Amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act were passed in April that will offer comprehensive protection to buildings waiting for heritage status. Concerns of churches — including how they will pay for aging buildings that are designated — did not affect Bill 60, but a consultation process will be set up to address concerns. "The communication lines are open and the minister has every intention of developing guidelines that are in line with their concerns," said Carole Drouin, communications representative at the Ministry of Culture.
The working group will include churches, universities, hospitals and school boards. The government had failed to include churches originally. "The amendment tried to fix a very serious problem and the political parties were aware of that," said Archdeacon Harry Huskins, an Anglican church representative. We have every trust that the government will carry through with its assurances to us." The Record reported on the controversial bill in May.
The discussions led to the stalling of the bill's third reading — something that angered heritage groups and pitted them against churches. Supporters of the bill argued that heritage buildings are landmarks of history and culture and the community deserves a say in what happens to them. Relations have tempered now, as both sides gain a better understanding of what the other is asking. Catherine Nasmith, an architect and vice president of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, is "just delighted" to see the bill pass, and hopes churches and others keep pressing for financial support.
Nasmith said most countries with heritage laws provide funding to property owners. "I think it's a scandal that churches are often forced to finance themselves by tearing down their buildings," said Nasmith.
