The Missing Middle with Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux

Alex Bozikovic: Heritage Rules and the Housing Crisis

Apr 3, 2024

Globe and Mail's architecture critic, Alex Bozikovic, joins Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern to discuss the impact of heritage rules on housing supply in Toronto. They explore the history of urban planning, differences between listed and designated heritage buildings, and the effects of heritage preservation on density and climate action. Specific neighborhoods like the Danforth, Yonge and Eglinton, Rosedale, and Little Jamaica are examined, highlighting the complexities of balancing preservation with modern urban design.

27:02

Episode guests

Alex Bozikovic

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Heritage preservation restricts building density crucial for housing and climate solutions.

Heritage rules often prioritize wealthy neighborhoods and historical styles, hindering modern development opportunities.

Deep dives

Impact of Heritage Designation on Housing Development

Heritage rules often hinder housing supply by preserving buildings from change. The heritage distinction between listed and designated buildings affects their vulnerability to demolition or alteration. Toronto has a high number of heritage properties, leading to debates on the significance of the sites and the implications for development and density.

Introduction

3min

Heritage Preservation's Impact on Urban Development and Density

5min

Navigating Heritage Preservation and Urban Development in Toronto

11min

Evolution and Stagnation of Rosedale Neighborhood in Toronto

2min

Navigating Heritage Preservation and Development

6min

In this discussion, Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern discuss how heritage designation negatively impacts housing supply in Toronto. During this wide ranging conversation with Globe and Mail's architecture critic, Alex Bozikovic, they touch on the history of urban planning and how it intersects with heritage planning and urban design in unexpected ways. They explore the difference between listed and designated heritage buildings, the growing number of heritage properties in Toronto, and its effect of heritage preservation on density and climate action. Various neighborhoods in Toronto are discussed including the Danforth, Yonge and Eglinton, Rosedale and Little Jamaica. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the role of local and provincial governments in shaping heritage policies.

Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux

Produced by Meredith Martin

This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.