Richmond Hill city council will be meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday to discuss proposed high-rise developments in the region.
The council meeting will include discussion about two proposed developments at Highway 7 East and Leslie Street, as well as at Norfolk Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive.
The Norfolk site is set to include three 16 storey high-rise residential buildings, one nine-storey apartment, and three four-storey medium density residential buildings.
The Norfolk neighborhood is home to several heritage estates, however heading into the meeting, Heritage Richmond Hill had not put forward comments about the historical conservation requirements.
Richmond Hill Heritage Coordinator Maggie Mackenzie said despite rapid growth in the area, a “rich and layered history” continues to exist today adding to the city’s character and small town feel.
“Conservation of our cultural heritage resources helps maintain a sense of place and history,” Mackenzie told Humber News.
“When this conservation continues over time, these resources contribute to our collective culture as a community.”
Urban Design and Heritage Planner, Julia Smith said the city maintains a list of all properties that are considered to be of cultural heritage value or interest and properties on the register are regularly monitored for adherence to city’s Heritage Property Standards By-law.
“Development proposals that involve the alteration or demolition of designated heritage properties are rigorously evaluated by City staff for compliance with the Cultural Heritage policies in Richmond Hill’s Official Plan, and must ultimately be approved by City Council, in consultation with Heritage Richmond Hill,” Smith said.
One new development on 107 Hall Street, located west of Yonge Street, has already faced backlash from some residents earlier this month.
Local resident Agnes Parr addressed neighbors on May 2 that gathered to discuss opposition of the 10 and 14 storey apartments.
The building proposes 265 new units and 307 parking spaces.
The proposed land would require the relocation of the existing 1849 Langstaff-Holm House, and perhaps the connection of the heritage building to the new development apartments.