The Hartrick House, located at 120 Roberson Drive, Ajax, Ontario, stands as a living testament to our rich history, built 173 years ago in 1852, predating the Confederation. It's one of the oldest surviving structures in Ajax and has served our community for decades. The Town of Ajax recognized its historical significance by operating it as the Ajax Kinsmen Heritage Centre, and it was part of the esteemed Doors Open Ontario program, celebrating buildings with historical importance.

However, the Town has now approved a proposal to demolish this historic building to allow for residential development. The Mayor of Ajax and the Ward 1 local and regional councillor have characterized Hartrick House as a “surplus” property, dismissed its historical and cultural significance, and have not provided the community with a clear rationale for the Town’s sudden decision to redesignate agricultural land for residential use and approve the construction of 11 detached homes without public consultation or discussion. This decision appears particularly inconsistent given that the Town previously featured Hartrick House in Doors Open Ontario, a provincial program that recognizes and celebrates historically significant buildings (https://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/ajax-1/hartrick-house 

Moreover, this development threatens to destroy over 30 mature trees, which play a crucial role in maintaining our local ecosystem. These trees provide habitats for hundreds of birds and squirrels, serve as a natural air filtration system, contribute to the character of the surrounding neighbourhood and function as a stormwater buffer for our street.

Demolishing the Hartrick House means erasing a part of our community's identity and compromising our environment for a future that could be served elsewhere. We cannot sit idly by while history is destroyed and nature is recklessly altered.

• The Hartrick House located at 120 Roberson Dr. has long been recognized by many residents as an important part of Ajax's local history.
• The site includes a historical plaque recognizing its historical significance within the community.
• Many residents have understood the property to possess cultural heritage value and have raised concerns regarding its future.
• The property contains mature trees and established green space that contribute to the character of the surrounding neighborhood.
• Mature tree canopy provides environmental benefits, including wildlife habitat, stormwater interception, shade, biodiversity, and neighborhood character.
• Once the existing building is demolished, any opportunity to preserve or reassess its potential cultural heritage value will be permanently lost.
• An independent review of both the site's cultural heritage and environmental features would provide Council and the public with objective information before irreversible decisions are made.
• Public confidence in municipal decision-making is strengthened when heritage and environmental resources are evaluated through transparent and independent processes.

Therefore, we respectfully request that Council:

1. Commission an independent third-party Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report (CHER) prepared by a qualified heritage professional with no prior involvement in this property.

2. Require an independent review of the property's mature tree canopy and any proposed tree removals before demolition or site alteration proceeds.

3. Ensure that the environmental impacts on vegetation, wildlife habitat, and the site's green space are fully evaluated and publicly released before irreversible changes occur.

4. Release all heritage, arboricultural, environmental, and related technical reports concerning The Hartrick House located at 120 Roberson Dr. for public review.

5. Refrain from issuing demolition permits, authorizing significant tree removal, grading, or permitting other irreversible site alteration until these independent reviews have been completed, released publicly, and considered by Council.

6. Receive the findings of these independent assessments at a public Council meeting, providing residents with an opportunity to review and comment before demolition or site alteration proceeds.

We implore you to sign this petition to preserve the Hartrick House and protect our historical sites and natural habitats. We need your support to ensure that future generations can stand in awe of our past and enjoy a balanced coexistence with our natural surroundings. Sign now and make a difference for Ajax, Ontario.