London’s Planning and Environment Committee has cleared the way for a significant redevelopment in Hyde Park, voting to refuse heritage designation for the yellow-brick Victorian home that houses Crossings Pub.
City staff had urged councillors to both designate the property at 1269 Hyde Park Road as a heritage building and reject the rezoning request.
The city argues the proposed towers were too tall, inconsistent with the Provincial Planning Statement, and failed to conserve the existing listed heritage structure.
Heritage consultants and city planners found that the building met the minimum threshold for designation, but PEC members signalled that it wasn’t sufficient.
Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis pointed out that the house was not included in a recent list of top-priority heritage properties.
Although the developer is not required to preserve elements of the building, Ward 8 Councillor Steve Lehman stated that they have committed to including a commemorative feature on the site.
“I think when a developer makes a public statement, they’re pretty committed to it. I do not doubt in my mind they genuinely believe that’s important.” Lehman said to XFM
He said the commemorative plan could include a wall or display incorporating elements of the existing structure.
“There are no real residential dwellings nearby. It’s beside an auto dealership and a rail line. This is a good place to add a few more stories where we can bring in more homes.” He explained.
The project would create 500 new homes in two tower buildings
For now, Crossings Pub remains operational, and no demolition permit has been requested.
Crossings Pub (Daniel Monroy – XFM News)
