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Heritage Stained Glass Faces Removal in Toronto
11 Feb
Summary
- Stained glass windows in a Toronto apartment building are deemed fire hazards.
- The Toronto Fire Service issued an order for alteration or removal by January 13.
- Building management is contesting the order due to the site's heritage designation.
Tenants of an 111-year-old Toronto apartment building are facing the potential loss of their historic stained glass windows, which have been identified as a fire hazard. The Toronto Fire Service (TFS) issued an order in September requiring these transom windows, found in 11 apartments, to be made fire-safe by January 13. This order stipulates that the windows must either be replaced or covered with a fire-rated material.
Building managers, 30 Charles Street East Management, have stated they intend to contest the TFS order. They are reportedly providing documentation to the TFS, arguing that as a designated heritage site, they may not have the authority to alter interior elements. The TFS confirmed the order but has not disclosed the status of discussions, noting that the case could proceed to court.
Stained glass artists and preservationists emphasize the irreplaceable heritage value of these windows, noting their intact original colors. They express concern that altering or removing them would diminish the city's history. Residents and preservation groups hope for a compromise that ensures safety while preserving the building's unique character, perhaps through fire-retardant coverings.
