Heritage Designation As A Political Tool

CKLW reported that "In an effort to prevent construction of a third border crossing in the Brock Street area of west Windsor, the Sandwich Town Development Commission may designate all of Sandwich Town as having historical significance. Commission member, Ron Jones, says 38 sites of historical significance have been identified."

If you lived in that area is the Councillor's proposal a good idea or is it overkill?

The City states that "Pursuant to Ontario Heritage Act, the City of Windsor has the authority to grant legal recognition to properties of historic and/or architectural importance by means of a heritage designation. This designation helps to ensure the protection of these properties so that future generations are able to recognize and appreciate them as symbols of our history and our civic pride."

Councillor Jones it seems wants to use this designation as a "political tool." Is that what the Heritage Act is to be used for and is it proper to use is that way?

Obviously there is a big concern in Sandwich that a new bridge will be proposed in that area some place and then get tied in by a "diagonal" bridge to the Ambassador Bridge Co.'s Gateway Plaza as the Americans want.

This "designation" must probably be helpful to a Masse re-election strategy since he has done little on the border even though his NDP caucus held the balance of power in Ottawa. The election possibility also must be the reason the big rally that was going to be held in the spring, if you can believe it, is now going to be held at month end with Big Labour supposedly promising to get the bodies out.

However, how would you like to wake up in the morning as a property owner in Sandwich and having this designation hitting you in the face. Like the Todd Lane or Riberdy Road residents getting up and learning that that their neighbourhood was now part of a truck route to the border.

If the plan is to "designate" all of Sandwich as a "heritage conservation districts," here is what the Ontario Ministry of Culture says are some of the consequences:

• "Ontario's Heritage Conservation Districts
  
  In many areas of Ontario, the built heritage extends beyond the individual buildings to include the spaces between the buildings, the surrounding natural and man-made landscape, roads, footpaths, fences, lighting, street furniture and other features which collectively contribute to the area's special character.
  
  Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act provides for the designation of heritage conservation districts. Following approval of a local designation by-law (and confirmation by the Ontario Municipal Board) any alterations, additions and demolition to property within a heritage conservation district requires a permit from the local municipality. The approval or denial of a permit will usually be determined in accordance with approved guidelines and district plan."

It should not be too surprising after all. Over a year ago, one of the purposes of the Sandwich Development Corporation that Eddie sprung out of the blue at a Ward 2 Town Hall meeting was to "empower" the Community to block the Bridge Co. rather than using zoning and by-laws as I recall he said at the time!

Check out Toronto's website for how designation will work in practice http://www.toronto.ca/heritage-preservation/pdf/queen_07_existingpolicy.pdf

If this is "'empowering," then it is also adding another layer of bureaucracy to the mix. But I guess that is what the game is all about.