Baby Point Road. He described several changes that have been made to the plans. He then presented his justification for a minor variance for this development.

He indicated that the new dwelling will now be in the style of an Arts and Crafts home with square footage of 5,941 sq.ft. He also noted that the garage had been moved back and the dormer window design had changed. In addition, he stated that the roof line had been altered and was now two feet lower than previous.

He indicated that despite these changes he still required a Minor Variance to move the home forward of the normal front setback line. In addition to a permit from the TRC to transgress the Humber Ravine Protection Zone, the owner has applied to the Etobicoke/York Committee of Adjustment to move the south east corner and the rest of the proposed house 2.67 meters (8.75 feet) beyond the prevailing setback line. ( In red above is the footprint of the previous home)

Mr. Bozinoff claims that this will re-establish the appropriate "en echelon" placement of the homes along the curve of of the north perimeter of Baby Point Circle and restore the authenticity of the historic sight lines of this specific section of Baby Point Road. His submission was echoed by a local resident of Baby Point Crescent who disagrees with the general consensus in the community that the appropriate placement for the new home is on the established setback line that runs corner to corner between the adjacent properties.

Although he acknowledged the fact that the new home is very large, he argued that the bylaw requirement that the new house be placed on the established set back line would taint the aesthetics of the street scape.

It is perhaps appropriate to recall that the dimensions of the new dwelling will be 2.3 times larger than the previous demolished property and twice as large as adjacent properties. It will occupy 90% of its allowable coverage and will have a frontage of 66 ft., which is 99% of the allowable dimension of the front elevation.

The requested minor variance of of 2.7meters (or approx. 9 feet), is 1/3 of the dimension of the entire east wall and footing of the old dwelling. This is hardly a minor variance.

In rebuttal, Mr. Bozinoff made a comparison of the proposed new dwelling to the adjacent neighbour immediately to his west at 68 Baby Point Road, in which he described the two homes as being essentially the same. This is a misstatement that cannot go unchallenged.

The metrics of the proposes property is 5,941 sq, ft excluding the attached garage (+500 sq.ft.) The Bozinoff property will average 6,500 sq.ft including the attached garage floor space. MPAC data reveal that the area coverage of 68 Baby Point Road is as follows: built 1925, sq.ft. 3033.

In fact, the difference between these two compared properties is ~100% (double). That puts the lie to the statement that they are comparable in size. Additionally, it puts in question the validity of other statements of a similar kind.

The essential issue that remains outstanding is the merits of the Application for a Minor Variance and this will be presented in the subsequent Blog Posting

C of A Hearing of June 9, 2011 was Deferred

The Scheduled hearing of June 9th, 2011, before the Etobicoke York Panel of the Committee of Adjustment to decide on an Application for a Minor Variance was deferred on the basis of improper procedure and due process.

In addition, Councillor Doucette submitted a letter calling for deferral as a consequence of lack of engagement with the community by the Applicant, Mrs. Cynthia Anne Bozinoff and Agents.

The Deferral is for four(4) weeks to provide the Applicant time to deliver copies of relevant plans and drawings to the members of the Baby Point Community present at the hearing.

The hearing is rescheduled for Thursday July 7, 2011 at 2:00 pm in the York Community Council Chambers , 2700 Eglinton Ave.

The Applicant has applied for a variance to the front setback line in order to move the planned 5,940 sq.ft dwelling forward 2.67 m (~10 ft). This is illustrated in the above diagram that shows the footprint of the demolished previous home in red, and the present front setback line in blue

The new dwelling (blue outline) is 2.3 times larger than the previous home and will occupy 96% of the allowable building lot space.

