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

Deferral #2

Thank you to all of you who have called or stopped by to find out what happened at the 24 May COA meeting. The turnout for the meeting was good but we were disappointed to not see more neighbours and friends out to show their support. It was, however, a difficult time just following the May long weekend. Hopefully we'll have more people at the next COA meeting. Yes, you read correctly, the next COA meeting. Once again, the decision was to defer. Here's a brief summary:

Mr. Tim Cane of Jones Consulting formally notified the COA of their request to change the application to a severance of two lots rather than the original three. He presented a variety of arguments (e.g., tree inventory, open porch comments, Heritage Barrie comments, etc.) but summed up by stating that he thought this revised proposal was appropriate and consistent with the neighbourhood and that he and his client did not want to drag this matter out any longer.

TONIGHT IS THE BIG NIGHT!

A reminder to all of you in the Sunnidale community and beyond that tonight, 24 May, is the night of the deferred Committee of Adjustment meeting. It will be held at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The Save Woodlawn Coalition graciously asks all those with an interest in this matter to attend tonight's very important meeting.

We have received official word from the City's Zoning Office (c/o Amy Knapp) that the application has been amended to ask for a severance of two lots rather than three. It will be one of the three options presented at the Open Porch of 11 May (see Developer's Open House 5 Options, at side bar on right). Although this is an improvement over what was originally planned, it will still result in a substantial change to the look and feel of this location.

Beautiful New Pic

Beautiful new winter Woodlawn shot added to picture page. 

Heritage Barrie Motion Carried

 

The following motion was carried in public at Heritage Barrie May 16, 2006.

MOTION

Moved by: C. Ashford-Smith

Seconded by: J. Raycraft

 

That Heritage Barrie believes the applications for consent submitted under File Nos. B8, 9 and 10/06 are premature pending the submission and review of a completed vegetation inventory;

 

And further, that the vegetation inventory must identify all heritage trees and measures to protect and preserve such trees including buffer zones and building envelopes;

 

And further, that the designation of the existing dwelling under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act and the designation of all heritage trees be finalized before the deeds are stamped for any consent that is granted;

Developer’s Open House 5 Options

The potential developer of 96 Sunnidale Road held an open porch meeting this evening, May 11th.  Rainy and overcast weather may have kept some away.

Five options for redevelopment were shown.

Option 1- Divide the current Lot into 4 – This is the COA application being heard on May 24th.

Option 2 – 3 Lots with no defined site envelopes

Option 3 – 3 Lots with no defined site envelopes (2 and 3 appear at this point in time to be the same option)

Option 4 – 3 lots with access from the mid lot to Shirley Avenue along a driveway

and the crowd's favourite

Option 5 – a multiple unit condo – or enlarging Woodlawn ( In essence the end of Woodlawn as it currently stands)

Virtual Tour of Woodlawn

Looking for something different?

Link here to a virtual tour of Woodlawn – .

Sidebar Links

For Information on how to contact the Committee of Adjustment, check out the side bar links to the right.

COA – provides the full application

Pictures – Views of 96 Sunnidale Road

Write – Information on how to have your opinion heard

SWC

for Further Information – Write.

Joni Mitchell – Lyrics: Big Yellow Taxi

I heard Joni's song on the radio over the weekend and thought – hey! what a great song as our theme song – too bad it can't play when folks click on our website! I thought we could post the first verses about the trees and of course the refrain. Très approprié, non??

SWP

jonimitchell.com – Lyrics: Big Yellow Taxi ( Full Lyrics )