Church objects to heritage designation in Mississauga

A historic church in Mississauga objects to a proposed heritage designation.

The Anglican Church of St. John the Baptist at 719 Dundas St. E. has sent a request to the City of Mississauga opposing a designation, the city’s Heritage Advisory Committee heard this week.

The Anglican Diocese of Toronto, the legal owner of the church, has asked for discussions about the designation of four of their churches in Mississauga, said John Dunlop, manager, Indigenous Relations, Heritage and Museums for the city.

The churches — including Trinity Anglican Church in Port Credit, Trinity Church Streetsville and St. Peter’s in Erindale — “clearly warrant designation under the act,” Dunlop said at the Nov. 12 meeting. Dunlop suggested considering designations for all the churches at one time after discussions with the Diocese.

In a letter to the city, the Anglican Church of St. John the Baptist said it appreciates and supports the work of the heritage committee in preserving historic buildings but objects to a designation for their church.

“As an historic church with an active cemetery, we take pride in our history and preserving our property for future generations,” the letter stated. “However, we fear the impact of placing binding restrictions on our ability to adapt and make use of our property as best meets the changing needs of ministry to our community. We also feel it is unfair to place such restrictions on future congregations who may face different needs and need to make different decisions.”

Councillor and committee chair Brad Butt said he is “disappointed in the approach the Anglican Diocese is taking.”

Butt noted many churches are having financial difficulties and are forced to sell properties. Churches have been converted to homes including a historic place recently up for sale in Burlington.

A heritage designation is sometimes seen as a hindrance as property owners must get city approval to renovate or demolish the building.

But Dunlop said there have been recent changes to the Heritage Act that exempt places of worship when making alterations for religious purposes. Churches now do not have to go through the Heritage Advisory Committee, he said.

But if there is a redevelopment of a heritage-designated church, they would need city approval, he added.

On the positive side, the designation would mean the church has access to heritage grants.

He also noted the Anglican Diocese of Toronto is going through a difficult time with the devastating fire at the St. Anne’s Anglican Church in Toronto in June.

City staff will have discussions with the Anglican Diocese, Dunlop said.

“This will take a little more time than our usual designation process,” he said.

For more information see the committee reports and discussion here.

Lead photo: Google Maps