Homeowners in Lawrence Park are divided, according to the Toronto Star News Service, over a proposal to make their beautiful old neighborhood a Heritage District. The designation places a preservation condition over the entire neighborhood. In a nutshell, the idea pits those who wish to save century homes worthy of preservation against those who don’t want the burden of “heritage” weighing down the value of their property. It is a tricky issue that has bedeviled Lawrence Park before. In 2012 a family purchased 140 Dinnick Crescent with the clearly stated intention of building a new home on the site. The day after the demolition permit was issued, the City withdrew it at the request of the local heritage group. It was an enormous injustice to the new owners of 140 Dinnick. They went straight to the Ontario Municipal Board where the City was overruled.
27 FLEMING CRESCENT
There are no doubt many homes in Lawrence Park which have heritage value. Residents of Leaside will know that the Heritage District wheels are already in motion for old Leaside south of Eglinton Ave. E. Critics say it may depress home prices and impede reasonable redevelopment. The case of the ugly and illegal re-build at 27 Fleming Crescent is instructional. It happened despite lots of rules to the contrary. The builder simply ignored the Code, committee of adjustment and much more. Fortunately, lawyer Rob Ellis was right next door. He led an effective opposition which ultimately resulted in a demolition order for 27 Fleming. Question is, would a heritage designation on all of Leaside have made any difference to this misadventure. It’s an open question. Torstar
