Was blue vinyl siding an important heritage attribute of this home in London?

The heritage value of vinyl siding had to be considered by city hall after a home underwent renovations.

The heritage value of vinyl siding had to be considered by city hall’s Planning and Environment Committee (PEC) after a home in the Blackfriars-Petersville Heritage Conservation District underwent renovations without the required permit.

Last fall, city staff received a complaint that the porch and exterior cladding were being changed at 124 Wilson Ave. without a heritage alteration permit.

Primarily, the blue vinyl siding on the front of the house had been replaced with an artificial stone product.

A report from the heritage planner recommends, “the removal of the alterations completed without Heritage Alteration Permit approval to bring the property back into compliance with the Blackfriars-Petersville Heritage Conservation District.”

However, the owners turned to the planning committee seeking a heritage alteration permit retro-actively.

“The owners viewed what they were doing as repairs to structurally reinforce the home and make it safe and weather resistant,” explained Lisa Davies, who spoke as a delegation on behalf of the young couple who own the home.

The staff report emphasizes that replacing the old siding with the same material and colour, and replacing the porch with the previous design and materials would not have required Heritage Alteration Permit approval.

Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis questioned the heritage value of blue vinyl siding to one of London’s oldest residential neighbourhoods.

“The report indicates that this residence dates back to 1885. Vinyl siding did not exist in 1885,” Lewis said. “I don’t really see vinyl siding as a material that contributes to a heritage asset.”

Coun. Steve Lehman believed the owners sincerely did not know about the strict rules limiting exterior alterations within a heritage conservation district.

“This is a family that are trying to get their first home for their kids,” said Lehman. “Maybe if this had been a sophisticated build, I might feel a little differently.”

The Planning and Environment Committee recommended granting the retro-active heritage alteration permit, also noting that several other homes in the area have artificial brick exteriors.

Council will make a final decision April 1.

The Blackfriars Petersville Heritage Conservation District includes a variety of Ontario cottage dwellings that survived devastating floods in both 1883 and 1937, and include examples of modest, economical home building styles from the era.