Toronto Star

In some cities, a developer like Joe Jonatan would be heavily fined for his actions and even have his property expropriated. In Toronto, we have no choice but sit by and watch as he lets a unique and valuable heritage site fall apart. If Councillor Kyle Rae (Toronto Centre-Rosedale) gets his way, however, that could all change. He plans to introduce a bylaw that would force owners to maintain heritage buildings and ban "demolition by neglect." Jonatan owns Walnut Hall, the only block of Georgian townhouses left standing in the city. They are on the north side of Shuter St., just east of Jarvis. Built in 1858, this four-unit terrace was designed by Irish-born architect John Tully. Despite decades of shameful neglect that predates even Jonatan, they remain a monument to Victorian urbanity, something we are just beginning to rediscover 150 years later.