Rideau Lakes council has voted to begin the formal process of repealing the heritage designation on the Harmon Toffey House in Portland after the property’s owner told councillors soaring insurance costs had turned her dream home into “a nightmare.”
Council rejected a staff recommendation to delay the process while officials explored insurance options and financial assistance programs before voting to initiate the repeal process under the Ontario Heritage Act.
The Harmon Toffey House at 2777 Highway 15 was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 1984 for its architectural and historical significance. Staff had recommended council defer the matter to allow further consultation with the homeowner, the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) and heritage organizations before deciding whether to begin repealing the designation.
Homeowner Ida Chostek told council on Aug. 4 that her annual insurance premium increased from about $3,400 in 2025 to $11,000 this year. She said she contacted numerous insurance brokers and companies but was unable to find an affordable alternative.
“As a widow and mother of a young child, as well as a small business owner relying on seasonal business, this is a huge financial hit,” Chostek said.
She said the designation has left her unable to afford insurance and the ongoing maintenance needed to preserve the historic home.
“I cannot afford both my insurance and repairs. I cannot sell my house. I cannot find financial help from the government,” she said. “The designation as it stands robs me of financial security now and in the future.”
Chostek also argued the home has lost some of the heritage features identified when it was designated and questioned its contextual heritage value. She urged council to prioritize property rights and allow the designation to be removed.
“I’m begging each and every one of you to de-designate the property, once again making it our dream home instead of the nightmare it has now become,” she said.
Chief administrative officer Shellee Fournier said staff were not opposed to the owner’s request but wanted additional time to determine whether alternatives could address the insurance issue while preserving the designation.
“Staff are asking for a deferral to allow us time to look into the property owner’s concerns and identify some potential solutions,” Fournier said.
She said staff planned to investigate heritage property tax relief available under the Ontario Heritage Act, which can provide between 10 and 40 per cent property tax relief for eligible heritage work, and work with the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism to identify insurers specializing in designated heritage properties.
“We’re wanting to look into those options as well before we move directly to the process of the repeal,” Fournier said. She added that she was concerned that this may cause a domino effect as the township has 35 heritage properties.
Fournier also cautioned that Rideau Lakes has 35 designated heritage properties, and said staff wanted to avoid creating a precedent if other solutions could be found.
“We don’t want this to be a domino effect,” she said. “We’re trying to find ways to assist the property owner with maintaining the designation and still alleviating her concerns.”
Coun. Paula Banks opposed delaying the matter, saying the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee had unanimously recommended that council begin the repeal process after hearing from Chostek and a provincial heritage adviser.
Banks said her concern was with the process, arguing committee members and the homeowner were not advised that staff intended to recommend a different course of action.
“I just feel coming and seeing this on an agenda, when this woman has lost so much, is a slap in the face,” Banks said.
Coun. Sue Dunfield said the advisory committee had already completed its work and questioned why council has committees if it does not follow their recommendations.
Deputy Mayor Jeff Banks said he was disappointed a homeowner could feel trapped because they were unable to obtain affordable insurance for their property. Banks went so far as to suggest the township could pay Chostek’s insurance premiums while the de-designation process unfolds, saying he would support such a motion if it were possible.
Mayor Arie Hoogenboom defended staff’s recommendation, saying staff were simply seeking more time to determine whether other options could preserve the home’s heritage status while addressing the homeowner’s concerns.
Council defeated the staff recommendation on a recorded vote before approving a second motion directing staff to begin the formal repeal process.
The next step is for the township to issue a Notice of Intention to Repeal the designation. The process includes a 30-day public notice period during which objections may be filed before council decides whether to pass a bylaw removing the heritage designation. If objections are received, the matter could be referred to the Ontario Land Tribunal before a final decision is made.
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Typical, why can she not sell the building?
Now councillor Banks steps in, offering all sorts of financial support from council. Why not help me and my taxes?
If she cannot afford the house move on.
Cannot wait for November when this council will be replaced.