SLNA heritage district plans move forward

Robin Careless –

On May 28, delegates from the St Lawrence Neighborhood Association (SLNA) met to discuss new developments in the community and to keep each other appraised of their progress.

Delegates are either elected or appointed by their respective buildings: each building is allowed no more than three delegates. Because of the mixed-use nature of the area, each building buys a membership to join the SLNA.

This month’s meeting was led by current SLNA president Dwight Peters.

The group received a report on the ongoing process of having the St Lawrence Neighborhood declared a heritage district.

“It reflects the fact that we are in Old Town Toronto and that buildings are an important part of this history and heritage: The designation will help us protect these architectural artifacts,” said Peters.

“It also is useful from a development perspective and encouraging design in new projects that reflects the context of the neighbourhood.”

Having started the heritage district process in 2005, the St. Lawrence Neighborhood is now on step seven of the 13 steps necessary for declaration. “The heritage study that the SLNA’s heritage committee spearheaded was part of a report from the city planning department to the Toronto Preservation Board (TPB) that recommends a heritage district,” Peters explained.

“This report was approved by the TPB and heritage consultants will now be hired by the city to work on the development of a heritage plan. This is expected to be finalized in mid-2015.”

However, the SLNA isn’t solely focused on the past.

They are also looking forward to Canada Day.

“We will have a parade from Crombie Park down The Esplanade at 11:30 a.m., which will end up at Market Lane Park at noon,” said Peters. “We’ll have an afternoon of food, festivities and entertainment, all free for residents.”