NWHPS

If the application is approved, and the amendment bylaw adopted, this 1908 house on Fourth Street, Queen’s Park can then be modified, removed or demolished without further heritage-related approval. If Council grants this application, will this set a precedent in the HCA?

A public hearing is scheduled on October 28 to review a homeowner application to remove Heritage Conservation Area (HCA) heritage protection from this 1908 home in Queen’s Park. The City’s Notice of Hearing states that the removal of heritage protection for 318 Fourth Street requires an Official Community Plan amendment. If the application is approved, and the amendment bylaw adopted, the house can then be modified, removed or demolished without further heritage-related approvals; though any new house built on the property would be required to meet the requirements of the area’s Design Guidelines and the Zoning Bylaw.

In the City’s June 12, 2019 correspondence (page 121 of PDF), the application was evaluated against criteria on the Queen’s Park HCA Evaluation Checklist which is administered by City staff and informed by research and a conditions assessment provided by a heritage professional as part of the applicant’s submission package. Walmsley House received a score of 60% – properties with a score of 60% or higher are generally not recommended for reclassification. However, Council has final decision-making authority on these types of applications.   

In his President’s Message, Steve North explains why the NWHPS is asking City Council to deny this application.

What you can do: If you’re concerned about protected homes becoming reclassified to non-protected: call, email or write City Hall. Written comments should be submitted by Monday, October 28.

  • Email: clerks@newwestcity.ca
  • Mail: Legislative Services Department (Clerks), 511 Royal Ave, New Westminster, BC, V3L 1H9
  • Call: 604-527-4523 (optional – register to speak at the hearing)
  • Speak directly to Council at the Hearing (each speaker is granted 5 minutes)
  • Contact the Mayor and Councilors directly (click here for the City Council page – then click on the Mayor/Councilor’s name to see their email and phone number).

Tags: 318 Fourth Street, HCA Design Guidelines, Heritage Conservation Area, New Westminster Heritage Preservation Society, OCt 28 2019 Public Hearing, Queen’s Park