Back row left to right: Rebekah Msuya-Collison, CAO; Deputy Mayor Jim Dietrich, Councillor Ted Oke, Councillor Aaron Neeb, Councillor Milt Dietrich, Alex Wolfe, (A) Clerk Front row left to right: Councillor Marissa Vaughan; Mayor George Finch; Councillor Wendy McLeod-Haggitt Photo from Municipality of South Huron website
At its meeting on November 3, South Huron council voted against a recommendation from the municipality’s heritage advisory committee to begin the process of designating a historic Exeter home as a heritage property.
The committee’s recommendation aimed to preserve the Victorian-era house, located at the southwest corner of Main and Waterloo Streets, from demolition. The property was purchased by Vaughan-based developer Manorwood Homes, which announced plans in 2022 to replace the residence with a five-storey, 85-unit condominium building.
To move forward with the project, Manorwood required an amendment to South Huron’s official plan to allow a five-storey, residential-only building, as well as a rezoning of the land from Highway Commercial and Residential Low Density Special Zone to Residential High Density Special Zone with special provisions. After council did not make a decision within the required time frame, Manorwood appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). In June of this year, the OLT approved a settlement, ruling in favour of the necessary official plan and zoning bylaw amendments.
Throughout the process, many residents have opposed the project, citing the property’s historical significance. Built in 1861, the home—known as the Benjamin V. Elliott House—was the residence of Exeter’s first lawyer and, more recently, of local physicians Bill and Linda Steele.
In advance of the November 3 meeting, council received letters from more than 70 community members urging protection of the historic home. The council chambers were also filled with supporters hoping to see the property preserved.
Written by: C. Soares