FERGUS – A crumbling historic building surrounded by a new subdivision will get a heritage designation and perhaps will become a doctor’s office, a community hall or some other public use.
Victoria Nagy, chair of Heritage Centre Wellington, made an impassioned plea to council to grant heritage status to the building and save it from “demolition by neglect.”
“This is a classic example of a heritage asset slowing eroded by time and apathy,” Nagy told council on Sept. 29.
Designating it “would ensure it won’t be demolished. The bylaw can be prescriptive,” she said.
“We would work with the owner to create a bylaw that’s open to change.”
The farmhouse at 219 Farley Road in Fergus was built in 1835 in the Gothic Revival style and was the dwelling for a 250-acre farm.
The farm is now the Storybrook subdivision and new homes surround the historic farmhouse, which sits on a third-acre lot.
Nagy said the heritage features are on the outside of the house – the form, building materials and window openings.
There is not much left of the interior.
Still, she said, “you can do many things with the designated property.”
Deanna Maiden, senior development planner, told council when the subdivision application came to the township it was agreed the house would be retained and designated.
“Now it is in disrepair,” she said, adding designating the property gives the township more clout to urge the owner to repair it.
Managing director of planning and development Brett Salmon said there was a cultural heritage evaluation report, and the property was given mixed-use zoning.
“It has commercial zoning. It could be a doctor’s office,” Salmon said, adding the owner is aware and could go to the Ontario Land Tribunal if they oppose the designation.
“It was anticipated it would be retained. It’s on a lot with no houses backing onto it.”
Because subdivision construction has reached a second phase, “it’s an opportune time to designate,” he said.
After some consideration, council approved designating the property.
“In my mind it’s a real opportunity for the developer to use it as a community benefit,” said Mayor Shawn Watters.
“It’s an opportunity for the developer to embrace us.”
