I believe the Ontario…

I believe the Ontario government’s Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, is an attack on the multicultural and socioeconomic diversity of all communities in Ontario. I am a proud owner of a designated heritage building. My house and the other older buildings in my town help define the rich history and character of our area; and they attract visitors and locals alike to stop, spend time with their families, and visit our local businesses. Sadly, Bill 23’s proposed changes to the Ontario Heritage Act will make it almost impossible to protect most heritage buildings and historical sites in our province.

According to the government’s own website: “The Government of Ontario recognizes that the province’s heritage tells us who we are, where we have come from and what we have accomplished. This knowledge is a source of strength and confidence.” Those are very wise words. However, it has become apparent that the Government of Ontario no longer believes in these principles and values. With the passage of Bill 23, the current government is prepared to sacrifice Ontario’s heritage in the name of development and profit.

Enabling the development industry to bulldoze Ontario’s cultural heritage as if it was an obstacle to be removed is outrageous and foolish. Diane Chin, Chair, Architectural Conservancy Ontario said: “Why drop a cluster bomb of changes into the heritage system that will not create a single unit of affordable housing?” The destruction of heritage buildings is not needed to meet long range housing targets.

In Bill 23, the changes to the Municipal Heritage Register and listing undermine the importance of local planning, limit the ability of local Municipal Heritage Committees, and place undue pressure on municipal staff and volunteers to protect local heritage properties. Forcing municipalities to designate all listed properties within two years or drop them from the Register will result in tens of thousands of listed sites losing what little protection they have.

Instead, fully protecting our heritage buildings would contribute to the communities in areas already designated for development and within municipal settlement boundaries. Beautiful existing older buildings can be re-purposed for condos, small businesses, homes for seniors, and affordable apartments; especially those already serviced and connected by transit. Conserving Ontario’s heritage sites and our historic buildings means jobs in the renovation and tourism industries, and a healthy sense of place in our communities. The Government of Ontario should be enhancing and expanding protection under the Ontario Heritage Act, not throwing a bomb at it!

Repeal Bill 23, rethink, and halt these proposed changes to the Ontario Heritage Act. Please be reminded that Ontario’s cultural heritage belongs to ALL Ontarians!