127 Strachan Avenue - Proposed Designation By-Law under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act - Consideration of Objection

It contains a three-storey mixed-use commercial building that dates to 1878, with a one-storey rear wing original to the building and a rear addition constructed at a later date. In 1999, alterations to the building resulted in a reconfiguration of the storefront. The building was originally constructed as a grocery for John H. Meyer, a former hotel proprietor, to support the surrounding working-class neighbourhood. It continued to operate primarily as a grocery until the 1950s. More recently, it has served as a restaurant with a popular summer patio on the north side of the building. In June 2019, the More Homes, More Choice Act, 2019 (Bill 108) received Royal Assent. Schedule 11 of this Act included amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act which included amendments to the listing and designation processes. The Bill 108 Amendments to the Act came into force on July 1, 2021. City Council has until April 18, 2023, which is 90 days from the date of the end of the objection period, to make a decision on this objection as per the timeline under the Act. Staff have reviewed the objections raised on behalf of the owner and remain of the opinion that despite these objections, the property meets Ontario Regulation 9/06, the criteria prescribed for municipal designation under Part IV, Section 29 of the Act under all three categories of design and physical, historical and associative, and contextual values. As the property has cultural heritage value or interest and meets the prescribed criteria pursuant to Part IV, Section 29 of the Act, staff are of the opinion that this property should be designated. Designation enables City Council to review proposed alterations for the property, enforce heritage property standards and maintenance, and refuse demolition.