Intention to Designate under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act - 41 Spadina Road

Designed by the prolific Toronto architect, Arthur Richard Denison (1857-1923) in the Edwardian Classical style, its apartment layouts have proved to be an enduring alternative to the single family house. For the past century, its residents have included leaders from the City's arts, political and financial communities. Anchoring the south-east corner of Lowther Avenue and Spadina Road, the property's low-rise scale, architectural detail, and landscaped setting set an important precedent as it increased density while maintaining the character of the surrounding Annex neighbourhood. Spadina Gardens' cultural heritage value was recognized as early as 1979, when it was listed on the City of Toronto's Heritage Inventory. Following city staff's additional research and evaluation under Ontario Regulation 9/06, the provincial criteria prescribed for municipal designation, it has been determined that the property at 41 Spadina Road merits designation under Part IV Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act for its design, associative and contextual value. The property is included within the boundary of the West Annex Phase 2 Heritage Conservation District (HCD) study area authorized by City Council in 2018. The individual designation of the Spadina Gardens apartment building at 41 Spadina Road would identify all of the property's cultural heritage values and heritage attributes including interior features which shall be conserved. Designation enables City Council to review proposed alterations for the property, enforce heritage property standards and maintenance, and refuse demolition.

2. If there are no objections to the designation, City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the bill in Council designating the property under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act. 3. If there are objections in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act, City Council direct the City Clerk to refer the designations to the Conservation Review Board. 4. If the designations are referred to the Conservation Review Board, City Council authorize the City Solicitor and appropriate staff to attend any hearing held by the Conservation Review Board in support of Council's decision to designate the properties.