Heritage homes in Kitchener and Waterloo are surrounded by myths and misunderstanding. Read through these 3 myths and learn more about heritage home ownership.
MYTH: Designated properties are more expensive to maintain
TRUTH:
- Neglect is expensive – not old buildings.
- Heritage conservation focuses on minimal intervention.
- Good maintenance means never having to “restore.”
- Regular maintenance and repair over replacement (typically less expensive).
- Recognize the natural aged “patina” and resilience of an older building.
MYTH: I won’t be able to remove wallpaper or change light fixtures because my house is designated.
TRUTH:
- Most designations do not include interior features. Approximately 125 do (Under 2%).
- Difficult to monitor interior designations if in private hands so tend to be rare (plus the issue of privacy).
- Rare and unique interior elements (e.g. mantelpieces, trim, ceiling medallions).
- If “fixed” to real property and has cultural heritage value it can be designated.
MYTH: Designated properties cannot be changed.
TRUTH:
- 97% of all heritage permits sent to the Trust since 2010 were either consents or consents with conditions (using a sample of 500 heritage permits from 28 different municipalities).
- Queen West HCD in Toronto: 51 heritage permits approved in 2013; 0 denied; 41% of these permits were approved within one week; another 25% approved between 15-30 days.
- Designation is about “change management” – ‘HOW’ more than ‘IF’.
Read about more myths in the attached PDF.
