Smiths Falls council remains divided over how to handle facade repairs at the historic Washburn Block on Beckwith Street South.
The owner of 20 Beckwith St. S. applied to continue covering deteriorating brick on the building’s south wall with a stucco-like exterior insulation and finish system, and to use the same treatment on the north wall.
Town staff and the Municipal Heritage Committee have raised concerns about the approach, saying the town’s new Heritage Conservation District (HCD) calls for historic masonry to be repaired and restored.
Senior Planner Karl Grenke says the proposed treatment wasn’t up to the standards of the HCD.
Some councillors, including Stephen Robinson, argued the property owner should be allowed to finish work already underway.
Council could not reach a consensus.
Staff were asked to work with the owners and seek additional expert information before the matter returns for another discussion.
