An historic greenhouse at the University of Guelph facing an uncertain future is the top preservation priority in the eyes of Heritage Guelph.
Meeting last week, the advisory committee of council identified 22 sites throughout the city it deems top prospects for study and potential designation under the Ontario Heritage Act, which requires that identified heritage features be maintained and preserved for future generations.
The approved motion urges city staff to focus its attention on the first 10.
In the top spot is the D.M. Rutherford Conservatory, located beside the University Centre at 37 Christie Lane, built in 1930.
According to an archived article from the U of G, the conservatory is one of the only remaining pagoda-like glass structures in North America. The glass building incorporated limestone blocks from the foundation of original barns on campus.
The city's municipal heritage registry notes it was built in 1930.
Last year university officials flagged the building for repairs but no commitment has been made to do them.
"Now that the winter season is underway, the D.M. Rutherford Conservatory is closed and the university is determining the best next steps based on information gathered during the routine maintenance and assessments of campus properties conducted earlier. No decisions have been made," U of G spokesperson Garth Hardie said in an email to GuelphToday on Monday. "The conservatory is a building of historic interest on campus and within the broader community.
"As the university explores the options available for ensuring continued public appreciation of the gardens, decisions will be made in consultation with the City of Guelph and other key community stakeholders. The university is committed to ensuring that all interested parties are informed as we navigate this process."
Other priority sites on Heritage Guelph's top 10 are:
- 33 Dormie Lane
- 19 Fountain St. W.
- 72 Gordon St.
- 22 James S.t E.
- 99 Maltby Rd. W.
- 14 Neeve St.
- 35 Niska Rd.
- 123 Norfolk St.
- 19 Woodycrest Dr.
Details about each can be found on the city’s heritage registry.
Properties listed on the registry aren’t directly protected from modification or destruction. Rather, if a demolition permit is sought for one of the properties, city council has 90 days to decide whether to publish intent to designate it under the Ontario Heritage Act or allow the permit to be issued.
Last year the provincial government enacted legislation that caps how long properties can remain on a municipal registry at two years. That means buildings on the registry at the time the legislation came into force will be automatically removed on Jan. 1 of 2025.
Any property removed from a registry can’t be added back for five years, though the legislation doesn’t limit designation to registered sites.
