[ScreamingViking]

I don’t know what higher-profile ones remain. This and the King buildings have been known for over a decade.

I also don’t know what we expect the city to do in this case other than enforce heritage standards; that is an ongoing issue. At a certain point if a municipality can’t fulfill its heritage responsibilities the province should step in. These were all designated properties, protected by provincial legislation… might be time I brush up on the Act.

Knowing that the city won't do much lets these developers off the hook. And they probably know that having a provincial government that just doesn't seem to care is doubly helpful.

I can't think of any offhand downtown either. I do wonder how many old industrial properties are in danger of such "demolition"... so many aren't very prominent to public view, and haven't been repurposed.

 

[Sunnyside]

Knowing that the city won't do much lets these developers off the hook. And they probably know that having a provincial government that just doesn't seem to care is doubly helpful.

I can't think of any offhand downtown either. I do wonder how many old industrial properties are in danger of such "demolition"... so many aren't very prominent to public view, and haven't been repurposed.

This is something I’ve noticed simply by wandering on google street view in certain places, or discrepancies between aerial imagery and what you see on the ground.

Unlike other cities’ repurposed warehouses, I don’t think we can or should repurpose much of anything north of CN for residential uses- our ‘traditional’ industrial area is still the main one. That said, repurposing for contemporary employment uses would be both efficient and respectful of our heritage.

It is also not out of the realm of possibility to suggest rebuilding lost buildings where possible, mostly downtown.

In the short term, the answer is hiring a handful of heritage planners and some more standards enforcement. The internal state makes it no wonder this is happening.

 

[ScreamingViking]

Unlike other cities’ repurposed warehouses, I don’t think we can or should repurpose much of anything north of CN for residential uses- our ‘traditional’ industrial area is still the main one. That said, repurposing for contemporary employment uses would be both efficient and respectful of our heritage.

I'd prefer if old factory buildings can be given new "life" for employment too. Or even just the land repurposed if the building isn't viable or particularly notable and the remediation is economical (the Studebaker plant on Victoria was largely knocked down for the new "business park" and this is a case where I saw value in at least keeping much of the old factory as a facade; McMaster's plan for the Glass Warehouse -- if it ever happens -- would very much be in contrast, and the way other buildings at MIP have been repurposed offer examples of decent conversions). We've lost a lot of them due to demolition or in some cases fire, but many remain.

Employment land is a premium across the entire region, especially land that has good road and rail connections like the North End. The redevelopment of the massive former Stelco property will lead the way, but I fear it will end up being typical "suburban" business park once the plans are value-engineered.

 

[ScreamingViking]

Whoops

Tivoli Demolition Began Illegally Without A Permit

Ward 2 Councillor Cameron Kroetsch says there is "no excuse" for the developer's negligence, adding the illegal start "completely undermines their credibility" with the City and the community.

thepublicrecord.ca

Seems to happen everywhere.

A company led by Vranich Jr. is being taken to court by Oakville over the unpermitted demolition of an 1830s home "designated as a property of historical and architectural value and interest under the Ontario Heritage Act" a couple of kms east of downtown. Unsurprisingly, nobody from 1475 Lakeshore Road East Inc. showed up for the first hearing.

The speed at which the town has reacted is impressive though. The demo work happened in late July.

Has the City of Hamilton done anything yet to go after Blanchard and/or the company that let 18-28 King St. E. fall apart last fall?

 

[TheHonestMaple]

I mean the already gave the green light for the demolition a while ago.... seems like unneeded bureaucracy to now get another permit. And of course Kroetsch jumped on the opportunity to talk down about the developer. Can't wait for that guy to get voted out next year.

 

[innsertnamehere]

I mean the already gave the green light for the demolition a while ago.... seems like unneeded bureaucracy to now get another permit. And of course Kroetsch jumped on the opportunity to talk down about the developer. Can't wait for that guy to get voted out next year.

Council gave approval for the building department to issue a permit once the applicant meets technical requirements - clearly they have not yet met it or the permit would have been issued. It's not some other permit. The developer is just skipping some relatively straightforward steps to save a few bucks.

 

[Chronamut]

Not all warehouse type buildings can be repurposed for that - some of them contain hazardous substances that in this day and age is not good for habitation. Others are simply not up to code.

 

[BrenWilson]

I mean the already gave the green light for the demolition a while ago.... seems like unneeded bureaucracy to now get another permit. And of course Kroetsch jumped on the opportunity to talk down about the developer. Can't wait for that guy to get voted out next year.

Demolition was approved in principle, you still need to supply a lot of documents to actually have physical demolition permitted. Demo plans and environmental safety reports aren't what I would classify as "uneeded bureauracry" unless you like breathing in asbestos and the like.