Wellington North councillor suggests bylaw to preserve historical facades

KENILWORTH – Councillor Penny Renken is concerned that Wellington North is “beginning to lose [its] charm and historical  feeling, building by building.”

She said the loss occurs when owners upgrade the exteriors of buildings on the main streets of Wellington North towns without remaining consistent with the historical appearance of the buildings.

That’s why Renken proposed a motion on July 14 for council to direct staff “to bring a report on the feasibility of adopting a bylaw that would preserve the historical façades – the exterior only – of the commercial buildings constructed before 1985 in the downtown core areas.”

Renken said the towns “have the advantage of having charm and the look of some historical background when you drive through them.

“These attributes are created by the historic buildings on their main streets which makes the look of the towns both interesting an appealing, and not every town can say that.”

She added she is concerned owners are “drastically” altering façades of old buildings and a bylaw could end the practice.