Two separate decisions saw a majority of council reject staff recommendations and instead approve a developer’s plan to build a pair of 15-storey apartment buildings at 1269 Hyde Park Rd. in northwest London. On Tuesday, council voted 10-5 against granting heritage status to the 155-year-old yellow-brick building that’s currently home to Crossings Pub, even though an evaluation of the building found it meets three of nine criteria for designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. “I’m not going to support the heritage designation at this time, I will continue to discuss with the developer ways that this can be commemorated in an effective way,” said Coun. Corrine Rahman. The heritage planner’s report had explained, “Local lore emerged at this time, that Sir John A. MacDonald would stay at (the) house when visiting the area, however, research could not confirm nor deny the legend.” Moments later, Council voted 10-5 in favour of rezoning the same property to permit a pair of 15-storey apartment buildings even though a staff report recommended the request be refused based on the height. Rahman added that she had taken time to speak with the developer since the Planning and Environment Committee meeting earlier this month. She said relocating the building is not possible, “I understand the cost and complexity of doing that.” In total, 503 apartments will eventually be constructed on the property wedged between a car dealership and railroad tracks. Crossings Pub continues to operate inside the landmark home and the developer has not applied for a demolition permit.
