Amanda Persico
Councillor Joe Sponga wants to preserve what is being called the oldest house in Newmarket without the owner’s approval.
Newmarket
November 22, 2008 09:20 PM
Teresa Latchford
Is heritage preservation more important than homeowner rights?
Newmarket council is discussing the possibility of imposing a heritage designation on a house at 440-442 Eagle St., but homeowner Peter Stirrup has declined the heritage designation three times.
So now, Councillor Joe Sponga wants to preserve what is being called the oldest house in Newmarket without the owner’s approval.
“I think the rights of the community to preserve (its) heritage supersedes the rights of the homeowner,” he said during committee of the whole. “This is the oldest building in Newmarket.”
The house, known to history buffs as the Hill Beman/Robinson House was originally built on Water Street by a quaker who settled in the early 1800s near the water source, where he also built a dam and mill, Elman W. Campbell Museum’s Paul Millard said.
Mr. Stirrup has no plans to alter the original state of the building, but the property will need upgrading in the future.
The town contacted him in February about the designation and, in his letter of reply, he explained his concerns surrounding the loss of control over the property if it were designated.
“When we bought the property, it was an investment purchase,” Mr. Stirrup said. “We had no idea about the history of the building.
“My concern is a designation can remove some of the rights of a property owner. We said no because we didn’t want to lose control of our property.”
With a designation comes hurdles for homeowners, who have to ensure all renovations are completed and approved up to the standards outlined in the Ontario Heritage Act, according to Councillor Chris Emanuel, who feels the rights of property owners is important to maintain in Canada.
Mr. Sponga suggested the matter be sent back to staff to review because he is concerned without the protection of a designation, the building and its history may deteriorate.
“I’ve never been a Communist and I never will be,” Councillor Dave Kerwin said. “This person has said categorically no. Let’s not waste the staff’s time and ours.”
Councillor Larry Blight admitted he wouldn’t want to be forced to take on a responsibility as a homeowner without agreeing to it and said he would like to hear from Mr. Stirrup.
Mr. Stirrup was shocked to learn the issue was on the agenda.
“My greatest distress is that council can discuss this without my knowledge,” he said. “I had no representation during the meeting.”
He respects the desire to preserve the town’s heritage, has been in contact with town staff to discuss the issue and wants to work with the town and councillors to come to an agreement that appeases everyone.
“I’m all for discussing and learning more about what is involved in a heritage designation,” he added. “I want to preserve the history of the building.”
The motion to designate the home without Mr. Stirrup’s permission was defeated.
Let us know what you think, e-mail your comments to tlatchford@yrmg.com