It was the classic confrontation of renovation vs. preservation Monday when two permits for demolition came before Orangeville Council.

The result was a virtual draw. A permit for demolition of a Broadway property was approved, to make room for construction of a Wellington-Dufferin- Guelph Public Health Unit facility.

Council denied the other demolition application, which applied to a former farmhouse on B Line (County Road 23), which a developer wanted to remove as part of a proposed subdivision plan.

The town planning department had recommended Council approve both permits.

Orangeville Heritage Committee vicechair Lynda Addy was the voice for opponents, in both cases, and got support from Councillor Jeremy Williams, who chairs the committee.

The health unit property, located at 174-178 Broadway, on the south side just east of First Street, was built in 1862.

The building was constructed and initially occupied by early Orangeville settler John May and has since been referred to often as the “May building.”

The plan is for a building with three storeys plus a basement and slightly over 24,000 square feet of floor area that will incorporate two commercial units on the ground floor with residential units above.

In a report to Council, Ms. Addy said the Heritage Committee understood the need for the development.

“However,” she wrote, “we urge Council to explore the option of including some or all of the May building in any redevelopment, rather than approving demolition of this significant structure.

“Many other communities have implemented similar creative developments, providing unique and valuable landmarks to their communities.”

Paul Sapounzi appeared before Council on behalf of VG Architects, the firm handling design of the new building.

He pointed out that his firm has dealt in a number of building restorations over the years and respects the importance of preserving heritage.

He added, however, that most of the building’s original parts had been lost to renovation. “Unfortunately, with this building, a lot of the historic fabric is missing,” he said. “If it was to be restored, a lot would be open to interpretation.”

Mr. Williams said the Heritage Committee should be allowed to see a site plan and conceptual drawings before any demolition proceeds.

“We’re at a fork of the road where there’s no turning back,” he cautioned.

Mayor Rob Adams agreed. “It would be a good idea for the architect to meet Heritage Orangeville to get (its) perspective and guidance. If the building can’t be restored, the goal would be to have a building that keeps its historical flavour.”

He also noted that, “from a proactive standpoint, it’s better to have a building that helps revitalize downtown and bring jobs downtown.”

The demolition was approved, but the developers have been asked to consult with the Heritage Committee on the project and to use as much of the building’s original material as possible in the new construction.

In the other application, the subject property comprises approximately 1.5 hectares (3.8 acres) on the east side of B Line south of Spencer Avenue.

The property is surrounded by single detached dwellings, in an area that is designated low density residential.

Ms. Addy also submitted a report to Council regarding this application by Sunvale Homes.

“This farmstead is one of the last original farmsteads within the current Town boundaries,” said her report, submitted on behalf of the Heritage Committee. It was “unique in that it was held by one family for nearly 120 years.”

Councillors Williams, Sylvia Bradley and Scott Wilson spoke out in opposition.

Mr. Wilson was particularly opposed to the developer’s contention that the property, originally built in 1871 by the Robinson family, had been changed over the years to a point where the its heritage value was greatly diminished.

“Most of my forefathers were born in houses that looked just like that,” said Mr. Wilson.