This post is the fifth in a series in which we reached out to municipal candidates to ask their heritage platform. Responses will be posted in the order received.
Stephanie Pouget-Papak was the fifth candidate to respond. She is running for Town Council in Amherstburg.
Please note: I shared with the candidates that Adam Coates and the Town of Amherstburg’s Heritage Committee have been nominated for a Carlos Ventin Award for Municipal Heritage Leadership from the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario. Stephanie Pouget-Papak is a member of the Town of Amherstburg’s Heritage Committee.
Historic preservation is widely misunderstood and, in some areas of social media (particularly in North America) often portrayed quite negatively. Yet, when approached thoughtfully, heritage preservation can add significant value to a community.
I think it is disappointing when this topic is used in a way that creates division or misinformation. Rather than relying on assumptions, let’s look at some of the facts.
After reading some of the public comments, I want to clarify that designating a building is not as simple as saying, “I like that building,” “it’s old,” or “it holds special memories.” Individual property designation falls under Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act and follows a statutory process governed by specific subsections of the Act and O. Reg. 9/06: Criteria for Determining Cultural Heritage Value or Interest.
Under O. Reg. 9/06, a property must meet at least two criteria across the three categories of Design/Physical Value, Historical/Associative Value, and Contextual Value. These criteria consider things such as architectural characteristics, historical associations, and the property’s relationship to its surrounding community.
A property should undergo a heritage evaluation supported by research, with a statement identifying its cultural heritage value or interest and the specific heritage attributes that contribute to that value. If Council ultimately approves a designation, following the process outlined in the Ontario Heritage Act, a municipal heritage designation bylaw is created.
This is also why new designation bylaws are specific about which elements of a property are considered heritage attributes, rather than relying on broad or generic language. Designation provides a level of protection, but it does not mean that nothing can be done with the building.
There needs to be more public education about the heritage designation process because, based on some of the discussions I have seen, there is a perception that designation means a property can never be altered, adapted, or given a new purpose. That simply isn’t the case. Unless there are specific circumstances or requirements in place, alterations to features that are not identified as heritage attributes generally do not require heritage approval. At the same time, it is important to recognize that changes to any property, heritage or otherwise, may still be subject to applicable planning and building requirements.
Adaptive reuse can also be a creative way to give older buildings a new purpose while maintaining elements of their character. It can create unique spaces, contribute to a community’s identity, and even become a marketing asset. This approach has been used extensively in communities throughout Europe and elsewhere.
There are also broader community benefits to thoughtful heritage preservation:
Community identity: Heritage buildings can support local identity and storytelling, foster community pride and cohesion, and contribute to placemaking by giving communities a distinct character.
Environmental sustainability: Adaptive reuse can reduce demolition waste in landfills and the need for extraction of new raw materials, while retaining much of the existing building and its embodied carbon footprint.
Community development: Heritage-focused revitalization can complement walkable neighbourhoods, support existing infrastructure, and contribute to more sustainable patterns of development/ urban sprawl.
Can every building be saved? No.
Should every old building be preserved? No.
Does heritage preservation have to stop progress? If done properly, absolutely not.
Do we need more public education about the actual heritage process so that decisions are based on facts rather than rumours and misconceptions? Absolutely.
Heritage preservation and progress do not have to be opposing ideas. Good research, clear bylaws, responsible planning, and a willingness to find creative solutions, can respect our past while still building for the future.
To follow Stephanie Pouget-Papak’s campaign, visit her Facebook Page
Features picture is from the River Towne Times
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