5 Calgary historic sites move closer to heritage designation

The head ofthe Calgary Heritage Authority says 2017 could be a record-setting yearfor historical designationsin the city.

On Wednesday, city council'splanning and urban development committee approved five new designations for historical properties, including two parks, two schools and one private residence in Inglewood.

"It just means that the city is doing a great job at managing their historic properties and more and more homeowners are taking an interest in designation," said Josh Traptow.

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"So it's a positive win-win all around."

Traptow credits recent initiatives like Century Homes, which pays tribute to houses more than 100 years oldfor sparking new interest in heritage designation.

"Property owners have researched their homes; they've found out who lived there, they know the architecture style. I think those grassroots initiatives have really helped in terms of people learning about their homes," he said.

Growing interest in official designation

Councillor Andre Chabot says the increasing cost to preserve heritage properties is likely also driving the growing interest in official designation.

"Ifully understand why a resident would want to apply for municipal designation and potentially, subsequently provincial designation because there's both provincial and a municipal grant for heritage buildings for refurbishment."

City council will decide later this month if the five sites Reader Rock Garden,ConfederationPark,Cliff Bungalow School, Holy Angels School and the James A. Ross residence inInglewood willbe joining Calgary's list of 74 municipally designated properties.