Baby Point on Structures - Rogers TV

Subject: Baby Point on Structures
Date: Fri, 3 Jun 2011 15:32:28 -0400
From: Carolyn.Sochaniwsky@rci.rogers.com
CC: vermillion13@aol.com

Dear Friends of Structures,
Host, Heather Seaman explores Baby Point, an upscale neighbourhood, located on an ancient native trade route. This architecturally elegant suburb was designed to preserve its Aboriginal, French and British history.
Each episode is an adventure through Toronto’s neighbourhoods, streets, landmarks and personalities that have shaped our city’s history and architecture. Structures airs Sundays at 9pm on Rogers TV (cable 10 in Toronto/cable 63 in Scarborough & cable 510 in HD).
Baby Point will be featured on Rogers TV's Structures at the following times.

• Mon. June 13 - 4:30pm
• Thu. June 16 - 8:30am
• Fri. June 17 - 2:30pm

Baby Point will repeat during the weeks of July 10th and August 14th. Please see the schedule on the Rogers TV website up to 2 weeks before for exact dates/times.
http://www.rogerstv.com/page.aspx?lid=12&rid=16&sid=129
http://www.rogerstv.com/page.aspx?lid=1&rid=16
Carolyn Sochaniwsky
Producer
Structures
Rogers TV - Toronto

Our History begins at Home-Click for BPHF Web Site

Residents step up efforts to turn Baby Point into Heritage Conservation District (HCD)

By Kris Scheuer
February 25, 2011


Neighbourhoods: Bloor West Village

Originally published in our Bloor West print edition.."The Town Crier"
by KAROLYN COORSH/TOWN CRIER

GATEKEEPER: Longtime Baby Point resident Robert Galway is leading the charge to have his west-end neighbourhood be designated a heritage conservation district. The endeavor comes with a price tag — Galway and neighbours are currently trying to obtain funds to hire heritage experts who will study the area.

Robert Galway stands on the street on a chilly but sunny Sunday morning staring at what appears to be a makeshift hockey rink.

Actually, it’s the former location of a stately home in Galway’s Baby Point neighbourhood, a home that up until recently stood next door to the one-time residence of Maple Leafs’ fabled owner Conn Smythe.

Until Nov. 30 when bulldozers drove in, the makeshift “hockey rink” was an Arts and Crafts-style home, built in the 1920s. Months ago, when the owners of 66 Baby Point Rd. applied to the city for a demolition permit, it was granted.

It should not have been, Galway contends.

Once a hobby, protecting these Baby Point homes has now become a mission for Galway, a longtime resident of the area.

Concerned his neighbourhood could be vulnerable to developers, Galway is attempting to make Baby Point a heritage conservation district.

He is among a core group of residents in the west-end neighbourhood trying to raise $25,000 to $50,000 to hire heritage research experts for a study of the area to see if it is worthy of heritage protection.

Since all of Baby Point, an enclave near the Humber River, consists of about 170 homes, the financial burden is too much for the property owners to bear alone, Galway says.

“We are ready to go with the guidelines but the process is contingent on getting at least 50 percent of the funding (for the study),” said Galway Feb. 15.

Galway estimates it will cost at least $24,500 to complete a study for phase one and two documenting about 130 properties west of Humbercrest Boulevard and including most of Baby Point Road, Baby Point Crescent and L’Estrange Place.


Found all around Toronto, heritage districts protect and enhance the character of properties in a designated area. The character is established by overall heritage quality of buildings, streets and public spaces.

With the designation, alterations and changes to a home or commercial property are subject to a different set of rules and guidelines. (ed note: - established by the neighbourhood)

PHOTOS by ROBERT GALWAY AND KAROLYN COORSH


BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER:

The home at 66 Baby Point Road was torn down in spite of protests from residents. The lot is now vacant.

The demolition of 66 Baby Point Rd. was a real wake-up call for the 150 residents who opposed the tear-down, said Galway who helped form Baby Point Heritage Foundation last August.

Galway has started taking photos of all the homes in the area and compiling details on when the houses were built, by whom and who lived there.

And he’s gathering data on the rich history of the community originally an Iroquois Seneca Village known as Taiaiacon.

