Toronto City Council is being asked to designate the West Queen West neighbourhood a protected heritage district, to be dubbed the West Queen West Heritage Conservation District (HCD).

Heritage Conservation Districts (HCDs) are neighbourhoods protected by a local by-law passed by City Council under the Ontario Heritage Act. These districts help preserve and improve the unique character of Toronto’s historic areas.

The district consists of 330 properties. Provincial regulations state that in order for an area to be recognized as a Heritage Conservation District, at least 25% of the properties within the area must meet at least two of the nine criteria that prove the area’s historical significance. In the proposed West Queen West district, at least 72% of the properties satisfy two or more of the criteria, according to a report by the City’s Senior Manager of Heritage Planning, Urban Design, and City Planning, dated Nov. 13.

The report adds that the West Queen West district reflects the early development and western expansion of the city. The portion of Queen St within the district was originally an extension of the historic Lot Street — the concession line dividing the military Garrison Reserve to the south and Park Lots to the north.

“As an early example of main street commercial development in Toronto, the District conveys a defined sense of place, with most of its buildings constructed from the 1880s to the 1920s,” the report states, adding that the district boasts a high concentration of late-19th and early-20th century commercial buildings, showcasing various architectural styles of the period. “The District also has a rich tradition of community and civic activity, anchored by landmarks buildings.”

You can make changes to a property in an HCD, but some changes may need a heritage permit, especially if they affect the public-facing parts of the property. Major changes, like altering the exterior, must follow the guidelines in the HCD Plan. Routine maintenance, minor repairs, or interior changes usually don’t require a permit.

Council is also being asked to consider approving a plan for how this area should be managed and protected, for example, guidelines and policies to help ensure that any developments in the area respect the district’s historical value.

This item will be considered by Toronto and East York Community Council on December 4, and by City Council on Dec. 17, subject to the actions of the Toronto and East York Community Council.