Boblo property subject of notice to intent to designate as heritage
A property on Boblo Island will be the subject of an intent of intent to designate as heritage.
The property on Boblo Island actually contains a trio of buildings that the town is pursuing designation on. The subject property is 429 Bois Blanc Boulevard with the report from heritage planner Adam Coates stating the buildings of cultural heritage value or interest are the dance hall, roller rink building (originally the Carousel House) and the northern washroom.
“As all three structures are on one property, they are evaluated together as heritage attributes of the property,” Coates wrote.
Coates referenced provincial legislation pertaining to the protection of properties deemed heritage.
“Recent amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act, including the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 and the Homeowner Protection Act, 2024, introduced strict timelines for properties listed on municipal heritage registers,” stated Coates. “Municipalities must review legacy listed properties, being those listed before January 1, 2023, and issue a Notice of Intention to Designate by January 1, 2027. If no notice is issued, the property must be removed from the Register and cannot be re-listed for five years.”
Regarding the Boblo subject lands, Coates stated town administration “has evaluated the property, reviewed the Heritage Impact Assessment. As part of the development of the island and the expansion of the residential subdivision on the south side of the island, a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) and a Conservation Plan were prepared by MHBC Planning Limited for the structures on this property as well as other significant cultural heritage structures in the vicinity.”
Coates added the three structures, and others that have been identified in the HIA are included in the subdivision agreement.
“The subdivision agreement contains provisions that require the owner to complete a Conservation Plan. The Conservation Plan was completed and identifies that the short-term recommendations are to be implemented,” stated Coates.
Councillor Linden Crain asked administration to explain what additional protections the town would get through a designation versus what is already contained in the development agreement and conservation plan.
Coates said the properties are within the subdivision agreement with Amico, the island’s owners, and the conservation plan goes along with those. He said both items need to be followed by the property owner. Coates said if the agreement were ever amended, the buildings could be removed, though the town would have to agree to that.
“If these buildings were designated, what that allows is of course, when there are improvements being done, they would require consent from council requiring a heritage alteration permit for works they are carrying forward,” he said.
Crain asked if, under the current development agreement, any of the buildings could be demolished. Coates said there is a list of conditions which outlines how the building is cared for as well as a “mothball plan” to stabilize the building if there are no current long-term plans.
“They would not be able to move forward with demolition without amending the development agreement for the plan of subdivision,” said Coates.
Comparing it to the heritage easement agreement reached between Valente Development Corporation and the town regarding the former General Amherst High School, Crain wondered if a similar approach could work with Amico and the Boblo buildings.
Coates said staff were directed to bring forth a notice of intent to designate and there is heritage value on the property. A heritage easement agreement “is another layer that could be done” without a designation.
“I’m not sure what extra value that would bring above and beyond the current subdivision agreement that is there. It would mirror that agreement quite well,” said Coates. “The one thing that it probably would bring forward is whenever there are major alterations above and beyond maintenance, let’s say a roof that needed to be done or something of that nature, consent would have to be given through a heritage alteration permit.”
Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb said in the July 2026 inspection, the town found the buildings were secured and maintained. He asked if there was any history of non-compliance or deterioration that the existing agreement has failed to detect.
Coates said while he hasn’t done a full inspection or review, he did see improvements that have been made during a visit with the developer. Clearing of brush was completed and trees that impeded foundations were removed, he noted. There are restrictions impacting clearing of brush, and Coates said he was assured it was done when they are permitted to do so.
There is flexibility between heritage and species at risk and associated pieces of legislation, with Coates said balancing both is the responsibility of the owner.
Councillor Diane Pouget said she fully supports the intention to designate and asked about the amount of notice the owner was given.
Coates said the Heritage Act doesn’t require notification until after town council sends out the notice of intention to designate, adding there was no notification when the matter went to the heritage committee and that notification of the Sept. 14 meeting was sent out “as a courtesy” to the property owner.
Pouget said statements were made there was no harm to the buildings while under current ownership, but said there has been flooding in the dance hall while a fire truck was stored there.
