Wellington House receives "designation" status

City Council adopted this item on November 7, 2017 without amendments and without debate, "to designate the properties at 422 and 424 Wellington Street West under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act".

We also know that on December 5th, City Council will likely approve the inclusion of 94 King-Spadina properties on the City of Toronto’s Heritage Register, listed here.  

So, you ask,  what is the significance of "listing" versus "designation"?

"Listing" a property on the Heritage Register allows Heritage Preservation Services to review development and building applications affecting those properties. Listed property owners must advise Heritage Preservation Services, in writing, of their intention to demolish 60 days prior to applying for a demolition permit.

"Designation" confers a legal status on a property by a specific city by-law under the Ontario Heritage Act and gives City Council the legal authority to refuse an application that will adversely affect the property's heritage attributes.  Designated property owners must submit an application to demolish, available from Heritage Preservation Services, for City Council's approval.