A heritage property in Owen Sound is a step closer to demolition.
Council did not approve a committee recommendation that 134 year-old Branningham Grove be designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. The property's mortgage holder, a Toronto area company, wants to tear it down.
Councillor Richard Thomas says the situation puts council in a difficult position.
"There's an innate difficulty when a building is privately owned and a municipality dictating to the owner of that property, you shall do this, you shall do that," says Thomas.
The company still has to formally apply to the city for a demolition permit. It's expected that if that was turned down, the city would end up in an expensive OMB battle.
Owen Sound council has instructed staff to negotiate with the owners of Branningham Grove to save and reuse architecturally significant aspects of the building.
A plaque marking the site will also be erected.