Heritage Conservation District draws both support and concern from public

The proposed Heritage Conservation District and its six "character areas." The image is from a report from MHBC.

The town’s proposed heritage conservation district (HCD) may be finalized as soon as next month.

That news is pleasing to some that attended a special planning meeting Monday night, but others are opposed to the plan and don’t want it impacting their homes or businesses.

Adam Coates, the town’s heritage planner, and Nick Bogaert from the consulting firm MHBC both made presentations to town council and the public during the meeting, but Mayor Michael Prue led off by stating the HCD was placed with a “holding” provision last year.

“This discussion will make it permanent,” he indicated.

Coates told the meeting the HCD is designed to recognize, protect and enhance a municipality’s heritage resources, guide demolition and alteration processes, increase public awareness of the town’s history and “manage change” to new construction or development of infill lots. 

“With a heritage conservation district, the town can build programming around heritage,” he said.

Properties in the HCD zone, which encompasses much of the downtown core and areas adjacent to it east of Sandwich St. S., would be contributing or non-contributing properties. He said heritage alteration permits would not be required for regular maintenance and interior modifications, with examples being roofs, eves troughs, solar panels, lighting, landscaping, security systems, fencing, porches, storm windows, stairs, and signage.

Research on properties was performed in partnership with the Marsh Historical Collection and other local historians. The town has less authority over exterior design thanks to provincial legislation, he indicated.

Bogaert said MHBC was retained in April 2023 to help with the process. He said the overall mandate of an HCD is to manage change in an HCD area. He added there are six distinct “character areas” within the zone, with many having homes and buildings dating back to the 19th Century. 

Park St. resident Nicole Bertrand said she was fine with the town protecting history, but had concerns regarding her home being included in it. She said she maintains her home, called it her “forever home,” and said she didn’t want to be in the HCD.

“I think it should be our choice,” said Bertrand.

Costs were of concern to Bertrand, stating insurance was an issue for her. 

“What is the town going to do help us?” she asked.

Bertrand added she doesn’t want to worry about being told how to maintain it or have additional cost.

“I should have a say on what I can do with my house,” she said. “I don’t want someone to tell me what I can do with my own house. I want my house to be what I make of it.”

Coates said there are some misconceptions and that when a historic element is gone, it’s gone for good. He said the HCD is to guide development and that insurance should not be impacted.

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb, an insurance broker in his day job, said insurance agents should not be told houses are heritage unless they actually area.

“A heritage designation is different than a house in a heritage district,” said Gibb. “This heritage designation should have nothing to do with your insurance.”

Gary Bowerman questioned about nearby proposals, such as the one at the former General Amherst High School with two residential towers proposed. He wondered if that goes ahead, would it open the door for development in the downtown heritage district?

Robert Honor, a heritage committee member, said he has seen various plans for an HCD since 2008. He said the committee has endorsed the latest proposal, noting it was very thorough. Properties of interest are at risk and he believed an HCD could help address that.

Heritage is helpful for tourism, he suggested, and that “a nice, heritage atmosphere makes people want to shop, dine, relax and to live.”

Entrepreneurs see heritage as “great business,” he added, noting the opening of hotels, coffee shops and other businesses in recent years.

Carolyn Davies, a bed and breakfast owner in the downtown core, said “Amherstburg is a town with a rich history and culture.” Protecting it has economic benefits, she said.

“A designated heritage district would further enhance the town’s appeal,” she said. “Amherstburg has the potential to be the premium heritage tourist destination in Ontario.”

Janet Willoughby, a Rankin St. resident, added her family’s home is heritage and they haven’t had issues in upgrades and maintenance of their home.

“Our house was designated in 2010 under the Heritage Act,” said Willoughby.

Willoughby said the town has given them guidance when they have wanted to do upgrades, such as new garage doors. Window upgrades had to go through the heritage committee, she noted.

“That was seamless as well,” she said.

Insurance hasn’t been an issue, according to Willoughby, noting they had a fire several years ago.

Sarah Brush, co-owner of Speck’s Restaurant, voiced her opposition to an HCD. She said she understood the goal to protect the town’s historic character, but was concerned over increased costs and how that would impact her business. Affordability is important to a small business, she said, adding they want to be exempt from an HCD.

Lenora Richardson, Brush’s sister and another Speck’s owner, also said they want Speck’s exempt, with Richardson questioning nearby developments and how historic they looked. Coates said an HCD would give clear guidelines on what is expected if a property is redeveloped so that it fits into the area.

Roberta Carroll said she owns a Richmond St. home with her husband. She said they want to divide their lot and build more homes on it as a way to downsize, but said as they are included in the HCD, the new home on the severed lot would have to be approved. She also questioned the resale value of her home.

“No one wants to be told what they can do and what they can’t do with their property,” she said.

Margo Wigle told town council she has tried to sell her Dalhousie St. home but has had difficulty over possible heritage designations. She said she has tried to sell but the heritage aspect has been a hinderence.

“I’m 74 and I can’t get out of my house,” she said.

North St. resident Karen Gyorgy said her home is heritage and she bought it knowing that. She said she has done yard work without any hassles. She supported an HCD, but added there should be ways for owners to be assisted financially.

“I think there should be incentives for designated heritage homes,” said Gyorgy. “I think (an HCD) is a good thing, but if someone doesn’t want it, they should have the option to get out of it.”

Incentives are expected to be included as part of a future report to council.

Formal adoption could be as soon as June and the HCD would formally take effect in July.

Heritage Conservation District draws both support and concern from public

By Ron Giofu