The Heritage Canada Foundation (HCF) has shared with the Ontario Minister of Culture its concerns about the uncertain future of tornado-ravaged Heritage Conservation districts in the Town of Goderich, where designated heritage buildings with the potential to be stabilized and repaired may soon be demolished without due consideration.   

Goderich has two heritage conservation districts—West Street and Main Square—both of which sustained damage from a powerful tornado that wreaked havoc in the historic downtown on August 21. 

A month ago, HCF joined the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) in offering technical advice to the town of Goderich in assessing heritage conservation options.

Since that time, leading experts in heritage building stabilization and conservation have made efforts to provide pro bono advice and assistance to the town.  

However, it has been reported that expert advice and offers of assistance are being rejected, and there are concerns about the fate of designated heritage resources. 

On September 26, 2011, Goderich Town Council approved demolition permits for two significant 19th century heritage structures in the Courthouse Square:  the studio of the famous historic Canadian photographer, Reuben R. Sallows at the corner of Montreal Street, and the former Opera House at the corner of Kingston Street.    

While HCF fully respects the need for local autonomy and decision-making, we believe that intervention by the Ministry to support local efforts and also ensure appropriate decision-making is now essential.   

Please join HCF in encouraging the Ontario Minister of Culture to ensure Goderich’s designated heritage buildings are given appropriate consideration.  

The Heritage Canada Foundation is a national registered charity dedicated to the preservation of Canada’s historic places. Your support is vital to our work. Please join or make a tax-deductible donation today. 

Contact:

Carolyn Quinn

Director, Communications

cquinn@heritagecanada.org

1-866-964-1066; 613-237-1066 ext 229