Oakville's Heritage Oakville Advisory Committee Reviews Designation Deadline

Oakville's Heritage Oakville Advisory Committee reviewed the town's plan to meet provincial heritage-register deadlines before Jan. 1, 2027. Heritage staff recommended notices of intention to designate four properties, but the committee referred the reports back to staff for site visits and further discussions with owners. Staff also reported that 100 of 294 listed properties have been prioritized for designation. Properties removed from the register will lose their current protection from demolition and cannot be relisted until 2032.

Topics Discussed

HERITAGE REGISTER DEADLINE

Staff said properties not formally designated by Jan. 1, 2027, must be removed from Oakville's heritage register under changes associated with Bill 23 and Bill 200. Kristen, a staff representative, explained that removal would end the current protection from demolition but would not permanently prevent future designation:

"For any properties that cannot be designated by the January 1st, 2027 deadline, the town will then be required to remove them from the heritage register. Importantly, this does not mean that those properties cannot be considered for designation in the future."

Properties removed from the register cannot be relisted until Jan. 1, 2032. Staff said 100 of the town's 294 listed properties have been prioritized for designation.

FOUR PROPERTIES REFERRED BACK

Staff recommended notices of intention to designate four properties under Section 29, Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act: 46 Cameo Street, 509 Lakeshore Road East, 425 Fourth Line and 91 Gorda Drive.

The properties are the Fagen House, Evergreen Lodge, Elm Place and the Rockdale Farmhouse, respectively. The committee referred the notices and reports back to staff for site visits, further study and discussions with the property owners. Final consideration was deferred.

SITE VISITS AND OWNER CONCERNS

Staff said site visits had not been completed for three of the four properties before the reports reached the committee. The reports were brought forward as drafts because of the approaching Jan. 1, 2027, deadline. Staff said the reports and proposed heritage attributes could be revised before returning to the committee and council.

Owners questioned the reports' accuracy, including the use of older photographs and secondary sources. Dell Langum also asked how an exterior heritage listing could affect a homeowner trying to sell a property:

"So my question to the panel is if the house is listed exteriorwise historical, how does that affect the property? How does that affect the price? How does that change trying to sell your home?"

One owner said features identified in the report for 509 Lakeshore Road East had largely been restored or reconstructed by the current owners.

PROPOSED DESIGNATIONS

Staff described the four homes as having architectural and historical associations with Oakville's development. The reports identify heritage attributes for each property, including architectural features and historical associations.

Owners questioned whether alterations to the buildings affected their heritage value and whether the reports accurately reflected the properties' current conditions. The committee's referral means staff will conduct additional review before the proposed designations return for consideration.

EFFECTS ON OWNERS AND MUNICIPAL PROGRAMS

Staff said designation generally applies to specified heritage attributes, often on elevations visible from the street. Rear portions of properties may remain available for additions or expansion, depending on the designation.

Kristen said owners of designated properties can apply for heritage permits when proposed work affects protected attributes:

"There is a process that homeowners go through when they have a designated heritage property. If they wanted to do any work that impacts the specific listed heritage attributes in the designation bylaw, it's our heritage permit process. It's no cost."

Staff also warned that designating about 100 additional properties could increase demand for heritage permits, development reviews and the heritage grant program, which staff described as "already typically oversubscribed." Owners have two 30-day objection and appeal periods after final bylaws are served.

Motions

• Heritage Designation Project 2023 to 2027 and Heritage Register Update: The committee received the staff report. Councillor McNass moved the item.
• Notices of Intention to Designate for 46 Cameo Street, 509 Lakeshore Road East, 425 Fourth Line and 91 Gorda Drive: Committee member Carrie moved to refer the notices and reports back to staff for further study, site visits and discussions with property owners. Final consideration was deferred.

Attendees

The transcript identifies the following councillors as participating in or being mentioned during the meeting:

• Councillor McNass
• Councillor Longo
• Councillor McNeice

Committee member Carrie also moved the referral motion. The transcript does not provide a complete attendance list.