A legal dispute is brewing regarding the demolition of a heritage home in Oakville. (Town of Oakville photo).
In response to community anger over the tearing down of one of its oldest homes, the Town of Oakville has initiated legal proceedings against a development company for the destruction of this heritage building.
The town announced it has filed several charges with the Ontario Court of Justice, with a first appearance set for Sept. 17:
Demolition of a building without obtaining a permit. Failure to adhere to an order. Destruction of a designated heritage property without municipal approval. Removal of a tree without permission.
This action follows the demolition last month of the house located at 1475 Lakeshore Road East, despite its heritage status.
A heritage designation doesn’t make a building invulnerable; it simply requires that permission is obtained from the municipality before any changes can take place.
Many suspect that the structure was taken down to clear space for a housing project on the 3.5-acre lot.
Built in 1830 and modified later, this building was recognized for its Georgian architecture and had several names throughout its history, including Griggs House and Ryrie Estate. However, it was best known as Halfway House when it operated as an inn for travelers between Toronto and Hamilton.
The site was situated on the north side of Lakeshore Road, nestled between Maple Grove Drive and Trelawn Avenue.
Records indicate that 1475 Lakeshore Road East Inc. owned the property after acquiring it in 2021 for $7.6 million.
In Ontario, demolishing a designated heritage home without consent can lead to penalties including fines up to $1 million and/or imprisonment for up to one year under the Ontario Heritage Act. However, such punishments are rarely enforced.
The news about this demolition sent shockwaves through Oakville’s passionate historians who regarded this structure as one of their most valuable historical landmarks.
A post on the Oakville Historical Society’s Facebook page shortly after the demolition called for severe consequences against those responsible.
“We’re appalled by the recent unauthorized demolition of 1475 Lakeshore Road East. This blatant disregard for the heritage of our Town and for the legal protection afforded to the Barnett Griggs house must not go unpunished. A very strong message needs to be sent that this is not acceptable, and a fine cannot be part of the cost of doing business. Jail time would be appropriate for this egregious action. Redevelopment should not be permitted, particularly by this developer,” reads their message.
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Records indicate that 1475 Lakeshore Road East Inc. owned the property after acquiring it in 2021 for $7.6 million.
In Ontario, demolishing a designated heritage home without consent can lead to penalties including fines up to $1 million and/or imprisonment for up to one year under the Ontario Heritage Act. However, such punishments are rarely enforced.
The news about this demolition sent shockwaves through Oakville’s passionate historians who regarded this structure as one of their most valuable historical landmarks.
A post on the Oakville Historical Society’s Facebook page shortly after the demolition called for severe consequences against those responsible.
“We’re appalled by the recent unauthorized demolition of 1475 Lakeshore Road East. This blatant disregard for the heritage of our Town and for the legal protection afforded to the Barnett Griggs house must not go unpunished. A very strong message needs to be sent that this is not acceptable, and a fine cannot be part of the cost of doing business. Jail time would be appropriate for this egregious action. Redevelopment should not be permitted, particularly by this developer,” reads their message.
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 32,997 Votes
All Time: 1,256,990 Votes
2267 VOTES
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