On September 15 council agenda there is a report addressing an application to approve demolition of a structure at 342 Kettleby Rd. As reviewed in the report that while the property exhibits construction contextual and design/physical cultural heritage significance to a degree, the structure is in a state of immense disrepair with no regular maintenance having taken place over 20 years. In other words it is a clear example of “demolition by neglect” which is very unfortunate but it is the reality which staff is dealing with. It is noteworthy that the proponent has submitted a petition with signatures from 30 persons in the local community who support the demolition. As evident from several incidents in the last 15 years the Kettleby community is very sensitive to built heritage.
Having been on the Heritage Advisory Committee for several terms, although not currently, I know that we have a vulnerability to demolition by neglect as we do not have property standards and the bylaw to address it and to prevent it from occurring. I think this is something that we should make it a priority if we really are intent on protecting our built heritage.
As always deputations can be made. To do so please register at clerks@king.ca by noon on Sept. 15 or If you prefer you can e-mail your comments to clerks@king.ca and they will be distributed to Council members and appropriate staff. To see all the appendices of the report go to Council agenda and scroll to 9.3.
I agree with you that Council needs to address this demolition by neglect so that it cannot happen. This should happen sooner rather than later. Too many wonderful structures are being absolutely wrecked. The heritage house (formerly owned by the Fors family) at the SE corner of Hwy 27 and the 15th Sideroad is a case in point. It was a beautiful heritage house. Someone allowed the structure to be raised up and in so doing all the windows are gone and now a large portion of the front and sides are totally gone. The roof is now a wreck. It is a total disaster. So sad that we lost such a lovely stately home. Modern homes are not nearly so lovely.