Mr. Konrad introduced the application.
Councillor Oosterhof voiced concerns regarding the cost of insurance. He sought clarification regarding timelines for deferral. He asked if the committee could challenge the historical attributes of a building as detailed in the designating by-law. Mr. Konrad explained that City staff are currently in the process of meeting with the insurance industry to understand recent concerns over a change in approach with respect to insuring heritage properties. He added that a deferral will allow for more time for City staff to look into and clarify what these issues. Mr. Gibbs explained that the application is unique in that a Notice of Intention to Designate has not yet been issued by Council and does not need to adhere to timelines under the Ontario Heritage Act. He added that the Province has allowed municipalities until the end of 2026 to designate or delist any property listed on the Municipal Heritage Register.
Mr. Leary further explained that the committee can challenge the historical attributes of a building as the role of the Committee is to follow the guidelines of the Ontario Heritage Act, the City’s Official Plan and the Procedural Bylaw for Heritage to make recommendations to Council. He noted that the Committee has the opportunity to frame how this application goes to Council and this recommendation would allow for more time to investigate insurance concerns.
Councillor Glenn sought clarification regarding the role of the Committee and Council with this application. Ms. Hannah explained if the recommendation is carried, Business Item 6 will be withdrawn as a recommendation for this property will have already been put forward to Council. Mr. Ochej added that regardless of the Committee decision, the application will need to go to Council on January 14, 2025 where a final decision will be made. He noted that the Committee has the opportunity to either recommend the property be designated as heritage property or recommend that Council refer the application back to the committee to allow for more time to investigate insurance concerns.
Mr. Gower voiced support for the recommendation to allow for more time.
The Chair provided an opportunity for members of the public to speak.
Karen Eves, 2973 Orser Road, explained that the insurance for the property is unique given the property use. She voiced concerns regarding a lengthy timeline as notice for the new insurance been given and can come into effect at anytime. She asked how heritage aspects of the building can be challenged. She inquired how additions and alterations done in the 1960s and 1970s play a factor in designation. She added that about 25% of the home is historical and noted modern aspects of the building, including fencing. She stated that there will be no visual of the house from the road due to fencing for livestock.
Don Taylor spoke to his experience of owning a heritage designated home. He added that he did not understand insurance concerns.
Mr. Leary explained that Heritage staff reach out to property owners to elicit feedback and to understand the property beyond historic matters. He added that the property meets five of the nine tests under the Ontario Heritage Act. He further explained that the value goes beyond the building itself and associative value and contextual value are equally as important as the design value of a building. Mr. Konrad added that this application will go to Council in January either with a recommendation to refer the application back to the committee or with a recommendation to proceed with designation.
Councillor Oosterhof voiced support for the recommendation.
Ms. Stevens asked if the insurance company is concerned with a farming business on the property. She inquired if there have been similar concerns with other farms with heritage designations. Mr. Konrad stated there is an issue in a connection between agricultural properties and insurance for designated properties. He noted this is a new concern and the City is in early conversations addressing this and similar concerns with future properties.
The Chair was passed to Ms. Demitor.
Councillor Glenn voiced support for the recommendation. She noted that the final decision made at the Council on January 14, 2025.
The Chair was returned to Councillor Glenn.