Our modern society is full of rules. There are layers of government oversight in almost every aspect of our daily lives.
It seems that governments at every level continue to get better at writing more laws, bylaws, regulations, policies and procedures. Of course I know that there is a time and place for a well-articulated policy, but sometimes it’s refreshing to actually do something practical.
Heritage Centre Wellington has worked hard over the past few years to avoid just adding another layer of government when it comes to heritage matters. We are motivated to practically contribute to preserving and restoring our heritage properties and streetscapes. In the past few years we’ve been thrilled to assist with several amazing transformations, including the Dalby House, Chalmers Church and the Fergus Pool.
This is what it is about for us … working with individuals in our community who have the imagination and financial means to restore our heritage properties to their former glory by finding new ways for these buildings to meet modern needs.
There are three particular ways we demonstrate practical heritage preservation.
First, we established an Inventory of Heritage Properties. The Province of Ontario has encouraged municipalities to establish heritage inventories. Approved by council in December 2012, the Township of Centre Wellington’s Municipal Heritage Register provides an official record of cultural heritage properties.
The register includes 104 properties designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act; the Brock Street Heritage Conservation District (six homes); and 567 “Listed” (non-designated) properties. As a living document that will be revised and updated as heritage properties continue to be identified and refined, this register is a practical way of keeping track of the community’s heritage assets;
Second, we have Building Practical Heritage Design Guidelines. The committee has shifted away from completing detailed neighbourhood specific heritage conservation districts to focus on establishing more practical Heritage Design Guidelines to promote heritage features within our downtown cores. These guidelines will contribute to preserving/restoring existing heritage architecture as well as provide direction for new construction to complement the surrounding heritage properties (e.g. appropriate building materials, appropriate architectural style, scale and pattern, building height, etc.).
The downtown guidelines will be completed this year with the expectation that Phase 2 will include establishing guidelines for our historic residential neighbourhoods; and
Third, we are partnering with developers. Instead of taking an antagonistic approach toward development, the committee is committed to partnering with developers to restore existing heritage structures and build new complimentary structures (e.g. Elora Mill’s Landmark Group).
We recognize many progressive developers share our appreciation for heritage … and they have the finances to pursue exciting new adaptive reuse strategies. As long as we share a common passion for heritage, development and developers don’t scare us.
Heritage Centre Wellington is convinced that our focus on being practical about heritage conservation is the best way to ensure positive results for our community.
Heritage Centre Wellington is a committee of council with a mandate to advise township council on all heritage matters within our community.
The committee is comprised of several volunteers from the community, one council representative and two supporting town staff members.
For more information about our committee or to discuss heritage, contact township staff liaison Linda Lonsdale at LLonsdale@centrewellington.ca and she will get you in touch with the appropriate committee member.
Kelly Linton is a Centre Wellington councillor
