Owners of 14 Church Street (second from left in row 10-16) applied to Committee of Adjustment (CoA) for a variance to create a third floor by adding large shed dormers front and back. Despite opposition from the Planning Department, Town Engineer, Heritage Committee, immediate neighbour and Heritage Planner’s detailed reasons for the building to be designated, CoA approved the variance.

ACO Halton Hills Chair, Pat Farley, contacted Mayor, CoA and Councillors for the ward in which the house stands. Citizens were outraged at the idea of disfiguring this iconic row of houses directly across from the library/cultural centre which includes an adaptively reused c.1850s church.

She also met with the owner and suggested they work towards a solution together. Both spoke at Council, effectively supporting one another. Outcome: Council is appealing the CoA decision to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT). Owner and Town have agreed to a settlement that will expand floor space at the rear of the building with no changes at the front. Both parties have already signed the agreement.

Mayor Rick Bonette has suggested ACO Halton Hills recommend to Council that the whole row of houses become a Heritage Conservation District.