Councillors vote on heritage status of University of Guelph greenhouse

Council is once again discussing the heritage status of the Rutherford Conservatory at the University of Guelph. CTV's Heather Senoran has the latest.

A landmark at the University of Guelph was back up for discussion Tuesday at a city council planning meeting.

Councillors ultimately voted to approve a heritage designation for the D.M. Rutherford Family Conservatory.

Crews, however, began tearing down the glass and metal structure a few weeks ago, despite a last-minute push from community members to save the greenhouse.

Tuesday’s meeting

Jack Mallon, a heritage planner with the city, made brief presentation to council at Tuesday’s meeting.

He brought up the university’s notice of objection to heritage designation that had been filed days after city council initially approved the demolition.

“The university noted that they were objecting to the designation as a protective measure in case a dispute arises in how the designation bylaws drafted, or a dispute arises, in the issuance of a demolition permit,” Mallon explained. “The university argues that, since the demolition permit was approved, the passing of any designation bylaw is unnecessary.”

Mallon made it clear that heritage designation is still recommended.

He also said staff plan to work collaboratively with the university as they salvage and retain steel for future use in a commemorative garden.

“The issuance of a notice of intention to designate has already ensured that the conservatory is carefully deconstructed rather than just demolished,” said Mallon.