Heritage Committee Denies Demolition The Heritage Richmond Hill Committee denied a controversial demolition request for the William H. Ledger House, a historic building that has fallen into disrepair. Members expressed frustration over what they termed "demolition by neglect" by the property owner, who has allowed the building to decay since it was relocated in 2007. Staff advised that while deteriorated, the building has not reached a state of complete collapse and can still be saved. The committee also approved six heritage property grants of up to $5,000 each, sparking a debate over using taxpayer funds for private home maintenance. Staff defended the 20-year-old program, explaining that it encourages the preservation of heritage properties, which face higher upkeep costs. A review of the grant program's funding limits is expected later this year. Concerns were raised about the city's limited ability to enforce property standards on the neglected Ledger House. Staff noted that while they can issue orders, forcing an owner to act is a "very, very long process." They also issued a strong warning that another attempt to relocate the fragile building would "probably kill the house."