John Parker (Ward 26 Toronto) has written in the current issue of the Post Magazine about the Ontario Heritage Act. He draws attention to what is known as part 4 (Part IV) and part 5 (Part V) of the act. Part 4 permits the assessment of the heritage aspects of individual buildings (as we take it) while part 5 permits the assessment of whole neighborhoods. Mr. Parker says that he has previously “initiated the process” by which a section of Parkhurst Blvd. might become the subject of a study leading to its possible designation as a Heritage Conservation District under part 5 of the Act. It isn’t too clear whether this part of the Heritage Act is very much used or perhaps even understood. A reading of Mr. Parker’s words indicates part 5 has the potential to paint heritage status in very broad strokes. Since neighborhoods are made up of multiple owners with multiple intentions and tastes it is easy to see how it might give pause to adoption of neighborhood designations. It is an interesting article and worth a read.
