Heritage Richmond Hill Advances Jefferson Schoolhouse Demolition Request

Heritage Richmond Hill unanimously advanced a request to demolish the fire-damaged Jefferson Schoolhouse at 11575 Yonge St., subject to salvage, conservation and reconstruction conditions. The committee also approved heritage permits for exterior work at the William H. Ledger House and restoration work at the Jacob Heisy III House.

The schoolhouse owner, Alina Katskova, said the property could be redeveloped for affordable housing. City staff recommended that the schoolhouse be rebuilt on-site, while the committee also discussed relocation and commemorating the building through salvaged materials.

Topics Discussed

Jefferson Schoolhouse demolition and safety

The committee reviewed Staff Report SRPBS26068 concerning the fire-damaged Jefferson Schoolhouse. Engineers reported that the fire compromised the roof, mortar joints and masonry, leaving the building structurally unsound. Engineer Sandro supported salvaging as much brick as possible for "non-structural" use.

Katskova said the property could be redeveloped for "much needed affordable housing." She said the owner believed the structure could not be saved but remained committed to recovering viable original materials for a permanent installation commemorating the schoolhouse.

The committee advanced the demolition request unanimously. The decision requires salvage, conservation and restoration planning before demolition proceeds.

Salvage, reconstruction and future development

Planner Pamela said, "Staff are recommending that the schoolhouse be rebuilt on site." She added that conversations with the owner would continue if council approved the recommendation.

The committee discussed whether a reconstructed schoolhouse should remain at its original location or be relocated to St. John's Baptist Church. Scott Thompson said the possibility of moving the building to the church had previously been discussed, where the church could act as its steward.

Katskova said the owner intended to recover viable original materials for a permanent commemorative installation. The committee also considered the implications of redeveloping the property for housing.

Karen Cilevitz said, "It is especially when we have the item that's coming up next. It is so refreshing that we see these two items come forward to us for protection of heritage," referring to the schoolhouse demolition request and the heritage application that followed.

William H. Ledger House heritage permit

The committee unanimously approved Staff Report SRPBS26065 for exterior work at the William H. Ledger House, also known as the Jefferson Post Office, at 11666 Yonge St.

The application covers exterior alterations. The current structure has no identified interior heritage attributes because its interior was previously gutted.

The committee considered the Ledger House alongside the schoolhouse's heritage significance and the remaining historic buildings in the Jefferson Corners area.

Jacob Heisy III House restoration

The committee unanimously approved Staff Report SRPBS26066 for restoration work at the Jacob Heisy III House, 10971 Bayview Ave.

The work will restore the exterior envelope and mechanical systems, make the building weathertight and return its exterior appearance to its 1907 form. The Richmond Hill Historical Society endorsed the restoration plan.

Heritage-property fires and security enforcement

The committee discussed the loss of heritage buildings to fire and the security of vacant heritage properties. Pamela said, "We do recognize that pattern and we are quite concerned about this pattern."

Staff said the city is using provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act and the Property Standards Bylaw to require enhanced security measures at vacant heritage properties.

Motions

• Adoption of Minutes HR0626: Minutes from the Sept. 24 Heritage Richmond Hill meeting were adopted.
• William H. Ledger House heritage permit — Staff Report SRPBS26065: Approved unanimously.
• Jacob Heisy III House heritage permit — Staff Report SRPBS26066: Approved unanimously.
• Jefferson Schoolhouse demolition request — Staff Report SRPBS26068: Advanced unanimously, subject to salvage, conservation and restoration-planning conditions. The matter is scheduled for the Committee of the Whole on Dec. 2 and City Council on Dec. 9.

Attendees

The supplied notes identify the following committee members or participants:

• Barbara DeAmbro, vice chair
• Agnes Parr
• Timothy Cheng
• Stephen — surname not provided
• Thompson — first name not provided
• Committee chair — name not provided
• Alina Katskova, property owner
• Pamela, city staff planner
• Sandro, structural engineer
• Brian Hat, brick restoration expert
• Vincent Santamora, representing Rakai South Developments

The supplied notes also list the following councillors:

• Michael Shiu
• Simon Cui
• Godwin Chan
• Karen Cilevitz
• David West
• Scott Thompson
• Castro Liu
• Carol Davidson
• Joe DiPaola