emkaplin / Depositphotos.com
Smiths Falls council is weighing the future of several historic properties, with concerns from three owners prompting calls for further assessments before decisions are made.
Town staff recommended designating six properties under the Ontario Heritage Act after receiving no objections. They include five properties on Chambers and Brockville streets and the town-owned Stone Arch Bridge.
The other three properties — 30 Chambers Street, Rothland House at 78 Brockville Street and the Armory at 21 Market Street North — received objections from owners concerned about restrictions on renovations, future investments and the accuracy of identified heritage features.
Councillor Jay Brennan said he doesn’t support going against the wishes of the property owners.
Staff estimate professional heritage assessments would cost about $5,000 each. The reports could help defend the town’s decisions if owners appeal, but would not prevent appeals.
Heritage assessments examine a property’s history, architecture and physical features to determine its cultural heritage value and confirm which features warrant protection under a designation.
Councillor Dawn Quinn said she spoke with a homeowner whose house was designated as a heritage property, and fought tooth and nail against it.
Council directed staff to continue with the cultural heriage value for the three locations.
