Back in June, Bradford West Gwillimbury council, in a controversial move, decided to defer the decision to endorse a recommendation of the BWG Heritage Committee to give a heritage designation to the 159-year-old Gummerson-Thorpe house at 3176 County Road 27.
The deferral sparked frustration and led Heritage Committee member Ian Cooper, who had evaluated the heritage attributes of the home in May, to quit the committee.
The Gummerson House was built in 1860 by Robert Gummerson. In his evaluation, Cooper outlined the historic features of the home, including its dark red brick and original wood-paneled door. Most of the home’s architectural elements are still intact.
“The original building is a wonderful example of a very early 1860 building in a rare classic revival style. The design is very pleasing and very well executed and the inclusion of the original windows, storm windows and doors is very unusual in Bradford West Gwillimbury,” Cooper wrote.
This week, the issue came back before town council.
In the audience was Bond Head resident and heritage activist, David Chambers, who had sent council an email, explaining his frustration with the town and accusing council of “designation phobia.”
He argued that designation should not be a source of conflict but “a source of civic pride.”
There was a surprise for Chambers and the Heritage Committee. Council voted in favour of designation.
“A few of council did meet with the developer (DG Group),” explained Councillor Ron Orr, noting that the developer agreed the house should be designated, “and maybe even rented, in the future.”
Added Orr, “We appreciate the co-operation of the developer.”
Deputy Mayor James Leduc, who has in the past voted against the designation of some developer-owned buildings in Bradford West Gwillimbury, said, “We’re not opposed to designation. We just want to work with people to get it designated.”
In the end, council voted to support the recommendation of the Heritage Committee, and designate the Gummerson-Thorpe house.
