Category Archives: Heritage Properties

Rosedale Heritage Conservation Districts Provide a Lasting Legacy

Posted on June 1, 2010 | Leave a comment

By David Dunkelman

At present, the City of Toronto has 15 heritage conservation districts, including both South Rosedale and North Rosedale in Midtown. The path to designation as a heritage conservation district begins with a background study into the historical, architectural and character-defining features that make an area special. Following a general review — if the study area merits designation — comes approval by the Toronto Preservation Board. City Council then passes a by-law that establishes the heritage conservation district.

South Rosedale’s designation as a heritage conservation district was spearheaded by the South Rosedale Ratepayers’ Association (which was formed in 1931 and is the oldest such association in Toronto). The ratepayers’ association was naturally concerned that the neighbourhood’s Garden Suburb characteristics and grand old houses would be preserved. Thanks to the group’s efforts South Rosedale was granted heritage conservation district status in 2003.

In 1824, Sheriff William Botsford Jarvis purchased a 110-acre estate in what is now South Rosedale. Mary Jarvis was said to be impressed by the profusion of roses that dotted the hillsides around her estate, which led to the name Rosedale. Mary Jarvis’s daily horserides through Rosedale blazed the way for some of the present-day Rosedale streets.

North Rosedale followed the lead of South Rosedale, receiving its heritage conservation district designation in 2005. It also has a storied history, beginning in 1881 when the Glen Road bridge was constructed. Scottish Highland shareholders were quick to register a plan of subdivision named Rosedale Park in 1884, which named many of the streets after principles in the development and prominent Onatrio citizens.

Saint Andrews College, a prominent boys private school now located in Aurora, called North Rosedale home from 1905 to 1927. Rosedale Golf Club also originated in North Rosedale before moving to its present location in Teddington Park. The former Toronto Lacrosse Grounds — now known as Rosedale Park — were the venue for the inaugral Grey Cup football game in 1909.

North Rosedale’s development was sporadic. The neighbourhood was largely built by the late 1920s and early 1930s. North Rosedale’s Frederick Law Olmstead-inspired Garden Suburb street pattern, ravine topography, grand old homes, and classical architecture made it an easy choice for heritage conservation district status.

To explore Rosedale on foot, consider a Heritage Toronto walking tour. For more details visit www.heritagetoronto.org.

CAPTION: A classic Rosedale home. Grand, historic residences are a hallmark of South and North Rosedale, both heritage conservation districts.

David Dunkelman is a Broker and ABR* with Royal Lepage R.E.S.Ltd/Johnston and Daniel Division.  David is also the Author of “Your Guide to Toronto Neighbourhoods”. *ABR* The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate BUYER’S AGENT Council (REBAC) of the National Association of REALTORS® who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria.

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Toronto Vintage Photographs – Sunnyside Beach

Posted on April 18, 2010 | Leave a comment

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Toronto Vintage Photographs – Christie Pits

Posted on March 30, 2010 | 1 Comment

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Muddy York: Toronto Vintage Photographs

Posted on March 14, 2010 | Leave a comment

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Evergreen Brickworks: One of Toronto’s Historic Sites

Posted on April 24, 2009 | 1 Comment

By Helen Braithwaite and Pennie Mathers

We are so fortunate to have the historic Don Valley Brick Works site revitalized with an emphasis on sustainability and conservation at our doorstep.

Date: 2009 opening weekend May 23rd and 24th, 2009

Location:
The Brickworks are Located just off Bayview Avenue, South of Pottery Road and North of the Prince Edward Viaduct.  The Brickworks is connected to the nature trails of the Moore/Rosedale Ravine system. For the fitness enthusiast you can walk or bike, there is also a shuttle bus from Broadview Subway Station during peak visiting times. The TTC is contemplating a regular shuttle bus from Davisville Subway…stay tuned for more details! It is nice to keep with the environmental theme en route.

What it is:
The Brickworks project is part of the National Charity Evergreen that is raising $55million to transform this heritage site into an international showcase for urban sustainability and green design. It offers a multitude of programs and activities including its farmers market, a native plant nursery, arts initiatives and more.

The Brickworks Projects has four Themes: Innovation and Discovery; Food and Community; Natural and Cultural Heritage; Gardening and Greening.

A little history:
In 1889 the Don Valley Brick Works was opened after clay tests showed it was the perfect site for making bricks. The Brick works thrived and was particularly busy after the great fire of 1904, which destroyed much of the downtown core and resulted in new laws requiring masonry construction. The bricks were of excellent quality and won in 1893 the highest award at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and also won two gold medals at the Toronto Industrial Fair. The Don Valley Brickworks was the longest running in Ontario and offered more products than any of its competitors. By the mid 1980′s however the clay was beginning to run out. The plant closed in 1984 after having produced over 43 million bricks.

