The proposal to change the…

The proposal to change the wording of the PPS with regard to cultural heritage resources is unnecessary and will have a detrimental affect on cultural heritage resource conservation efforts. We will lose significant resources as a direct result of these changes.
The proposal is to change the definition of cultural heritage resources so that only "protected" cultural heritage resources will be conserved. These would be properties that are listed or designated under the Ontario Heritage Act ( please note due to recent changes in the OHA it is now more difficult for municipalities to retain properties in the listed category).
The current PPS indicates that "significant built heritage resources and significant cultural heritage landscapes shall be conserved." The Definition of Significant, with regard to cultural heritage resources, includes the direction that "While some significant resources may already be identified and mentioned by official sources, the significance of others can only be determined after evaluation." This left the door open to identify significant resources at such time as when a development project comes forward. This provision covered the possibility that significant resources could be uncovered and conserved as part of a careful development process. Under the current proposed provisions these resources could be demolished with no regard for their potential significance.
Does the Provincial government have any evidence that housing developments have been held up in any critical way by heritage conservation efforts? Or is this just anecdotal? Under current provisions, heritage resources can be dealt with as part of a careful planning process to the benefit of all concerned.

Please do not change the wording of the PPS with regard to cultural heritage resources.