Heritage Canada Foundation Releases 2009 Top Ten Endangered Places and Worst Losses Lists
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| Erie Street United Church comes down |
Alma College tops list of losses
July 7, 2009
Ottawa, ON June 7, 2009 –The Heritage Canada Foundation (HCF) has released its Top Ten Endangered Places and Worst Losses Lists drawing attention to a total of 17 architectural and heritage sites in Canada either threatened with demolition or already lost.
Ontario did not fare well in this year’s accounting, with three of the top ten endangered places and three of the seven worst losses.
At the top of the list of endangered places was the David Dunlap Observatory and Park in Richmond Hill, Ontario, a scientific and cultural landmark associated with Canada’s international accomplishments in the field of astronomy—threatened with development. Also at risk is Bellevue House, Amherstburg, Ontario, a National Historic Site connected to the War of 1812—a scandalous case of demolition by neglect. Finally, the Trust noted that the recent landmark Ontario Municipal Board decision in Port Dalhousie threatens the integrity of more than 90 designated Heritage Conservation Districts in Ontario.
Of the seven worst losses, three were in Ontario. Alma College topped the list, tragically lost to fire just hours after the local MPP met with Premier McGuinty’s chief of staff about its preservation. Examples of historic places needlessly destroyed by the wrecking ball are plentiful: Ontario leads the country with the demolition of the heritage-designated Erie Street United Church in Ridgetown, and the Muskoka’s Modernist Marygrove Resort that was torn down in the name of development progress—and the tax assessment revenues that will result.
For complete details, view the news item at the following link: www.heritagecanada.org/eng/news/new.html#July7_09 and follow the links in the news item for additional information.
Type of News Item: News
