Moved by Regional Councillor Santos
Whereas Downtown Brampton is identified as a specific action item in the 2040 Vision, to “realize the full potential of Brampton’s historic Downtown as an advance education, arts, and life sciences hub”, and a vibrant centre with quality jobs, a rich range of activities, and integrated living;
Whereas Downtown Brampton is the focus of significant infrastructure and private sector investment to support growth and intensification consistent with the 2040 Vision;
Whereas the province’s Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act directs the City to achieve 113,000 new housing units by 2031, and the City has signed a Municipal Housing Pledge to work towards this objective;
Whereas 164-166 Main Street North are designated heritage properties under Designation By-laws 198-2017 and 199-2017, and are therefore on Brampton’s Municipal Register of Cultural Heritage Resources which serves to protect the heritage and character of Brampton;
Whereas, due to significant long-term neglect, the subject buildings are derelict and in significant disrepair, and have become unsafe;
Whereas, the subject property is located on the City’s Main Street and gateway into the Downtown that is designated in the draft Brampton Plan as a Secondary Urban Boulevard that is approximately 200 metres from the Metrolinx GO-Line and future Transit Hub including the future Hurontario Light Rail Transit line; and
Whereas the existence of these properties in their current state has been raised as a concern by area residents, in that they detract from the character and attractiveness of the Downtown and deter reinvestment and revitalization potential.
Therefore Be It Resolved That:
1. Staff be directed to complete a Heritage Impact Assessment for the properties identified as 164-166 Main Street North that addresses the deteriorated state of the buildings.
2. Staff be directed to report to the Brampton Heritage Board meeting of June 20, 2023, regarding the repeal of Designating By-Laws 198-2017 and 199-2017 for 164-166 Main Street North and the removal of the property from the City of Brampton’s Municipal Register of Cultural Heritage Resources (“Designated” Heritage Properties) and report back to the City Council Meeting of June 28, 2023.
3. Staff be directed to report back to Council by the fourth quarter of 2023 on a process for property standards enforcement on designated heritage properties to proactively address issues of neglect or disrepair.