Developer makes century home offer
By Chris Simon

Heritage preservationist David Chambers, left, addresses Innisfil council as Trinity Development Group representative David McKay takes notes, during a public Photo by Chris Simon meeting for a proposed development at the Innisfil Beach Road and 20th Sideroad intersection. The homestead was built in 1858.

There's a proposal on the table for heritage conservationists worried about the possible destruction of a century home in Alcona.

David McKay, a representative of the Trinity Development Group - a firm that is soon expected to purchase a property near the Innisfil Beach Road and 20th Sideroad intersection that includes the Roderick McConkey homestead - has offered the century farmhouse to a group of heritage conservationists. That group worries the homestead, which was built in 1858, could otherwise be destroyed to make room for a retail complex that includes a Canadian Tire.

"Over the last few months, with made a number of provisions and continue to work with (town) staff to address concerns," said McKay, during a public meeting on the future of the property. "There is an existing dwelling on the property ... while the site is not currently designated as a heritage structure, we understand there are some concerns with its demolition. Trinity would be willing to discuss relocating it to another lot, free of charge, with the concerned parties. If that can't happen, the residents will be invited to come into the house and remove any items of heritage value."

However, the plan would likely involve moving the house off the property, something the group opposes. They say the house should stay on the property and be converted into a business, tourist information centre or have some other use.

"I'm very concerned about this heritage building," said conservationist and former chair of heritage committees in New Tecumseth and Bradford West Gwillimbury David Chambers.

"I feel, in part, like it belongs to me. These resources belong to all of us and I feel we have a responsibility to preserve them. Trinity has obviously decided the building is not worth preserving on-site."

"This is one of the most significant heritage buildings in Simcoe County, and I would think Trinity would make some investigation before making any serious decisions," he said.

The 10-room homestead is over 150 years old. About 140 acres of the original farm were severed and used to construct the Lake Simcoe Golf and Country Club. Several long-time Innisfil families have owned the home.

Across the road, developers had recently demolished the Ness-Adair home, which was built in the 1860s. Plans for that property include a big box retail store and subdivision.

Others worry the McConkey homestead, which is not currently considered a heritage building, may meet the same fate if a deal with Trinity cannot be reached.

"These issues should have been raised a long time ago," said conservationist David Steele. "It's very encouraging to hear the developer will at least listen to people, and the possibility that house could be moved. However, it's very late in the process, and to move that house would be very difficult. If the house could be left on the site, that would be preferable."

But McKay says Trinity is willing to work with the group.

"We've listened to these comments," he said. "I'll discuss them with my client."

If completed as planned, the property would feature several hundred thousand square feet of retail space and parking, trees and a manmade pond. Trinity is one of Ontario's largest retail developers, and has helped build the Colossus Centre in Vaughan and the Green Lane Centre in Newmarket.

It would create 273 permanent and 200 construction jobs and generate $300,000 in annual property taxes.

"Trinity is the second largest shopping developer in Canada," said McKay. "The development will compliment the (other local retail) and act as a gateway into Alcona. This will help Alcona become a complete community."

While the town has been accused of failing to protect its heritage sites, several steps have been taken to ensure significant places are preserved. The town is currently developing a list of at least 31 properties of significant historical interest, the first step to preserving heritage buildings, said mayor Brian Jackson.

"We really haven't got a position formalized with our heritage committee yet," he said. "They're bringing a list forward; they've been working on it for a number of years. Council's going to have to look at that list and make some decisions on (the building's) value to our community. This is a hard one. It's a lot of money, and moving it can damage the building as well. We're hopeful there's a resolution."