A final stamp of approval ensures that a century-old house in Waskasoo will be preserved as a historical resource within the City of Red Deer.
Built in 1912, the Routledge family home at 4636 - 56 Street is a significant example of early residential development in Red Deer, says a staff report submitted to City Council during its regular meeting on Monday.
Council gave second and final readings on Monday to a bylaw amendment that upgrades the zoning on the property, designated earlier this year as a Municipal Historic Resource under the Alberta Historical Resources Act.
The property had previously been zoned as part of the city’s Historical Significance Overlay district, said a report compiled by Parkland Community Planning Services.
With the provincial designation in place and registered on the land title, the next step was to have the land rezoned to Historical Preservation Overlay District to ensure that it could be preserved and protected from future development.
City Councillor Chris Stephan asked during deliberations whether the designation would hamstring future councils.
City Solicitor Don Simpsom replied that in cases such as historical designations, “If a council can do it, it can undo it.”
Council gave unanimous approval for the zoning change.