LOCAL HERITAGE COUNCIL – MINUTES – 57th meeting held on August 18, 2025 at 5:46 p.m.

Procedural item to record attendance and formally open the meeting.

Procedural item to approve the meeting agenda.

Procedural item for public questions; no members of the public were present.

Procedural item to approve the minutes from the previous meeting.

Procedural item for the formal signing of the previous meeting's minutes.

Procedural item confirming that follow-up actions from the previous meeting were completed via email.

Procedural item to schedule the next meeting for September 2, 2025.

The committee recommended the demolition of a 1910 two-family home at 17 Rue du Centre. The owner plans to replace it with two new residential buildings, each containing five units. This project is intended to increase residential density in the Old Aylmer area while respecting the neighborhood's character.

The committee recommended the partial demolition of a 1914 building at 35-37 Rue Kent to make way for a new six-story, 96-unit residential development. Despite the building's strong heritage value, the committee approved the request on the condition that the new construction project is fully approved and that any necessary zoning variances are granted.

The committee recommended the demolition of a vacant 1885 single-family home at 43 Rue Kent. This is part of a larger redevelopment plan for a six-story, 96-unit building. The approval is conditional upon the final approval of the replacement project and any required zoning variances.

The committee recommended the demolition of a vacant 1900 single-family home at 45 Rue Kent. This property is part of the same 96-unit residential development project as neighboring properties. The demolition is conditional on the approval of the new construction project.

The committee recommended the demolition of a vacant 1900 single-family home at 47 Rue Kent. The demolition is part of a larger 96-unit residential project and is conditional upon the approval of the replacement building and necessary zoning variances.

The committee recommended the demolition of an 1895 two-family home at 80-82 Rue Laval. This property is included in the proposed 96-unit residential development. The recommendation is conditional on the approval of the replacement project and any required zoning variances.

The committee recommended the demolition of a 1900 single-family home at 84 Rue Laval. The demolition is part of the 96-unit residential development project and is conditional on the approval of the replacement building and necessary zoning variances.

The committee recommended the demolition of an 1885 single-family home at 86 Rue Laval. This is part of the 96-unit residential development project and is conditional on the approval of the replacement building and necessary zoning variances.

The committee recommended the demolition of a 1900 single-family home at 88 Rue Laval. The demolition is part of the 96-unit residential development project and is conditional on the approval of the replacement building and necessary zoning variances.

The committee recommended the demolition of a 1900 single-family home at 90 Rue Laval. The demolition is part of the 96-unit residential development project and is conditional on the approval of the replacement building and necessary zoning variances.

The committee recommended approval for replacing an exit staircase and installing an access sidewalk at the Thomas-Reilly house (1908) at 31 Rue Principale. These changes are required to meet fire safety and building code standards and are considered to have minimal impact on the building's heritage value.

The committee recommended approval for exterior modifications at 61 Rue Principale, including replacing wood siding with fire-resistant fiber cement and installing a roof guardrail. These changes are associated with the subdivision of the lot to accommodate a new daycare facility.

The committee recommended the construction of a new 96-child daycare facility at 59 Rue Principale. The project requires a lot subdivision, conditional use approval, and minor zoning variances regarding building setbacks and height.

The committee discussed the adoption of the traditional built heritage inventory. While the initiative is generally well-received, it has generated many questions from property owners regarding the implications of being included in the inventory.

The committee recommended the demolition of a vacant, structurally compromised 'matchbox' style house at 226 Boulevard Maisonneuve. The building poses a safety risk to the public and neighbors, and the site will be grassed over following the demolition.

The committee discussed a recent court decision that allowed the demolition of a high-heritage-value building due to safety concerns. Members expressed concern about the city's ability to preserve heritage and discussed the need for provincial legislative changes to better protect heritage buildings.

Procedural item to formally adjourn the meeting.