The Toronto Preservation Board held its 42nd meeting to review heritage property alterations and additions to the Heritage Register. The most contentious item was 8 Prince Arthur Avenue, the former home of prominent Gothic Revival architect Henry Spratt, where board members debated whether to approve alterations that would keep existing stucco covering original brick and add a three-story addition that exceeds Heritage Conservation District guidelines. The board also approved alterations to 55 Lakeshore Boulevard East and discussed 171 East Liberty Street's inclusion on the Heritage Register.

Topics Discussed

8 Prince Arthur Avenue Heritage Alteration Controversy

The board debated a proposal to alter the G. Alexander Lesley House, the longtime residence of Henry Spratt, described as "probably the most prominent Gothic revival architect in Canadian history." The application proposes a three-story addition atop the existing rear section, bringing the total height to 25 meters—three stories higher than the heritage building. This does not comply with East Annex Heritage Conservation District guidelines stating additions should be "lower than the height of the roof ridge of the existing heritage building."

The most heated debate centered on the decision to preserve existing stucco rather than restore original red brick. Heritage planner Colin Pang explained that exploratory work revealed "completely spalled" brick underneath, and removing the stucco would require "intense brick restoration" or potentially "100% brick replacement." Board member Adam expressed "deep dissatisfaction with the stucco remaining," noting "Gothic Revival buildings don't have stucco on them." He was particularly frustrated that "just one section of the masonry was looked at by the door and the entire masonry structure was determined to be in a poor state of repair."

Board member Mitch questioned whether this was primarily cost-saving rather than best conservation practice, noting "Toronto is a brick a red brick city." However, staff emphasized they had consulted with the Annex Residents Association, which agreed with the preservation approach. The motion to approve the alterations passed with only one opposing vote.

Heritage Impact Assessment Accessibility Issues

Board member Adam raised concerns that the Heritage Impact Assessment for 8 Prince Arthur was not publicly available on the Application Information Center, despite being the fundamental reference document for the decision. He stated he was being asked to vote on a property alteration application without access to the HIA that discusses "a critical masonry element that is central to the application." Staff acknowledged the document should be available and claimed it could be provided upon request. Adam attempted to introduce a motion requesting further investigation, but the chair ruled it inadmissible because "the investigation has occurred" and a recommendation was already before the board.

55 Lakeshore Boulevard East Approved

The board unanimously approved alterations to this designated heritage property and authority to amend a heritage easement agreement. All members voted in favor with a recorded vote.

Unexploded Ordnance at Former Munitions Sites

During discussion of a Liberty Village former munitions factory, board member Adam questioned whether heritage planning staff examines UXO (unexploded ordnance) research or reports from the Ministry of National Defense when reviewing former weapons manufacturing facilities. He noted this has broader implications for "many properties in Liberty Village and elsewhere in the city of Toronto" with similar industrial heritage.

171 East Liberty Street Heritage Register Addition

This property is being considered for addition to Toronto's Heritage Register. Board member Adam requested to hold and discuss this item, though no presentation was scheduled.

Motions

Passed: - Alterations to 55 Lakeshore Boulevard East designated heritage property and authority to amend heritage easement agreement - approved unanimously with recorded vote - Alterations to 8 Prince Arthur Avenue heritage property - approved with one opposing vote

Held: - 171 East Liberty Street inclusion on Heritage Register - held for discussion - Liberty Village Former Munitions Factory (Item PB 42.1) - held due to technical difficulties

Attendees

Present: Julia Ray (Chair), Karash, Peter, Paul, Wendy, Adam, Matthew, Jeff, Katarina, Mitch

One board member declared a conflict of interest and could not participate in Item PB 42.3 because their firm was engaged as the heritage consultant for that project.