We’ve received a message recently about a topic on the City of Toronto Economic Development Committee agenda.

According to a message we’ve received, the proposal would not supersede Heritage Preservation but rather is intended to create an architectural ‘museum’ if the buildings are slated for demolition or renovation: At this a request has been made for a report.

Councillor Paul Ainslie recommends that:

The Economic Development Committee direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, with other relevant City staff, to report back to the Committee to create a policy and process to preserve architectural and historical significant structures and fragments from buildings within the City of Toronto undergoing a demolition or renovations by placing them in appropriate locations throughout the grounds of the Guild Park and Gardens.

Summary

Councillor Paul Ainslie is described as submitting a communication on a policy to preserve structures with architectural and historical significance.

Background Information

(January 12, 2012) Letter from Councillor Ainslie on Creation of Policy to Preserve Structures with Architectural and Historical Significance

http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ed/bgrd/backgroundfile-45030.pdf

 Comments regarding this proposal

We’ve received the following comments:

“Moving Mimico buildings to Scarborough doesn’t attract me! Sadly this provides developers with an excuse not to design their projects around historic features!”

A second comment that we’ve received asserts:

“I agree;  Why do I need to drive to Scarborough to see Mimico’s history?”

Text of PDF file referred to above

Councillor Paul Ainslie
Toronto City Council
Scarborough East – Ward 43

Chair, Scarborough Community Council
Chair, Government Management Committee
Chair, Toronto Public Library Board

E-mail: councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca,
Website: www.paulainslie.com

Date: January 12, 2012

To: Councillor Michael Thompson, Chair and Members of the Economic Development Committee

From: Councillor Paul Ainslie

Re: Creation of Policy to Preserve Architectural and Historical Significant Structures

The Guild Park & Gardens situated in Scarborough East Ward 43, which I represent contains a number of architectural and historical structures from buildings across the former City of Toronto and southern Ontario. The concept for a structural garden was conceived and carried through by the original owners of the Guild Inn, Rosa and Spencer Clark.

This concept in restoring and preserving our architectural history by displaying them in our city-owned parks and buildings will add texture and interest to our city spaces while respecting the pieces by giving them the audience they deserve.

The Guild Inn Gardens contains many artifacts: Six animal panels from the Bank of Montreal Building, Angel Panels from the North American Life Assurance Company, Margueretta Stone from the University Avenue Armories, Art Deco base-relief blocks from the Toronto Star building, lamps from Sunnyside Boardwalk, Ionic Capitals from the University of Toronto, a wall of decorative stone elements from the Canadian Bank ofCommerce, the Provincial Paper building, and Abitibi Building to name a few.

The Gardens are a unique display of Toronto’s architectural history.

Engaging our Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Division to work with Planning and Building Divisions to create a policy and process to preserve further architectural and historical significant structures from buildings within the City of Toronto undergoing a demolition or renovations will only enhance our City in a positive and productive manner. We need to preserve our past through displaying these pieces of architectural art.

Recommendation:

The Economic Development Committee Direct the General Manager of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, with other relevant City staff, report back to the committee to create a policy and process to preserve architectural and historical significant structures and fragments from buildings within the City of Toronto undergoing a demolition or renovations by placing them in appropriate locations throughout the grounds of the Guild Park & Gardens

Sincerely,

Councillor Paul Ainslie
City of Toronto, Scarborough East Ward 43