Timothy and Charlotte Stanley bid up the price of 140 Dinnick Crescent to $1,875,000, in order to get the property. They had checked and found there would be no impediment to demolishing the 1930 house. It sat on a large lot which would be perfect for their dream home. But the Stanleys now know that despite one’s best efforts to avoid getting stuck with a heritage building, it can still happen. One day after the City of Toronto issued a demolition permit to them it rescinded the permit. That’s because the North York Community Preservation Panel sent a letter objecting to the demolition. This week North York Council endorsed the objection and declared the building, known as Langdon House, to be a heritage building. The Stanleys will make a last ditch stand before the Ontario Municipal Board. We hope they prevail. The property at 140 Dinnick is said to be valued because it has “architectural and contextual” significance. Maybe. But there doesn’t appear to be anything much about it that is very unique. Nothing of any consequence occurred there. The previous owners, members of the Langdon family, raised no concern that it be retained. There are many ways to preserve the character of a neighbourhood by making new buildings conform. Most of all, there has been a serious injustice done to the Stanleys. It should be reversed. Read reasons given for saving 140 Dinnick