The land lay vacant until about 1816 when James Baby settled here. Baby was a member of the powerful upper elite Family Compact — a group of individuals who had huge political influence in the 19th century.

Baby Point really started to form after Baby sold the lands in 1910 to the government for a military fortress and army barracks that never materialized, Galway explains.

The government in turn sold the land to local developer Robert Home Smith, who started the new subdivision around 1910-1911.

Galway is convinced if the area becomes a heritage conservation district, down the road property values will be protected or even rise.

He cites a report by Robert Shipley for the University of Waterloo that shows that in HCD areas like Rosedale and Wychwood that property values have increased over time at a better rate than communities without heritage districts.

“Property values are protected or rise at better rates than other areas,” he said.

Local councillor Sarah Doucette is hopeful some substantial money may be available through council’s community benefits from local developments.

“There’s a possibility of Section 37 money coming to Baby Point heritage conservation district (study),” said Doucette.

“And moving forward, I’d be interested in allocating more Section 37 money to other (potential) heritage designated areas.”

A Big Fence on the Streetscape for Winter Time

A year has passed since a group of concerned residents met in the cold, drafty Office of the past Councillor for Ward 13, Bill Saundercook, in a fruitless effort to persuade he and owner, Mr. Lorne Bozinoff that the plans to demolish 66 Baby Point Road and erect a Mega Mansion on the property would have untold negative impacts on the architectural integrity of this heritage area.

The Bozinoff's obtained their site plan approval by City Council on April 1st, 2010 and subsequently obtained their demolition and building permit. At no time did they offer up any amended plans of their project for review, or attempt to meet in a meaningful way, the legitimate concerns of the Baby Point residents or their future neighbours.

In the early hours of the morning of November 30th. and under the cover of darkness, arrived the machines of residential destruction. It has not escaped notice that this took place on the last day in office of Councillor Saundercook who was defeated in his re-election bid by Sarah Doucette.

Several reliable sources have reported that central to the defeat of the incumbent was the "Heritage Issue"

The streescape will be permanently altered by this ill advised undertaking and "The Circle" ,presently stands defaced and scarred. From hole to hoarding. This is the seasonal blight facing the area residents as they, or their friends, pass through the Baby Point Circle on their way to home or recent holiday hospitality.

The only thing missing from the Bozinoff barrier is a message of Good Cheer.... but never fear the graffiti will soon appear and the blight on the neighbourhood will continue to expand.

A Big Hole in the Streetscape for Winter Time

This picture speaks for itself! (click image to spread & enlarge it)
Home Smith once famously said "Do we want to be like Birmingham or Pittsburgh or do we want to be like Paris or London?". With neighbourly values like those displayed in the 66 Baby Point matter, and a development policy that aids and abets developers like this, it appears we are on our way to being the former.

Lorne Bozinoff President of Forum Research of Toronto is a specialist in public opinion with corporate and government clientele. Yet, he failed to consider the significant statistic of 150 of his neighbours opposed to his plan to demolish a 1923 Arts & Crafts home, and erect a home that is nearly three times the size of his local neighbours. The beautiful Arts & Crafts home was a striking anchor feature of the Home Smith Baby Point Circle, occupying the key position in the sweeping circle for which Home Smith's design is famous. His new home, a 6800 sq.ft home has been the subject of considerable controversy. Despite repeated attempts by the Baby Point neighbourhood to reach out to Mr. Bozinoff, he has failed on the scorecard of basic neighbourly values and proceeded in a decidedly questionable manner relative to his expertise in analyzing public opinion.

Demolition begins on 66 Baby Point (click title => BPHF Website

• LISA RAINFORD
• Toronto Online & The Villager|
• Nov 30, 2010 - 11:31 AM

Demolition begins on Baby Point cottage

Demolition begins on Baby Point cottage. Despite the protests of the Concerned Residents of Baby Point Circle, the city-approved demolition of a 1920s Arts and Craft Cottage at 66 Baby Point Road began early Tuesday morning, Nov. 30. Courtesy photo

Members of the Concerned Residents of Baby Point Circle are devastated that demolition began early Tuesday morning Nov. 30 on a neighbouring 1920s Arts and Craft cottage.

