Any decision on the fate of Guelph’s historic Wilson Park Farmhouse won’t happen for at least 120 days.
That’s how long the city has set aside for a public consultation period on the matter following a Monday night council meeting.
“We still have to evaluate the proposals that come in,” Coun. Leanne Piper tells CTV News.
“Many of the proposals may not cut the mustard. We may end up with nothing at the end of it … but we can’t evaluate what we’ve never seen.”
While heritage advocates looking to preserve the farmhouse say they’re happy with the outcome, others say it’s unnecessary because they believe the property will eventually be demolished regardless of the results.
“The concern is that we will still wind up with a solution that neighbours do not want,” says area resident Frank Barber, who is in favour of demolition.
The future of the farmhouse has been up in the air for nearly a decade, after a subdivision was built around its property.
“It’s not what we want. It doesn’t fit. It doesn’t look right,” says Barber.
The building itself is falling apart following years of neglect, but some have argued that it remains a part of Guelph’s history that should be preserved.
Renovating the farmhouse could cost between $200,000 and $500,000, while demolishing is estimated to cost between $150,000 and $300,000.
Previous decisions on what to do with the property were stymied with council votes ending in ties.
