100-year-old detailing allegedly removed

Community uproar over renovation of historic house

The Owner of a house that was built for John Bayne Maclean, founder of Maclean’s magazine, has been accused of removing some historic elements, a move that could make it more difficult to designate it as a heritage building. The heritage designation may prevent the owner from gaining a permit to demolish the 100-year-old-structure.

“They are acting like vandals without an appreciation. They have been put on notice that this was a significance to the community and they are acting against that,” said Robert Levy, president of the Casa Loma Residents Association.
 

The house was designed by renowned architect John Lyle, who also designed Union Station and the Royal Alexandra Theatre.
Council was fast tracking the process that would determine if it was a historical site, Coun. Joe Mihevc said. “You think fair play would say, let’s figure it out, instead of taking the wrecking block to something,” Mihevc said, but added the removal of the fixtures was not illegal and no permit was necessary for the renovations.
 

“They are certainly within the bounds of the law,” he said

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