A recent decision by city council to place 79 Dawlish Ave. on the Toronto inventory of heritage properties will keep the house safe from demolition, for now.

The two-storey Lawrence Park home, which was originally approved upon condition by the committee of adjustment for demolition, was built by Toronto architect Forsey Page in 1928 and is admired by historians for its distinct sloped roof as well as Georgian and cottage elements. After the approval was given, a neighbour filed an appeal, and soon locals rallied around the property’s historic value. “These are houses people aren’t building any more,” said architectural historian Marta O’Brien, who also leads a walking tour in Lawrence Park. 

Last month, Coun. Cliff Jenkins brought the issue to council, and a heritage decision was officially made. The designation means the city will work with the owners to come to a compromise on what can be done with the house, said Mary MacDonald, from the city’s heritage preservation department.

However, prior to the heritage designation, engineering group Tahami assessed 79 Dawlish Ave. and deemed it structurally unsound. MacDonald said there is still a possibility for demolition, but it would have to be council approved.

In the meantime, the OMB appeal meeting regarding 79 Dawlish Ave., which was set in motion before council’s heritage decision, will play out this month.