Mar 25, 2026 • Last updated Mar 25, 2026 •
The owner of the Ventin Building in Simcoe wants its historical designation removed. J. F. Voll/Creative Commons Photo by J. F. Voll/Creative Commons /jpg, SR, apsmc
The owner of a 116-year-old Simcoe building that once served as the town’s post office and customs offices wants its historical designation removed.
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Although Norfolk County planner Andrew Wallace recommended denying the owner’s request to repeal the designation, council instructed staff at a meeting on Tuesday to draft a bylaw for de-designation, following the steps required by the Ontario Heritage Act.
This will provide time to gather more information about the building located at the corner of Peel and Kent streets for councillors to consider when the bylaw returns for approval at a later meeting.
The structure, also known as the Ventin Building, opened in January 1910 as a post office and customs office. The interior was later modified to accommodate Simcoe’s town hall offices and was briefly used by the Bank of Montreal.
“It is a monumental structure of solid and stable construction,” said a report from Wallace. “It is an anchor point and an important unifying force on Peel Street. The Post Office-Ventin Building also illustrates how a building can be adapted to accommodate a new use without detracting from its exterior appearance or its architectural significance.”
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The building was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 1981. The designation pertains only to the building’s exterior which “is unique in the urban area of Simcoe illustrating a trend in architecture for institutional buildings in the early 1900s, and features numerous elements of architectural significance, specifically all exterior elevations including doorways, windows and roofline,” stated the report.
However, in a letter sent to the county, owner Harish Rajput expressed that this designation is making it difficult for him to sell the property listed on Realtor. ca for $889,000.
“We are having a hard time with the property for various things due to its heritage designation,” said Rajput’s letter presented to council on Tuesday. “In short, we do not see any reason why it should be under heritage in this kind of economic situation especially when there is no support from the city and on top of it there are various restrictions imposed on us.”
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Rajput mentioned it’s been tough to insurethe building since it has been vacant for over a year.
“Ifthebuildingisnotearninganymoneyhowcanweaffordtopayhightaxesmaintainheritagerequirements?”
Rajput indicated potential buyers are requesting that the heritage designation be lifted.
Councillor Alan Duthie remarked that the owner should have known about the building’s heritage status when they bought it.
“It’sa beautifulbuildingontheoutsideandtheycandowhatevertheywantontheinside,”said Duthie.”Quitefrankly Idon’treallybuythereasonsbeingsuggestedintheapplicant’sletter.”
Councillor Tom Masschaele suggested “the biggest reason they can’t sell it is because we’re inaverydowntimesrealestatemarket.”
Councillors Chris Van Paassen and Adam Veri agreed that the owner should have freedom regarding their property.
“Theownerofthebuildingwantstodosomethingwithitbutotherpeoplewanttokeepit,”said Van Paassen.”Andheorshemustendupfootingthebill. Ifsomeonewantstokeepthewayitis, theymustpurchaseit.”
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