Seven months ago, Toronto City Council granted its owners, Lorne Bozinoff and his wife, site plan approval making them eligible for a building permit. The couple are demolishing the historic Robert Home Smith-designed one-and-a-half storey house at 66 Baby Point Rd. to make room for a 5,800-square foot, three-storey detached dwelling.

Bozinoff has said it will blend in with the others on the Baby Point Circle.

Unable to connect with the Bozinoffs, neighbours were only able to speculate when exactly the demolition would commence, but signs that it was imminent began popping up last week.

"We can only infer that this is going to happen," said 40-year Baby Point resident Dr. Robert Galway Thursday, Nov. 25, pointing out that a utility company arrived Nov. 24 to cut off electricity to 66 Baby Point Rd.

Galway took photographs depicting spray-painted markings on the lawn outlining the position of water and electricity service locations and trees being cut down.

Calls to Bozinoff and an email to his lawyer requesting comment were not returned by The Villager's deadline.

More than 150 people - 90 per cent of the neighbourhood - have registered their opposition against the project saying its size is more than twice as large as the homes around it. The adjacent homes average 2,700 square feet. The Bozinoffs' house would be two-and-a-half times larger than the average, said Galway.

"Just two weeks ago, I ran into a lady whose grandfather had been one of Home Smith's architects. She said her grandfather would say (Home Smith) was really meticulous in his demands for perfection. The wide spaces in Baby Point are not by accident," said Galway. "Bozinoff has really shown disdain for the heritage of the neighbourhood that goes back 300 years."

Since the Bozinoffs purchased the property two-and-a-half years ago, Galway said he and his neighbours have been waiting in vain for any indication that the couple has any intention of adapting their plans to better integrate the house with the existing heritage of the neighbourhood.

At a public meeting, March 25, Bozinoff said he was attracted to the Baby Point area for its historical character.

"This has me a little bit puzzled," said Kevin O'Doherty, who has lived in Baby Point for eight years. "It's the character of the neighbourhood that's going to be affected by the demolition."

Six-year resident of the neighbourhood Wendy Brown said that even though the Bozinoffs are within their rights, according to the bylaws, "it's a unique house."

"You'd think they'd want to preserve it," she said.

Councillor-elect Sarah Doucette said she has been in contact with city officials via email (she was not permitted to meet with them personally until Dec. 1 when she will be sworn in as councillor).

"I've just been double-checking to see if everything is in order," said Doucette, who has met with Baby Point residents. "I felt approaching the homeowner would be over-stepping my mark as councillor-elect. After Dec. 1, I'm going to ask him if the community can have a look at the plans. The community hasn't seen any plans, I think that's their biggest concern. I'm hoping we can negotiate some changes."

In the meantime, Doucette confirmed that Bozinoff had secured demolition and building permits. And, the trees he had cut down were approved by Toronto's urban forestry department.

The Concerned Residents of Baby Point Circle are in the midst of pursuing the possibility of a heritage conservation district designation to stop any future building projects of this nature. Visit www.babypointheritage.ca for further details.

The Final Step in the Demolition of 66 Baby Point Rd.; Nov 30, 2010

It started on this cold, damp and grey November morning with the sounds of bricks crashing, a chimney falling, glass tinkling as it tumbled to smashed concrete below..... the last of a period house, the centre piece of almost 90 years of residential history in the Baby Point Circle.

Done, demolished and dumped in a dirty truck. A chapter written by Lorne Bozinoff with an unhappy ending for all concerned.

If this were a Thai house, the spirits will be displeased. This is not a blessed "Feng Shui" place.

Home Smith once famously said "Do we want to be like Birmingham or Pittsburgh or do we want to be like Paris or London?". With neighbourly values like those displayed in the 66 Baby Point matter, and a development policy that aids and abets developers like this, it appears we are on our way to being the former.

