Heritage Designations are…

Heritage Designations are the result of local and municipal decisions, publicly debated and contested . The Standards and Guidelines embody contemporary knowledge about conservation and adaptive re-use .

One of the great values of both is that they are prior , made outside of the contingencies of the politics and financial interests arround a specific development .

The Heritage Act is a Provincial Statute . To allow selective application of the law undermines the integrity of the political process in Ontario. To make following best practices , knowledge , and legislated statutes optional shows disrespect for Ontario's people and legislators .

There are vast amounts of under developed land along roadways , and largely vacant potential sites . Building sustainable and enlightened residential developments does not require compromising heritage buildings and established neighbourhoods . New development should create something new . New urban forms should complement what has come before , not erode established communities which have been cared for by taxpayers who love their communities .