Council Directs Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee to Assess Eligibility of 496 Walker's Line for Potential Heritage Designation

At our Feb. 14 Burlington City Council meeting, we unanimously approved a motion from myself and Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte directing the Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee to assess the property at 496 Walker's Line for eligibility of placing it on the City's heritage register and its potential to be designated heritage.MY TAKE:We had a request from a resident to review the heritage status of this property, in light of a potential redevelopment. This property was designated heritage before, and a previous Council un-designated this property at the request of the owner at that time. I did not support that decision. I’m pleased this Council supported the motion to review the property from myself and Ward Councillor Shawna Stolte, who is also the council-appointed liaison to the Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee.Our motion asks staff to review the condition of the property, hear from Heritage Burlington and report back with recommendations to Council on any potential heritage eligibility. Should Council proceed with designation, it presents an opportunity to incorporate a potential heritage property into a redevelopment — something we always endeavour to do achieve, both development and heritage preservation.

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Here is the full staff direction that was approved:

• Direct the Director of Community Planning, Regulations & Mobility to:
  • Review the current condition of 496 Walker’s Line, assess its continued eligibility for designation under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act and update the statement of significance for the property to reflect current property conditions and legislative requirements; and
  • Consult the Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee to obtain their recommendations concerning the eligibility of 496 Walker’s Line for inclusion on the Heritage Register under Part IV, Section 27(3) of the Ontario Heritage Act and for heritage designation under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act; and
  • Report back to City Council in Q2 2023 with the Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee recommendations and the updated statement of significance for the property. (SD-03-23)

View the motion memo from myself and Councillor Stolte here:

• Motion memo: COW-01-23 Motion Memo- 496 Walker's Line

BACKGROUND:Preserving and promoting the conservation of Burlington’s heritage is a priority for the City of Burlington -- 496 Walker’s Line is a two-and-a-half storey red brick house built in 1913. Prior to 2012, it was heritage designated for its association with a prominent historical family and for its Queen Anne style architectural features.The designation was repealed in 2012 for reasons unrelated to any heritage considerations and the property currently has no heritage protection or heritage status.There is significant community interest in the conservation of the property and designating it would protect it from demolition if a development were proposed.