High Park Avenue's historic character could be preserved if it was officially designated a Heritage Conservation District, but it would take every homeowner on the street to agree to such an idea.
"In terms of a plan, this is a way a community can define its own character," said Neil Ross, vice-president of the West Toronto Junction Historical Society. "High Park would be a great place to start."Ross was one of many who spoke out at a community consultation meeting, hosted by Parkdale-High Park Councillor Bill Saundercook March 10, to discuss a developer's proposal to tear down a century home and replace it with two, two-and-a-half-storey detached houses at 244 High Park Ave. Area residents, who packed the basement of the Czechoslovak Church at the corner of Annette Street and High Park Avenue, showed their disdain for the potential loss of a stately home, built in 1910 and wanted to know how they could protect their street from future development."I've lived in the area for 50 years," said Marie Ashworth. "We had mansions on High Park. This is a very unique neighbourhood. We've lost some fantastic heritage homes. There was one in pink granite near Bloor Street - it was a fantastic place. Really, why can't you save this house? Is there a way to save this house?"Anne Pick and her husband Bill Spahic chose to live on High Park Avenue for its heritage attributes and put a lot of work into their house to restore it. "We turned it back into a single-family home, to preserve the heritage of the large house. People are doing their best to retrofit their homes, to make them fit into the neighbourhood. This is a gateway to the park. I think you've misread the neighbourhood even if you've lived here," she said to the developers. Robert Salmena, of Terra Firma Homes, purchased the house last year with his business partner and sought the city's permission to demolish the house and sever the lot to make room for two single-family homes. The two have built as many as 50 houses in the neighbourhood. They grew up in the community and say they are trying to improve the area."I can take anyone who'd like on a tour," said Salmena. "I'll take anyone into the house so they can see the condition. It's been neglected."Jacqueline Pancot, who lives next door at 240 High Park Ave., said the street has seen houses in worse shape that have been completely restored. "Outside, that house is in good condition," she said. "We find it an attractive house and find it adds to the streetscape."If the proposed houses get built as they are currently designed, Pancot said she'll lose her sunlight and the ambiance. "I'm really going to be affected by this. I bought in a heritage area. I've spent an awful lot of money maintaining my property," she said.Community members said they don't want to see a structure that reminds them of being in Mississauga. "If we wanted to live in Mississauga, we probably would," said one. Said another, who restored a house at 210 High Park Avenue, "I don't like the design. It's an eyesore. I've looked at your houses and they don't fit the neighbourhood."Dividing the lot was also a major issue for those who attended the meeting. "Severing the lot opens up the potential of changing the character of the street," said High Park Avenue resident John Bowen.The developers said they would be willing to work with the community, although they still intend to split the lot. "As long as we can sever the lots, we can work with you," said Salmena. Saundercook said he would call another public meeting prior to the next committee of adjustment meeting. "The developers will be invited to that meeting. If they have new information, they'll present it. Then, we'll plan our strategy," he said. Terra Firma Homes has also purchased the Czechoslovak Church.