Those who wonder why it is that undistinguished and in some cases dilapidated houses are the subject of desperate attempts to declare them heritage sites are probably looking in the wrong place for an answer. As recent history in Lawrence Park shows, preservationists are having trouble convincing committees that the properties in question really have much value to our history. Why? Bluntly stated, it’s because the properties have no such value. The fuller explanation based on three recent cases seems to be that these houses are valued by preservationists not for themselves but out of fear for what might replace them. Three cases perhaps serve to demonstrate this. They are 140 Dinnick Crescent (since demolished) 102 Wanless Avenue (top) and 19 Saint Leonards Avenue (bottom). It is a subjective thing, of course, but it seems reasonable to say that to many people none of these houses had, by itself, any claim to heritage status. Each had been sold and application made for demolition. It was at this point that “heritage” became an issue. Soon the issue was reduced to a desire to retain the character of the neighborhood. It is a reasonable goal, but a broad concept. Affluent neighborhoods, such as ours, are better positioned to retain their character in the face of change because property values are so high. But, it is a free market. The same dynamic that makes our homes valuable also drives change. The best way of ensuring the character of neighborhoods is with the building code.