Evergreen has been involved with the Brick Works site since 1997 and the Don Valley Water Shed since 1991. Evergreen is working with the E.R.A. Heritage Architects to preserve the industrial and architectural character of the sitebrickworks

Evergreen has a symbiotic relationship with the Toronto and Region Conservation. The site is currently owned by Toronto and Region Conservation and operated by the City of Toronto. To date $32 million has been invested in the site. Evergreen has an agreement to lease the industrial pad and the historic buildings and the City continues to maintain the adjacent Park and Quarry Gardens.

Partnerships:
YMCA, Bridgepoint Health, Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art, Jamie Kennedy, Outward Bound Canada, Mooreland Community Services, Toronto District School Board, Eva’s Phoenix

How to get involved:

  • May 23 10am-2pm and Sunday May 24th 10am-4pm the DOORS OPEN!
  • Story telling
  • First Nations’ ceremonies
  • Plant a seedling
  • Get some urban gardening tips and purchase some native plants
  • Plus many more planet friendly activities
  • Visit the Saturday farmer’s market beginning May 23, 2009
  • Sign-up for the Biweekly Garden Stewardship workshop
  • Go to the Sustainability Fair on September 26, 2009

For more information visit their website www.evergreen.ca/rethinkspace/?p=451

Helen Braithwaite and Pennie Mathers are both Sales Representative with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd./JOHNSTON AND DANIEL DIVISION, Brokerage.  Helen and Pennie are regular contributors to the Muddy York blog.  Their website is located at www.twoperspectives.ca

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What you should know about Heritage rated neighbourhoods and properties

Posted on April 22, 2009 | Leave a comment

By Helen Braithwaite and Pennie Mathers

In an earlier post (Heritage Status in Toronto, February 9, 2009), we discussed heritage status for Toronto homes and neighbourhoods. While such status, established either by conservation district or designated to individual dwellings, helps preserve and maintain an area’s character, we felt is was important to shed a little more clarity on the Toronto Preservation Board and a few pertinent points that you may not know about heritage.historical-property

First a little about the Toronto Preservation board….

  • The Toronto Preservation Board is made up of 3 City Councillors, 7 Council appointed members of the public who have professional experience in a field related to heritage conservation and the 4 chairs of the Community Preservation Panels

Important points to note…..

  • Always enquire with the Heritage Preservation Services prior to beginning any renovations to get a clear understanding about the limitations with your property.
  • The Toronto Preservation Board looks at each home on a case by case basis. Taking the approach of minimal intervention as called for by The Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada, as adopted by City Council for all listed and designated structures. However heritage staff will review each application on its own merits to determine if the proposed change is acceptable.
  • A Heritage designation on a property can sometimes have an effect on value and it is important to discuss valuation with a realtor knowledgeable about the area.
  • Just because a home is not rated within the heritage area does not mean the homeowner can demolish and rebuild a home without approval from the Toronto Preservation Board. In a heritage Conservation District, unrated or non-contributing buildings must adhere to council adopted design HCD guidelines to ensure that new designs and changes do not conflict with, or diminish, the identified heritage characteristics, values and attributes of the district.
  • Other constraints such as ravine, normal setbacks, and buildable areas can come into play that will also limit what can be done on a property.
  • Keep in mind there will always be the neigbourhood anomaly. There will be situations where the heritage status is over ruled, and plans that are not in keeping with the character of the neighbourhood are approved. Obviously there will be circumstances where, on the surface it seems the decision should be one way, yet turn out to be another. It is best however to assume that your plans will be under the full scrutiny of Heritage Preservation Services.

Food for thought.  But just because a property is rated Heritage does not mean that you can’t touch it… what it does mean is that you need to do a bit of homework.  Check with Toronto Preservation Services BEFORE you start on drawings, and renderings.  Seek the help of your realtor and the city to get the answers to your questions before you start on your dream home.

Sites to help get you started:
www.historicplaces.ca
www.toronto.ca/heritage-preservation
www.heritagetoronto.org

Helen Braithwaite and Pennie Mathers are both Sales Representative with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd./JOHNSTON AND DANIEL DIVISION, Brokerage.  Helen and Pennie are regular contributors to the Muddy York blog.  Their website is located at www.twoperspectives

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Heritage Property Public Workshop

Posted on April 8, 2009 | Leave a comment

By Helen Braithwaite and Pennie Mathers

For those with Heritage Designated Properties within the City of Toronto , please be advised that the Heritage Grant Program application deadline is June 19, 2009 at 1 pm.

The Toronto Heritage Grant Program is to encourage the conservation of heritage resources in the City of Toronto and provides grant funds up to 50% of the estimated cost of eligible heritage conservation work to designated heritage properties.