Lorne Bozinoff President of Forum Research of Toronto is a specialist in public opinion with corporate and government clientele. Yet, he failed to consider the significant statistic of 150 of his neighbours opposed to his plan to demolish a 1923 Arts & Crafts home, and erect a home that is nearly three times the size of his local neighbours. The beautiful Arts & Crafts home was a striking anchor feature of the Home Smith Baby Point Circle, occupying the key position in the sweeping circle for which Home Smith's design is famous. His new home, a 6800 sq.ft home has been the subject of considerable controversy. Despite repeated attempts by the Baby Point neighbourhood to reach out to Mr. Bozinoff, he has failed on the scorecard of basic neighbourly values and proceeded in a decidedly questionable manner relative to his expertise in public opinion.

66 Baby Point Rd.

This wonderful example of an Arts & Craft style house that populates the majority if not all of Home Smith's Humber Valley Survey developments is facing demolition in the very near future.

The trees are cut, the gas is off, the overlooked water service is now secured and the owners finally remembered to come and unlock the door to let Hydro do its thing.

It is now a dead house and no longer a home. The evisceration has started. The antique 19th Century all marble fireplace imported yesteryear from Europe has felt the hammer. The eight inch planked solid oak floors will be the next to go. Then the 4-1/2 ft. walnut/oak wainscotting. The finale will be the dust that settles around the custom crown molded celings when they come crashing down. The chandeliers will never see light in this splendid house that was once a home.

New trees, new lawn, new home, none will replace this one being torn from the ground.

The Demolition of 66 Baby Point Road Continues

Another Utility bites the dust!

Not anymore...They are knocking me down!

November 27th., 2010

The water is off and the trees are gone
The lawn is not cut and the tenant has gone
The hydro is not off but that won't be long
Now only a dead house but once a home...
No music, no laughter, not a hint of a song!

Not anymore, they are knocking me down.

Demolition marches On - November 26, 2010

November 26th., 2010

Utility Crew arrives to shut off water at 66 Baby Point Road

Workman asks "Are these people nuts ?"



Now ain't that the truth... the Emporer's clothes fable in our own front yard.

The common man knows reality when he sees it day in & day out

Update on Impending Demolition of 66 Baby Point Rd

Update:

November 24th saw the utility people arrive to cut of the electricity to 66 Baby Point Road. Demolition Derby is just around the corner even though winter is almost upon us.

If 66 Baby Point Road was like the family homestead above, then demolition would be understandable. However, truth be told, it isn't and in spite of statements by the owners that this Arts & Crafts style home has "bad bones" this claim challenges credulity... a home with wide planked oak floors, wainscoting to covet and so on!

All this and more have waited for a new owner with imagination, sensitivity to local concerns and a commitment to heritage preservation.. It is not to be!

Robert Home Smith, Conn Smythe and the ghosts of Babys' past, among others, are probably rolling over in their graves at this display of architectural sacrilege and hubris.

Demolition of 66 Baby Point Road Underway

November 14, 2010

The final chapter in the desecration of an historic neighbourhood has commenced. Note the markings on the lawn outlining the position of water & electricity service locations!

Seven months has passed since Mr. & Mrs. Lorne Bozinoff were granted site plan approval by City Council to demolish a 90 year old home at 66 Baby Point Road and erect in its place a 7,000 sq ft. three story home.

The majority of the neighbourhood registered their opposition to this project at every level available to them. All to no effect. Over the last 2-1/2 years since the Property was purchased by the Bozinoffs' they have awaited in vain for communication from the principals that they would modify or adapt there plans in order to integrate them with the existing built culture and heritage of this historic neighbourhood.

This neighbourhood was created by the forethought and vision of the late Robert Home Smith, and his design associates in the Toronto Land Corporation and the Humber Valley Estates. A responsible land development company that brought in to existence the Kingsway,the Old Mill, Riverside Drive among others.

