Saving our barns

Saving our barns

by The Standard | October 8th 2020 Podcast https://thestandardnewspaper.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Heritage-Barns-Oct-8th-2020.wav

COURTNEY McCLURE The Standard

UXBRIDGE: Ontario Barn Preservation (OBP) is an advocacy and research group. The initiative was brought to them via a letter and has been extended to all municipalities across Ontario. The goal is to advocate for changes to the province’s zoning and planning policies when it comes to barn demolition. “We hope, through education, stories and research we can show barn owners the rich history and value of saving our barns,” shared Krista Hulshof, an architect for the organization. The initiative was brought to them via a letter and has been extended to all municipalities across Ontario. The goal is to advocate for changes to the province’s zoning and planning policies when it comes to barn demolition. Ms. Hulshof explained that OBP found that the surplus farm dwelling policy was causing unnecessary destruction of barns in the province. Barns dating prior to the 1960s are called ‘heritage barns’ by OBP. However the barn’s location can affect this designation. However, their organization is not demanding that any one particular barn be put on a ‘heritage barn’ list. “We will never force anyone to restore or preserve their barn,” explained Ms. Hulshof. A few of their other initiatives include a blog, membership opportunities and events. Their events including showings of films, barn tours and workshops. “We know that we will not save all of them, but the more the better,” said Krista Hulshof.