Public Workshop
To learn more about the program’s eligibility and application requirements and to receive information on heritage conservation standards and guidelines you can attend the Public Workshop on Tuesday April 14th, 2009 from 6pm to 8pm
Location: Committee Room #2, 2nd  Floor,City Hall,100 Queen Street West

For more information email heritagepreservation@toronto.ca or via phone at 416-338-1078

Helen Braithwaite and Pennie Mathers are both Sales Representative With Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd./JOHNSTON AND DANIEL DIVISION, Brokerage.  Helen and Pennie are regular contributors to the Muddy York blog.  Their website is located at www.twoperspectives.ca

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HERITAGE STATUS IN TORONTO

Posted on February 5, 2009 | 1 Comment

historical

By Helen Braithwaite and Pennie Mathers

Figuratively speaking, home is the family castle….even if it lacks a moat, drawbridge or crenellated towers, or, whether it be a modest cottage or elegant brownstone or impressive mansion….which we fuss over and lavish time and money on to keep up appearances.  And woe-betide disparaging outsiders who want to “improve” our street-scape; we will defend it, if not until death, but with writs galore!!

And, of course, the older the castle is, the mellower it is, and as time gracefully ages it, it acquires that patina knows as “Heritage”; a designation which now frequently envelops not only your castle, but the whole neighborhood!!  In time our civic worthies will have enshrined the neighborhood in legal documents calling it a Heritage District.

Did you know there are fourteen areas in Toronto which have “Heritage” status?  They are: Blythwood, Cabbagetown-Metcalfe, Cabbagetown-North, Cabbagetown South, Draper Street, East Annex, Fort York, Harbord Village, Lyall Avenue, North Rosedale, South Rosedale, Wychwood Park, Weston, Yorkville-Hazelton

The following areas are Heritage Conservation Districts Under Study:
Agincourt, Annex(Madison Avenue), Balmy Beach, Cabbagetown Northwest, Casa Loma, Harbord Village Phase 2, Liberty Village, Queen Street East, Queen Street West, Riverdale Area Phase 1, St. Lawrence Area, Phase 1, Summerhill, Toronto Islands, Union Station District, West Queen West, Weston Area Phase 2.

What does all that mean? Well, it means if you are a potential home- buyer and spot a potential fixer-upper in a designated area you would like to improve  with a few external embellishments of your own, you had better check it out with you lawyer before committing hard cash to the project.  ALL properties in the designated areas (not just homes] are hedged with a number of no-no’s in addition to the usual Ontario Building Code requirements.

(Note: Potential developers shouldn’t feel discriminated against: the Heritage rules also apply to existing property owners in these areas as well.)

To take one area as an example: The North Rosedale Conservation District was created on September 2005.  (The North Rosedale Ratepayers’ Association has a link:  www.northrosedale.ca/heritage.asp to the Heritage Study showing each home in the neighborhood, its rating and location.)

The study shows that 51% of homes in North Rosedale have been given Heritage status. Six are “A” rated; 43 “B” rated and 418 are “C” rated out of 919 homes in the area.

“A” and “B” rated homes are considered to be landmarks of significant merit and stand on their own. (A prominent architect is usually associated with these properties.)  The “C” rated homes are included to aid the preservation of the overall Heritage character of the district.

Owners and would-be owners of ALL properties within Toronto who want to renovate must first acquire a permit from City Hall before building any structure, addition or undertake any renovations. A building permit generally will be approved if the renovation complies with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning by-laws and other applicable laws and regulations. In such cases the approval will generally be granted by the City’s Building Division staff.   But note: the property owner is still responsible for complying with all requirements.

Owners of properties in the preservation districts which have been rated “A”, “B” or “C” must ALSO acquire additional approvals from the City’s Heritage Preservation Services Section if they are planning any renovations that involve exterior work or demolition.

The Heritage Board wants to help homeowners who wish to update their older homes, but it also wants to ensure that the neighborhood’s historical integrity is maintained, particularly the home’s appearance from the street.

Heritage Permits are NOT required for interior alterations or landscaping, including: plantings, walkways and driveways; or an alteration that is NOT visible from the street.

In general, City Council does not require owners to get Heritage Permits for routine maintenance like painting of wood, stucco or metal finishes; repair (using the same materials) of existing features, including roofs, wall-cladding, dormers, cresting, cupolas, cornices, balustrades, porches and steps, entrances, windows, foundations and decorative wood, metal, stone or terra cotta.  In addition, Heritage Permits are not required to install eaves-troughs; weather proofing, including the installation of removable storm windows and doors or exterior lights.

So, it you have designs on gussying-up your castle in a Heritage Preservation District be sure to seek legal advice first.  The Heritage Board doesn’t want to be obstructive: it wants to ensure the historical integrity of the neighborhood is maintained.

For more information on Heritage preservation and properties please visit the following City of Toronto link:
http://www.toronto.ca/heritage-preservation/heritage_questions.htm

Helen Braithwaite and Pennie Mathers are both Sales Representative With Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd./JOHNSTON AND DANIEL DIVISION, Brokerage.  Helen and Pennie are regular contributors to the Muddy York blog.  Their website is located at www.twoperspectives.ca

The photgraph is provided courtesy of Glenn Brown Photography.

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