One more chance to save building Church

WOODSTOCK - Opponents of the redevelopment of the former St. Mary’s Church on Oxford Street have one opportunity remaining to prevent the building from being demolished.

City council approved the proposal to develop a 72-unit seniors residence on the site, which would likely require the demolition of much of the rectory building raised in 1874. The proposal will require the approval of a needed zone change at county council on Nov. 14 in order to proceed.

City council approved the proposal despite a presentation from Harry Vleuten, member of a group that has long opposed both the closure of the church and any demolition of the structure.

"We feel the applicant tried to convince you, because the church is not worth saving. But the building was never condemned. It was closed while steel retention rods were installed but it was never condemned," Vleuten said. "We need to save the building, to pay homage to its parishioners…but also for future generations. If you lose St. Mary’s, what will prevent losing our historic city hall, Old St. Paul’s and other similar buildings?"

Vleuten asked council to carefully consider comments received from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, indicating the Provincial Policy Statement asks council to recognize and preserve heritage buildings.

"The applicant states that it’s not a designated historical building, but it’s not for lack of trying. Dollene (Paquette) made a presentation to council in 2002, asking for it," Vleuten said. "Council approved the designation, but left the motion pending when the diocese refused to go along."

Council had quite a discussion over that point, since the building is not officially designated by the federal, provincial or municipal governments yet is listed in an inventory of architecturally and culturally significant buildings in the Oxford official plan.

"As far as I know and can remember, it was never declared because of the opposition of the owner (diocese)," city clerk Louise Gartshore told council. "It has been city council’s practice not to designate without the consent of the owner."