As we enter July…

A quick update based on a conversation this week with Ms. Amy Knapp of the City of Barrie:

1)  The severance application still stands as a three-way division of the existing land – one new lot on either side of the current central lot on which the house stands for a total of three lots.  I think there may have been some confusion on this matter but the original application which asked for four lots was officially amended as of 16 May 2006.

2)  The applicant did not meet the deadline for the June COA, stating that the vegetation inventory was still incomplete.  The next COA is 19 July 2006 and the applicant must give the City 14 days notice if he plans to make that date.  That means he has until next Wednesday to let them know so that the City can let us know and update the sign.  As it stands right now, nothing is happening in July but we’ll keep you posted if we find out anything new.

3)  Still no word on the heritage designation.  We encourage all interested parties to help push for this designation by writing or emailing Heritage Barrie (c/o Eric Hodgins at the City of Barrie:  ehodgins@city.barrie.on.ca) as well as your local alderman to insist on the need for this important protective measure.  Without it, the future of this house is precariously uncertain.

NB:  A heritage designation does not mean that the house can not be altered in any way.  It simply means that its selected heritage features must be preserved.  Future owners will still be able to renovate for their own purposes as necessary.  For more information, check out the sidebar link regarding heritage designations.

Enjoy your long weekend and thank you for your continued interest.

The Save Woodlawn Coalition

Woodlawn’s destiny?

 Picture:  Rodney St. Near Kempenfelt Dr., Barrie

This is an example of how properties like Woodlawn were carved up in the 30s and 40s when no consideration was given to the existing home, but simply to chop, chop, chop and squeeze in as many new buildings as possible. This property, located on Rodney Street, covered the entire block in its prime and was parcelled off by the owner. Fortunately, today’s Committee of Adjustment is more visionary and will make sound decisions based on good judgment, taking into consideration the impact that severances like this will have on a neighbourhood. The Save Woodlawn Coalition is working to preserve not only the woodlot surrounding this property, but the magnificent structure, so that with a heritage designation this fine old home will be returned to a semblance of its former glory.

SWC

 

Just a little update

This blog has some extra pages and archives listed on the side bar. 

If you are here for the first time, take a look at the original COA application.  Despite what has been said and written, nothing has changed from the original Committee of Adjustment Application.

Status of COA : 4 lots and no new ammendment to the original application to date.

The COA has asked for the tree inventory to be completed and is waiting for the Heritage Barrie recommendations.

SWC

Sunnidale Road home a ‘marquis’ (sic) building: Barrie Advance

In the NEWS

Barrie Advance – Laurie Watt

Published: Thursday, May 25th, 2006

Barrie hasn’t been protecting its heritage buildings, said the chairman of the city’s Committee of Adjustment.

In discussing a severance application for the Woodlawn property, located at 96 Sunnidale Rd., Barry Vickers urged caution in allowing the splitting of the lot into three, before certain controls and assurances were in place.

“This is a marquis (sic) corner, a marquis (sic) building and a marquis (sic) lot,” said Vickers. “Barrie’s been woefull in protecting some of its historical heritage. We’ve lost so much of it already. It’s very much concerning me there’s a possible threat.”

A numbered company represented by Shawn Bubel has applied to the committee to split the parcel into three lots, so the Victorian home could become affordable to someone wanting to restore it.

Estate Sale Saturday – Gone with the Wind

Estate Sale Last Saturday

The cars were lined up the block.  Some who arrived at 8 a.m. were disappointed to see that the bulk of the goods had been sold prior to the start time.

Never the less, the folks that dropped by weren’t there just to buy a knick-knack but to see inside the Grande old home.

Update: COA

Update: On May 24, 2006, the COA expressed concern that the tree/vegetation inventory had not been finalized and they raised the issue of designating the building and/or property features of heritage significance.  As a result, the applications have been deferred until such time as the applicant can address these concerns.  Once the applicant is ready to proceed, the applications will be placed on a future agenda and I will be notifying all interested parties at that time.

Woodlawn an Historical Gem

Barrie Advance – Woodlawn in the News

Letter to the Editor

"Woodlawn an historical gem

Published: Fri, Jun 2nd, 2006

So much of Barrie's architectural heritage has been lost, including our old City Hall.

Most towns, and certainly cities, the size of Barrie celebrate their past. Some have made their downtowns and certain neighbourhoods popular tourist stops – witness Port Hope and Port Perry to name but two.

It is tragic to think we are prepared to see the beautiful Woodlawn house on Sunnidale Road fall to the wrecking ball. Voices are being raised to spare this treasure, but we need the city to show leadership.

Canada Gets Failing Grade in Historical Conservation

The issues faced with Woodlawn is not solely a Simcoe County Issue, not by far. There is an excellent article from The Toronto Star on Canadian Heritage issues. It is a clear piece and it places the entire issue of historical conservancy in a clear manner.

Some interesting pictures and a great lead to Heritage Canada's site, where you can find the list of the top 10 most endangered historical buildings in Canada.

Heritage Canada
Toronto Star – Christopher Hume

Worth saving? Mar. 4, 2006.

Heritage properties help to form both individual and collective identity, and our sense of who we are comes in part from the places we inhabit

SWC