After a brief scare, it looks like the property in Chatham-Kent dubbed "Canada's most photographed house" could be getting a new lease on life.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent recently sent a letter to the owner of Guyitt House on Talbot Trail in Palmyra, Peter Anderson, notifying him under the property standards bylaw that he had 14 days to either fix it or tear it down because of safety concerns. However, he's been given a bit of time to get things sorted out before an appeal hearing in the Spring.
Former Highgate Councillor and current Ward 3 Councillor John Wright, who also sits on the heritage committee, told CK News Today that Anderson appealed the 14-day order and now has some time to get his affairs in order before the appeal hearing in the Spring.
Wright said the home is beyond repair and it's best if it just dies gracefully. He wants the property to be designated a heritage landmark (not a heritage building) and discussed the issue at a heritage committee Wednesday evening.
"We got a guarantee from Chatham-Kent they're not going to do anything until they have a hearing or we get a designation on it," said Wright. "It's good that they backed off and are leaving him alone for now."
Wright added that Anderson has safety warning signs posted at the property and the grass is cut to cover himself against liability.
When contacted by CK News Today on Wednesday, Anderson said he didn't want to upset the municipality by saying too much, but added he also didn't want to get stuck with what could be a huge demolition bill and would prefer to let it come down itself.
"All the photographers and all of the people who have shared videos of this place have actually done me nothing. I only kept the place because it was my grandfather's and I didn't keep it up," said Anderson. "The compliments come from all over the country, but who's going to be there when they send me the bill?"
Chatham-Kent's Chief Building Official Paul Lacina said the municipality may step in and do the demolition work, if that's the ruling of the appeal committee, and then bill Anderson for the cost if he doesn't comply with the tear-down order.
"Until that appeal is heard, the municipality won't be taking any action," said Lacina who met with Anderson and Wright Wednesday afternoon. "The municipality is always willing to work with citizens who receive these orders."
Lacina said a complaint about the home's structural safety was received by the municipality on August 15, 2022, but can't say from whom or where it came from.
The Guyitt House was built in 1845 and has been vacant since 1985. It was previously owned by Anderson's grandparents, Roy and Ethel Guyitt, who bought the home in 1908.
There is also a public petition to save Guyitt House. You can find that by clicking here.