Insurance

One of the most common questions asked by property owners who are considering applying for a heritage designation is how it will affect their property insurance. The Insurance Bureau of Canada website has detailed information to help answer your questions. 

If you or your insurance agent have questions on the designation of a property and how it may affect reconstruction, please email Sarah Allin or call 905-623-3379 ext. 2419.

Rebuilding a designated property

The Ontario Heritage Act does not require designated heritage buildings to be rebuilt as replicas of the original, or that any lost heritage attributes be reconstructed following a fire where significant damage is incurred.

Devastation in Clarington

On April 29, 2008, a devastating fire started in a heritage building in Bowmanville’s downtown core. The fire caused major damage that resulted in the demolition of two significant structures. Originally constructed in the 1880s, the buildings were part of a set of three structures forming ‘the Andrew Block.’ The building furthest east, located at 27 King Avenue West, was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 1992.

In Clarington’s case, both buildings were reconstructed after the fire. The new design of the buildings is compatible with the heritage of the downtown. Because of the demolition, Council repealed the heritage designation by-law that was registered on the title of 27 King Avenue West.