By Mark Warrack, Chair of Heritage Toronto's Conservation Committee

The National Hotel

Toronto Preservation Board Decision Document

The case of the former National Hotel is admittedly sad. Here is a heritage resource, that from earlier reports, appears to be sound and with some fine detail. The building, through its high visibility, provides a landmark status and links back to an era when this area of the city was considered prime real estate. A lot has changed over the years, but here we have a fine building that could have had a new life and stand the test of time if it were not for some very poor decisions. The City's Preservation Services staff are to be commended for providing professional advice based on experience and backed by highly recognized principles of heritage conservation. Conservation practice as well as our provincial laws are there to protect and conserve these properties. It's what many have been fighting to achieve and when we get the authority to retain such a resource, it is taken away by political will. One can only ask if the decision to remove this building was based on the true heritage value of the building and site, or was it only economics, which come and go and no doubt have a great influence, but neither will replace what is lost. Council represents the public at large. If the majority of the public really felt it was best to remove this building, then so be it. However, it is doubtful that the public really were aware or had an opportunity to express an interest or opinion. The former National Hotel is part of a neighbourhood and community that should have had more input into conserving its history.

The Canada Malting Silos

Background Information

The Canada Malting Silos propose quite a challenge on many fronts; heritage conservation, adaptation of an unusual space, access, and many more. Heritage conservationists are not scared off from a challenge. It's what they do. Councillor Adam Vaughn is engaging the community in design charettes to find a creative way to retain and enhance the cultural heritage value of the silos and the site. This is a perhaps the best case scenario to get fresh and creative input into what may be done on this site. If the community is engaged then it is only natural that as the site develops a sense of stewardship and pride will be installed in the project. The silos are a significant cultural heritage resource within a significant cultural heritage landscape which includes the structure, the site, and its relationship to the harbour and all of the history that links the two. It may take some time, but the right solution is out there just waiting to be discovered.

If you would like to add your your input into the future of the Silos, please fill out this survey here:

http://www.harbourfrontcommunity.info/