The establishment of fully treed and wide street scapes, with judicious placement of the homes and the creation of spacious apertures between individual houses achieved an eye pleasing vista throughout the Baby Point Region. A built culture that rivals any other residential area in the City of Toronto for aesthetics and sensitivity to the geography of the area, that on the north or Baby Point Road side, includes the slope lands of the Humber River ravine.

The Community Council got it wrong, The City Council got it wrong. Councillor Bill Saundercook got it wrong as the recent election demonstrated, and those residents of the area that support this undertaking have also got it wrong.

The present home at 66 Baby Point Road is a central feature of the street scape that limits the Baby Point Circle on the north side of that area. It has what is called by Toronto Preservation Services, "contributory value" to the integrity of the area. It not only has that distinction, but in point of fact, it contributes more to the integrity of the area than any single other home in that group.

Several individuals who support the project, have commented that the available drawings of the new edifice look "nice". Mr. Bozinoff has publicly stated "you will like my new house".

However, they have all missed the point. The oversized new home cannot take on the role of being the "lynch pin" that integrates the architectural diversity of the north side of "Baby Point Circle". In fact, it will destroy it.

The contributory role played by 66 Baby Point Road in forming the aesthetics of the present streetscape did not happen by accident. It is the result of careful architectural design and land use planning. The placement of the present house on the curvature of the street creates a focal point that leads the eye in a gentle sweep around the curve of the north side of Baby Point Rd. It is the centrepiece of the seven homes that form the northern residential boundary of "The "Circle".

The relatively smaller size of this house assures that it does not dominate the streetscape but passively embraces it and melds quietly into it. The wide space between the adjacent homes is the design feature that achieves a sense of spaciousness for the neighbourhood.

Finally, the "Arts and Craft" design is sufficiently varied from the adjacent six homes that it creates a sense of individual identity to each of them while seamlessly integrating all of them into a visual tapestry that embraces the open spaces of "The Circle" to the south.

The demolition of this house cannot be viewed in isolation. The adverse effect on the remaining homes and the Baby Point Circle street scape is incalculable. However, let there be no doubt, the effect will be profoundly negative and irreversible.

The size of the new home, at twice the size on average of the adjacent homes, insures that it will dominate the street. Its placement will not be on the previous footprint, but on a new setback line. As a consequence, this will disrupt the visual rythym of the "en echelon" placement of the remaining houses as designed by Home Smith's architects and land use planners.

In addition, the lot line to lot line occupation of the property will significantly diminish the sense of spaciousness that is the hallmark of the neighbourhood by eliminating the wide visual apertures and associated sightlines to the north.

It has been said that money has no ethics, it also has no sense of aesthetic values. In all cases these attributes derive from the individual in whose pockets the money rests.

Over the century that has passed since Home Smith acquired the Baby Point lands (once the historic home lands of Sir James Baby) it has been the unspoken commitment that those who came to live in this historic neighbourhood, or aspire to live here recognizing the areas unique character and heritage, would respect the original design covenants established by Home Smith.

It is a large responsibility, but one which is easy to transgress if one is not mindful of the above maxim.

It is now universally recognized ,with the benefit of hindsight, that the only protection that historic enclaves such as Baby Point have, in the face of the onslaught of expressions of wealth and personal ambition, is the protection offered by designation as a Heritage Conservation District.

However, the barriers to achieving this distinction are many, including significant financial considerations. Consequently, an HCD may be beyond reach in the immediate future! It will require a major commitment by the community at large and major support at both the governmental level of the city and at the provincial level to achieve this goal.

Destruction of 66 Baby Point Rd. Site starts To-day

November 11, 2010 Tree Cutters Arrive

Baby Point Heritage Foundation

We have completed the incorporation of

The Baby Point Heritage Foundation (BPHF)

August 20,2010 as an incorporated entity under Industry Canada guidelines.

http://www.babypointheritage.ca/indexbph.html