South Glengarry abandons establishing heritage conservation district in South Lancaster

Owners can still apply to have their properties designated, but the township will not designate an entire district.

Article content WILLIAMSTOWN — South Glengarry Township set aside a request to designate an area in South Lancaster as a heritage district at council’s June 22 meeting. With fewer than half of the homeowners supporting the district designation, heritage designation would be left up to individual property owners.

Recommended Videos Homeowners were concerned that new developments, including an apartment complex proposed for Lancaster, would not reflect the character of the homes in the historical area. Study could cost between $50,000 and $80,000 After residents made the request in July 2025, the municipal heritage committee requested input from homeowners, 39 of whom expressed interest in becoming part of a heritage conservation district (HCD), where the character of the village would be maintained while limiting high-density housing. Clerk Kelli Campeau reported the cost of the heritage district study could be between $50,000 and $80,000, an amount that was not budgeted for in 2026.

The cost to designate individual properties is approximately $2,000 each. Coun. Trevor Bougie suggested the heritage designation for the hamlet could be reconsidered in the future if there was a large uptake on heritage home designations.

At the time of public meetings, eight homeowners were interested in having their homes designated as individual heritage properties, if the district appointment did not proceed. A defined heritage conservation district is protected by bylaws that preserve the area’s architectural, historical, and cultural attributes. Under the HCD, frameworks are provided for any renovations on homes ensuring changes protect the building heights, construction materials, and natural landscapes already established in the area.

However, a designation can mean increased home insurance rates and added costs for exterior renovations that must be completed according to original historical specifications. Residents opposing the HCD expressed concerns regarding potential costs, red tape, and restrictions. — The Seaway News