The Former Church of the Annunciation in Stoney Point, Ontario is a beautiful, old church that is a symbol of French Canadian culture and heritage. It received heritage designation in 2007 under the Ontario Heritage Act. Given its status, the community believed it to be safeguarded but a recent Lakeshore council decision grants permission to demolish it. This is because little has been done to maintain and protect it the past 15 years. 

This heritage building has been the main landmark of the town for over a century. Demolishing it is akin to erasing Franco-Ontarian culture and language, and questions the government’s credibility and role in safeguarding designated heritage buildings. If it is demolished, it will be such a loss for the community, and the history and the beauty of this small town. What does this mean for other protected heritage sites in Ontario and in Canada overall? Why bother designating such places to begin with, if they are not to be protected and provided with resources to maintain their heritage character and prevent their demolition by neglect? 

There are so many examples of historic buildings throughout the world that have lied in ruin, that have been successfully rebuilt. It is, therefore, surely possible to also save this one. The province of Ontario needs to do its part and protect this former church before it is demolished, with a stop order, and the rehabilitation of the building needs to be re-discussed. The community of Stoney Point also needs to be meaningfully consulted.

Thank you for signing this petition and for helping to spread the word to save this remarkable heritage building.

Photo credit: Melissa Cowan Patrick