The city of St. John’s says the heritage designation given to a famous and stately home in the capital city still allows a wide range of uses for the property.
The Supreme Court recently threw out a challenge of the city’s heritage bylaw that prevents a homeowner from tearing down their own home.
The case involved the former Baird Cottage – also known as Bryn Mawr at 154 New Cove Road.
The century-old Queen Ann-style mansion was to be demolished to make way for several upscale homes on the five acres of land.
The city gave the house a heritage building designation preventing it from being demolished.
The former owner and new owner claimed the city’s actions amounted to ‘constructive expropriation,’ and deprived them of all reasonable uses for the property.
Justice Sandra Chaytor said they failed to make their case, and dismissed the lawsuits.
Maggie Burton (File photo.)
Council Lead for Planning and Heritage with the capital city, Maggie Burton says the decision is good news and there are still plenty of uses for the historic structure.
She says there are a number of heritage uses, which under the heritage use category is “super flexible” and allows for commercial and other uses of the building.
