Toronto City Council voted to initiate a study to determine Lawrence Park West’s eligibility as a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) on Oct. 5. But some residents argue a heritage designation would saddle local homeowners with additional costs when undertaking home renovations. 

If deemed eligible, the neighbourhood would be protected by a municipal bylaw under the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA). From that point on, any major alterations made to local homes would be subject to a permit process under the OHA and reviewed by city staff to ensure they fit the character of the HCD before approval.

The Lawrence Park West Heritage Opposition Committee is concerned with the impact an HCD designation would have on the value of local properties and has collected over 100 signatures against it.

“It’s economics 101,” said Todd Edgar, a member of the opposition. “Anything that puts restrictions on the property will reduce its value… You’ll have to get an architect and go to committee meetings [in order to get it approved]… This all costs money,” he added.

The Lawrence Park Heritage Committee (LPHC) was the driving force behind the nomination for heritage designation. According to its website, the committee was formed in response to local concern about the loss of the area’s “garden suburb” character due to “the increasing number of demolitions of older homes.”

“Lawrence Park West has a very significant cultural landscape and deserves to be studied,” said Geoff Kettel of the LPHC.

The area is bordered by Yonge Street to the west, Mount Pleasant Road to the east, Lawrence Avenue to the north, and Glengowan Road and Alexander Muir Road to the south.