King council Monday night was called upon by the King Heritage Advisory Committee to protect heritage sites within the township.

A presentation was made by committee co-chair Fiona Cowles and heritage researcher Pamela Vega. The committee was putting forth the idea to implement policies and actions that encourage heritage conservation. As well, they recommended hiring on a heritage planner.

Cowles said the committee was established in 1982 by council as the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (LACAC).

“Volunteers were drawn from a resident pool of expertise in local history, building restoration, architecture and planning,” she commented, adding LACAC was placed under the Ontario Heritage Act as a means of helping municipalities conserve properties of significant heritage value or interest. “By 1986, LACAC produced a list of 600 properties to be protected, each place was photographed and basic data listed, such as construction date, ownership, general condition of the building, cultural or architectural significance and current use.”

Cowles said the Heritage Committee has other functions, apart from the identification and maintenance of the heritage inventory list.

Vega observed that heritage conservation is the identification, protection and promotion of buildings and landscapes that have heritage significance.

“It strives to manage change over time in a way that preserves historical elements while still allowing growth and change,” Vega explained.

Vega gave a background of Kettleby, which was founded in 1842 and flourished with the construction of a mill in the village.

“Most of the houses date from the last quarter of the 19th century,” Vega commented. “Thirty-four of the buildings in Kettleby are listed on the heritage inventory.”

Vega said the common style found in Kettleby is Victorian vernacular, neo-gothic and Edwardian.

Vega also talked about King City, originally called Springhill, which grew with the coming of the railway in 1853.

“The 76 King City properties listed on the heritage inventory generally date from between 1860 and the early 1900s,” she said.

Vega added there is much heritage significance in King City, including the railway station, which is said to be the oldest in Ontario. Most of the style found is vernacular, Victorian and neo-gothic.

Referring to Laskay and Nobleton, Vega said they both flourished in the early 1800s.

“Laskay has 18 properties listed on the inventory list and Nobleton has 43,” she commented.

As for Pottageville, Vega said only about three buildings exist on the inventory list, which date between 1870 and 1890. Schomberg, she said, has 96, Lloydtown has 22 and Ansnorveldt has 16 surviving properties listed.

There’s no doubt that there’s heritage significance in the King Township, Vega commented.

“We have seen some of the beautiful heritage buildings that are found throughout the township and have learned a bit about the Township’s different hamlets and villages,” she said, adding heritage is important because it creates a sense of place; a place that is meaningful and full of character.

“It gives a sense of belonging and these heritage buildings contribute to a sense of place because they contribute to the distinct character of our community and remind us of history,” she commented.

Vega also observed that heritage is economically viable.

“Research has shown that across Ontario, in both urban and rural areas, heritage conservation can be economically competitive, leading to higher property values, more jobs, revitalized neighbourhoods and economic growth,” she said.

Vega said by implementing incentives, such as tax rebates and grants, these heritage initiatives can encourage economic growth.

“Municipalities can benefit through increased property values and tax assessments from these redeveloped heritage properties,” Vega concluded.

Other positive outcomes that come from heritage Vega said is that it will positively impact property values and increase tourism.

The problem Vega raised is that may not be the case if heritage buildings keep on being destroyed in the township.

“Since 2000 alone, 19 heritage buildings have been demolished in King, which equals almost two buildings per year,” she commented.

One example Vega gave was Nobleton’s Masonic Hall, built in 1889, which was demolished in 2006.

Vega added they under threat from new developments.

“Instead of being incorporated into development plans, these heritage structures are demolished,” she remarked.

Vega said the current level of protection of heritage buildings is not enough.

“Only 34 out of the 600 properties listed on the inventory list are protected,” she observed. “That means 93.8 per cent of heritage buildings in the township are not protected.”

In order to save these sites, Vega said the heritage register must be maintained.

As well, Vega said council and the committee must raise awareness.

“We must encourage King’s citizens to be proud of their history,” she declared. “We must inform developers that heritage is an advantage, not a detriment to growth.”

Vega added the Township must take a lead.

“It is instrumental that the municipality sets clear heritage policies and be willing to enforce them,” she concluded.

Cowles commented that council can protect buildings from being demolished by developers by placing bylaws on non-designated properties and as well as increasing the time given to the committee to evaluate the sites.

Cowles also told Councillor Debbie Schaefer it’s a good idea to get a heritage planner rather than volunteer to assess heritage properties.

“Volunteers don’t have the respect from people who own property, developers or politicians,” she pointed out. “We need someone with expertise.”