Erin Smith

The appellant appealed the City of Toronto's refusal to issue a demolition permit for two semi-detached cottages designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

The appellant argued that the properties had lost their heritage integrity due to extensive alterations over time and were in poor condition, making demolition and replacement appropriate.

The City maintained that the properties retained their heritage attributes and that demolition was inconsistent with heritage conservation policies.

The Tribunal dismissed the appeal, finding that the original designation was supportable and that the alternatives of rehabilitation and preservation had not been fully explored, concluding that demolition is a means of last resort.