Jan 28, 2020, Byron Red Barn designated

Politicians on Council’s planning committee voted to grant designation under the Ontario Heritage Act, denying the owner’s request for a demolition permit.

“It’s a landmark; it’s where Byron started. This is more than a red barn. It’s the centre of Byron. We are losing these buildings. We can do a better job. We’re always reacting.”

   Councillor Anna Hopkins, supporting designation of the property.

Councillor Hopkins won two amendments to the designation, stating administration evaluate other property in Halls Mill for designation, and that barns throughout the city be considered for designation – work that can be done largely by the London Advisory Committee on Heritage, or LACH.

 “We’re happy with the pro-heritage position taken by councillors. People from the neighbourhood supported saving the barn, there was concern shown by neighbours and councillors listened. It’s unusual. It has more style than the average barn. It’s definitely part of the heritage of the village.”

- Chair, ACO London Region, Jenny Grainger

Jan 31, 2020, Byron Red Barn demolished

The barn's owner, John McLeod, who neighbours say was watching the bulldozer in action, said that he had been advised by his lawyer not to provide comment. But he is "delighted" the barn is down. McLeod was opposed to the heritage designation and had fought to quash the decision.  

"It's infuriating. After so much effort to try and save this building and having the city vote on our side, it's been destroyed anyway. If the city doesn't take a bold stand and make it clear that they expect their orders obeyed… other people might start to think that they can just demolish a heritage building without getting permission and if if the city says no I'll just do it anyway."

- Chair, ACO London Region, Jenny Grainger

Jenny Grainger wrote and spoke to Planning & Environment Committee. She believes that, helped convince PEC, and later the full city council, to designate the building.

After the owner of the barn demolished it, she wrote again to city councilors to urge them to fine or prosecute him, as it's important not to set a precedent that anyone can ignore city council. Jenny Grainger also spoke to local media about the subject. ACO London Region is now awaiting the city's next move.