It is quite ridiculous, that…

It is quite ridiculous, that the Ford government has passed the legislation related to this ERO before these comments were even collected, let alone reviewed. What kind of system do we have, where comments on environmental impact are clearly and so obviously ignored by the government. It should be criminal, quite frankly, that any government would so blatantly ignore both their responsibility to hear from the public (whom they are engaged by, and responsible to, by the way) and their responsibility to approach their planning in an environmentally respectful manner. It is shameful that such widespread and impactful legislation was passed so hurriedly and without discussion or contest.
I believe the changes to the Heritage Act will have a negative effect on the quality of our cities and small towns in Ontario. Our heritage buildings represent our history, which deserves to be remembered and reflected upon in the flesh, not merely through photographs. They add character to our towns and cities that just cannot be replicated with modern architecture. Our heritage buildings represent fascinating times in both architectural and building methodology history. To lose an old home or building is akin to burning a book. There is something lost that cannot be recreated through pictures or a modern re-print. They add life and charm, and wonder to an otherwise stale landscape of boring building designs.
To make it easier for Heritage Homes and properties to not become registered, or to make it easier to object to inclusion of certain properties is a clear and obvious sell-out to the development industry. It is no secret that many developers have no interest in the historic or architectural value of a home or property. If they can demolish and build something that will make them money, they will. It is a tragedy and greed in its purest form. The changes to the Heritage Act will see more old buildings destroyed for no more good reason than money, and that is sickening. I am extremely against it. Whoever was responsible for the creation of these changes in the act I am sure knew exactly what the outcomes would be. For shame. The historic properties are of public value and interest regardless of whomever owns it, or how deep their pockets are.
To place such a tight timeline on councils to put forth a notice of intention to designate, makes it obviously possible that some buildings will fall through the cracks in a bureaucratic backlog, and be removed or not added to the historical designation. Developers I am sure, will only hope that that happens.
Once a heritage building is gone, it is gone forever. We have already lost, and are continuing to lose many heritage buildings across Ontario, particularly in areas in and around the GTA and other populated centres. Some buildings which you will not find examples of elsewhere in Ontario, due to the historical wealth in the area. As an example, we farm North of Toronto in historically wealthy farming areas. Many of the old brick homes are large, and have bi-chromatic brick work- an extra expense you do not often see elsewhere in the province, with brilliant gables and porches. These home are owned by wealthy developers and intentionally encouraged to rot so they may tear them down later. They pull shingles from the roof, and leave the windows open to encourage moisture and rotting. It is a shame. They sit empty, and could be loved, and used as housing, and as beautiful examples of our historic architecture. They can and should be included in new developments should they happen. We should be encouraging them being saved, not abruptly passing legislature that works to tear them down.