On Monday April 27 there is a motion by Councillor Asselstine and seconded by Mayor Pellegrini requesting  that the Province of Ontario provide authority to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario to ensure that agents and businesses that sell property insurance do not refuse to provide, withdraw existing, or increase premiums for insurance for properties determined to be of cultural heritage value and interest and designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, and that the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario provide resources and guidance to agents and businesses that sell property insurance on the statutory requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act.

I really hope that we get support from the Regulatory Authority as requested.  I was on our Heritage Advisory Committee for three terms and in each term we tried to draw attention to the issue and we made our own effort to counteract the myths often expressed by the insurance industry regarding what it meant to designate a property as heritage.  For example:  even though in the designation of a property there is no identified requirement to replace a property damaged in a fire with materials and craftsmanship of the original house some insurance agents claim such is required. Such myths cause confusion, unnecessary stress for property owners and diminshes their joy in having their home designated.

As always deputations can be made. To do so please register at clerks@king.ca by noon on April 27 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.