Controversy Surrounding Toronto Home's Heritage Designation

TLDRA Toronto couple who bought a home in the Summerhill neighborhood for $5 million in 2022 were surprised to learn that it had a Heritage designation. The designation is due to the home's original owner, Stapleton Cicott, who held anti-immigration views. The couple tried to have the designation repealed but were unsuccessful. They are now fighting to remove the Heritage designation.

Key insights

:house_with_garden:A Toronto home in the Summerhill neighborhood sold for $5 million in 2022 and has a Heritage designation.

:hammer_and_wrench:The couple who bought the home wanted to make renovations but were surprised to learn that they needed City approval due to its Heritage status.

:no_entry_sign:The Heritage designation is due to the home's original owner, Stapleton Cicott, who held anti-immigration views.

:raised_hands:The couple tried to have the Heritage designation repealed but were unsuccessful.

:confused:The couple is now fighting to remove the Heritage designation from the City documents explaining the house's significance.

Q&A

Why did the couple want to make renovations to the home?

—The couple wanted to change the home's steep stairway.

What surprised the couple about the home's Heritage status?

—The couple was surprised to learn that the home's Heritage designation was due to its original owner, Stapleton Cicott, who held anti-immigration views.

What did the couple discover about Stapleton Cicott?

—Stapleton Cicott was an international trade expert and the Toronto Board of Trade president who held restrictive views on immigration.

Why couldn't the couple make renovations without City approval?

—The home's Heritage status requires City approval for any renovations to preserve its historical significance.

What is the couple currently fighting for?

—The couple is fighting to remove the Heritage designation from the City documents explaining the house's significance.

Timestamped Summary

00:00A home in Toronto's Summerhill neighborhood sold for $5 million in 2022.

00:09The couple who bought the home wanted to make renovations, but they need City approval due to its Heritage status.

00:23The Heritage designation is due to the home's original owner, Stapleton Cicott, who held anti-immigration views.

01:14The couple tried to have the Heritage designation repealed but were unsuccessful.

01:37The couple is now fighting to remove the Heritage designation from the City documents explaining the house's significance.

Browse more