Town of Oakville successful in court action regarding demolition of heritage home and removal of mature tree

The Town of Oakville is pleased to share the outcome of the court proceedings related to the unauthorized demolition of the designated heritage property at 1475 Lakeshore Road East, and the removal of a mature tree without the necessary permits or authority under various provincial legislation and municipal regulations. 

Today, the Ontario Court of Justice convened at the Halton Court Services Provincial Offences Court in Burlington where the defendant, 1475 Lakeshore Rd. East Inc., pleaded guilty to the following charges, with penalties totaling $822,000 which must be paid in 30 days: 

• Demolition of a building without a permit contrary to the Building Code Act: $50,000 fine
• Demolition of a designated building contrary to the Ontario Heritage Act: $700,000 fine
• Destruction or removal of a private tree without a permit contrary to the Town's Private Tree Protection By-law: $72,000 Court Order to Rehabilitate which will be provided to the Town’s reforestation funds.

The outcome at the Ontario Court of Justice has affirmed the importance of heritage conservation and tree protection in Oakville. 

While the loss of the heritage home cannot be undone, the outcome reinforces the importance of complying with provincial legislation and municipal by-laws that protect Oakville’s heritage resources, urban forestry and community character. 

The Town would like to thank residents who brought concerns forward and supported efforts to protect Oakville’s cultural heritage and natural environment.