Peterborough council votes to add 37 properties to Heritage list without consulting owners

In one swift pass, the City of Peterborough has added more than 450 homes and other properties to its Heritage Registrar list.

These include homes and businesses and even landmarks and bridges that are deemed to have been identified as culturally significant. However, some property owners were never notified or consulted and some say they aren’t happy about it.

“We need to engage these people in meaningful conversation so that they feel a part of the process,” said Coun. Dean Pappas who received calls from a pair of homeowners on the list who complained, saying they weren’t consulted and wanted off the registrar.

Pappas said everyone on council supports Heritage but stressed the importance of community engagement and openness, but that didn’t stop council from voting in favour of adding an additional 37 properties to the Heritage Registrar.

“And again, Heritage is really important but so is talking to your property owners and taxpayers,” said Coun. Lesley Parnell.

A motion was made to have City staff reach out to the property owners by mail to explain the Heritage Registrar process and what it means to be added to the list.

The City’s heritage resource co-ordinator Erik Hanson assured all properties on the registrar would see no extra expenses or limitations put on their homes.

“This list has no legal implications in terms of limiting property use — it’s simply a recognition by the City that the property has some recognized heritage value,” said Hanson.

The only stipulation is the owner of any identified home or property on the list would need to give council 60 days notice when seeking a demolition permit.

If property owners wish to be taken off the list, it would be at the discretion of the city council to decide if a property should be removed.

According to the staff report, there are now 524 properties listed on the registrar.