January 15, 2019 TO Bill…

January 15, 2019

TO Bill Walker, MPP, Grey Bruce Owen Sound

RE Bill 66

I am deeply concerned that the “Open for Business” planning by-laws that would be permitted by Bill 66 could pose serious risks to heritage buildings and other cultural heritage resources all over this province.

Exempting land use proposals from cultural heritage policies in the PPS and Official Plans would effectively eliminate requirements for heritage impact assessments, archaeological assessments and other measures designed to ensure that heritage is considered in planning decisions. Even designated heritage properties could be more vulnerable since a municipality that passes such a by-law for a property may be more likely to approve any demolition request from the owner.

As the chair of a municipal heritage committee, and on behalf of the hard-working volunteers on all other Municipal heritage committees, I fear that, our collective and ongoing struggle to protect and preserve built heritage resources and significant cultural landscapes would be faced with an all-but-insurmountable obstacle.

As a sixth generation Canadian descended from a Flemish soldier who remained as an immigrant after fighting in the War of 1812, I fear that under Bill 66, the potential losses of valuable reminders of our pioneering heritage is a grave disservice not only to those of us descended from that heritage, but also to the most newly arrived Canadian immigrants who have come here because our Canadian way of life is a globally respected example of fairness and equality. And for them, as much as for me, the history of our evolving should be preserved. (My immigrant husband totally agrees).

That recently built mosques and Hindu Temples may one day be deemed “Canadian Heritage buildings” is part of our Canadian culture. Allowing developers of shopping malls, factories or high-density residential to destroy heritage landscapes or tear down historic built heritage (rather than re-purpose, re-use) entirely dis-respects not only our history, but also our culture.

In closing, Mr. Walker, I beg you fight to preserve Ontario’s heritage, part of which your home town of Owen Sound is so justifiable proud.

Yours truly,
a very involved constituent