MBC News file photo
Norfolk County Council has received a passionate letter urging members to reject a proposal to remove the heritage designation from the former Post Office, also known as the Ventin Building, at 45 Peel Street in Simcoe.
Carla Ventin, daughter of the late conservation architect Carlos Ventin, asked council to preserve the building’s heritage protection, saying her father dedicated his career to proving that historic buildings can be successfully adapted for modern use while preserving their architectural and historical significance.
In her letter, Ventin said the building remains one of downtown Simcoe’s defining landmarks and argued that county staff have confirmed the reasons for its heritage designation are still valid. She also noted the application to repeal the designation relies primarily on claims of financial hardship, but said the staff report found no financial evidence had been submitted to support claims that the building cannot be leased, insured, or marketed because of its heritage status.
Ventin warned that removing the designation without clear evidence could set a dangerous precedent for other protected heritage properties in Norfolk County and across Ontario.
According to Norfolk County staff, 53 formal comments have been submitted opposing the repeal application, while two comments support removing the building’s heritage designation.
Written by Jeremy Hall
