Passage of Stronger City of Toronto for a Stronger Ontario Act Brings Interim Protection
For Immediate Release
June 12, 2006
TORONTO — Legislation that will help preserve Ontario’s heritage properties became law today.
“Passage of the Stronger City of Toronto for a Stronger Ontario Act, 2006 provides interim protection for heritage buildings across Ontario, not just those in the City of Toronto,” said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Gerretsen. “Our government is committed to conserving Ontario's heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.”
"Our heritage buildings and architecture strengthen communities in a number of ways," said Minister of Culture Caroline Di Cocco. "Our government moved quickly to give municipalities the tools to protect heritage properties."
The legislation amends the Ontario Heritage Act and requires that the owner of a listed property now give a municipality at least 60 days notice of the owner's intention to demolish or remove a building or structure on the property. “Listed property” means property of cultural heritage value or interest that is not designated - but has been included by a municipality on its municipal heritage register. The ability to formally list properties was one of the changes made to the Ontario Heritage Act last year.
Section 27 of the Ontario Heritage Act requires the clerk of each local municipality to keep a register of property that is of cultural heritage value or interest. The register must list all property designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. The register may also include property that has not been designated, but that the municipal council believes to be of cultural heritage value or interest. This amendment is meant to address situations where a municipality needs time to consider designation for a listed property that may be faced with demolition.
Royal Assent of the Stronger City of Toronto for a Stronger Ontario Act, 2006 helps municipalities to protect their unique built heritage. It complements changes already incorporated into the Ontario Heritage Act and provides municipalities with the time needed to determine whether a listed property should be designated in order to prevent its demolition.
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Contact:
Patti Munce
Minister Gerretsen’s Office
(416) 585-6333
David Kim
Minister Di Cocco’s Office
(416) 325-1676