Summer Update

It’s official – there will be no COA in July.  According to the City of Barrie, there has been no new news regarding the application and no requests made by the applicants.  We still need public support however to have Woodlawn designated as a heritage property and we encourage you to contact EHodgins@barrie.ca if you haven’t done so already.

I know this community joins with us in wanting to see Woodlawn converted into a project we could all be really proud of.  Imagine its use as a wonderful B&B, an art shop/café or a museum! 

Also, if anyone browsing our site has interior photos of Woodlawn, please contact the SWC.  It would be much appreciated.

Thanks as well for your ongoing support and interest in this cause.  We will be needing the community to mobilize once again in the fall.  Thanks and enjoy your holidays !

The Save Woodlawn Coalition

SWC meets Minister of Culture

The SWC met with Minister DiCoco recently to update her on the Woodlawn situation. They discussed the heritage designation of the property and the fact that Woodlawn has been included in the city’s inventory. The Minister remarked that locating specific resources of local cultural inheritance is the first essential step in conservation and protection. It is imperative to take into account patrimonial resources at an early stage to avoid resorting to last minute safeguards of invaluable community resources. This is precisely why the SWC put in motion the Intent to Designate Woodlawn as a heritage site. Communities such as Barrie have to keep a register of valuable properties with patrimonial interest. These registers serve to allow planners and developers access to locate zones that are deemed « heritage » and therefore protected today and in the future They also encourage communities to become more aware of its places of interest and its unique landmarks. The Ministry will continue to work in close cooperation with the city of Barrie, advising on how best to protect this property. The SWC encouraged the Minister to advocate for the designation of Woodlawn as a heritage site, as this stately home deserves to retire gracefully.

SWC