Coates said “I believe that was in a statement that was made to the heritage committee by the owner. I don’t believe it was made by staff.”
The heritage planner added he wasn’t able to answer questions regarding the removal of the fire truck as he was not sure of the particulars.
Coates said if there are major heritage elements being worked on, a designation would make the work go to the heritage committee for review and subsequently come to town council.
Cindy Prince, vice president of development with Amico, attempted to speak but was not permitted under the procedural bylaw due to council not unanimously agreeing to allow it.
Gibb said he didn’t believe anyone was questioning the historical significance of the buildings on Boblo, recalling his own family’s connection to the buildings.
“The problem I have with this is does this designation give us enough additional benefit to justify the additional cost and consequences of what we’re doing tonight?” asked Gibb. “The town’s own report acknowledges an objection could result in an Ontario Land Tribunal appeal and that the town could incur legal and professional heritage consulting costs defending the designation.”
Gibb said the old General Amherst issue caused controversy and division and he said he didn’t think the town should put taxpayers through a dispute unless there is “a compelling reason.”
“We already have a legally binding development agreement, a heritage impact assessment, and a conservation plan that protects the buildings,” said Gibb.
Gibb added if the properties were designated, they would be eligible for property tax rebates when work is done “putting the taxpayers on the hook for even more of this.”
The deputy mayor added he was opposed to going down the designation route believing the buildings are “sufficiently protected” and the potential costs are not worth “an extra layer of protection.”
Crain said he values the history of the buildings and a designation could create “redundancy.”
The development agreement already calls for the buildings to be stabilized or maintains and doesn’t allow for heritage features to be changed without following “recognized conservation standards.”
By going forward with a designation, Crain said he doesn’t see them being restored any quicker and more red tape for the developer to restore them.
Pouget said she was “shocked” the buildings were designated years ago. She said the designation would protect the town as if it is not done by Jan. 1, 2027, they couldn’t designate it for another five years.
Councillor Peter Courtney said it is a notice of intent, and the next term of council could finalize it if they seek to do so. The island features a lot of history, he added, and the dance hall has memories for him personally as he recalled working on the island.
Courtney added he would like to see functions at a restored dance hall in the future.
“I think it screams history. I think this is a good first step,” he said. “A second layer of protection? Why not?”
Councillor Don McArthur supported an intent to designate, adding it gives another layer of protection. He said if it does actually gets designated, if there ever was a plan to demolish, it would have to come to town council.
McArthur added staff has done a lot of work on the matter and “I’m not going to second guess the experts on this. We told them to do it and they did it. They came back with a resounding answer and I would be loathe to oppose it.”
Recalling the high school issue, a notice of intent “was the mechanism to bring the two parties together” and get an agreement. The town showed it is promoting “responsible development,” he added.
“We forced the conversation and that conversation forced a meeting of the minds and a very positive outcome,” he said.
Mayor Michael Prue said pursuing the intent to designate was “the appropriate thing to do.” The history of the buildings and the heritage of the island is repeated in tales by people, he said, and “it put Amherstburg on the map.”
In a letter sent to Coates from Amico vice president Cindy Prince, she cited several reasons including the Heritage Impact Assessment, which she said has “very adequately” protected the buildings. She also raised matters surrounding natural environment protection and Boblo’s obligations under the Endangered Species Act, if designation is granted. Prince also questioned why the town may possibly opt for less money through property taxes as a result of a designation and a property tax reduction or exemption.
The letter voiced the company’s opposition to the proposed designation as “a designation would bring no new value to the buildings’ protection and conservation” and that it “could cause conflicts with requirements stipulated in the permit issued under the Endangered Species Act and is a matter that was previously given serious consideration and following through discussion was determined unnecessary and possibly detrimental.”
“I think we’ve done a tremendous job with 165 properties being designated this past two years. This is one of the jewels we have to do as well,” said Prue.
Voting in favour of authorizing the intention to designate the properties as heritage were Prue, McArthur, Courtney, Councillor Molly Allaire and Pouget.
Opposed to the motion were Gibb and Crain.
Boblo property subject of notice to intent to designate as heritage
By Ron Giofu
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