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I concede both your points here - yes, I agree that rights are different for chattels and immovables, and, that the burden of proof always lies with the asserter. On point one, even though we're talking about real property - we are essentially debating the role of local government in...

Couple of points here: 1) You are correct that lots of major cities run roughshod over your definition of "property rights" under the definition you provided. I was making the larger point that "heritage" is like art, ie. a luxury - as compared to zoning and bylaws that deal with sewage...

Yeah, I don't think left-wing vs. right-wing work well in this context. I am very libertarian on social issues, but fiscally conservative at the municipal government level and more centrist at the Provincial/Federal level. But, let me ask you, would you support heritage preservation, green...

I think we disagree on the premise of this debate - in that, I believe "heritage" to be a luxury item (yes, similar to any visual art) - unlike something like medicine or even environmental/food safety laws. I do not hold those who do think heritage is important in contempt - I just don't think...

Lol - the Toronto Escort Review Board link is really funky. I actually live (rather will be living) in West Harbour City and was searching for more information about the potential Loblaws because the closest walking-distance-in-minus-30-degree-winter-weather grocery store is the On The Run at...

I dunno if it can be broken down by "left-wing" vs. "right-wing". I'm sure there would be left-wingers who think things like poverty, a progressive tax code, properties rights etc. are more important topics of public discourse than how a private building looks on the outside.

My argument is that in the long-term, whether we like it or not, the market-realities will govern the land (and by extension the building). On the other hand, you are right that I'm pretty sure Loblaws does see some value in retaining some semblance of the outside and that is the real reason...

You're absolutely correct about Heritage Preservation being a democratic process and one should take an active role in their local government to voice their disapproval at forcing a particular exterior look to a private building. My point however was that the majority of the public could care...

Actually, I bet if you put up a public poll with a picture of the exterior and had the question: "Take your best guess as to what this building is used for: 1) Food Bank 2) Grocery Store 3) 19th Century Bordello", option 3) would win in a landslide. The public cares about architectural history...

And what exactly is wrong with self-interest? And especially when we're talking about "self-interest" in the context of a private building's exterior? Wow - you're really making the world a better place with your advocacy there. Heritage buildings are a luxury - get over it. If there was a...

It was hyperbole kids. You do realize that what we're talking about is private property right? I don't understand - if you don't like how the outside of the building looks, don't shop there. Simple! I say you should start a boycott of all non-heritage buildings! Let's put on our best...

I was there at the meeting as well, which was very well attended. I'm glad the best possible outcome was achieved - some token "facadism" for the pinkos, but the goal remains to be a big, modern and brash grocery store/retail emporium. I particularly liked the renditions of the interior...

Good catch! Some tenets are particularly sticky...

Yes, that is good news!

Yes, and the "Brits" now have to pay the immigrant demographic dividend! They had a great ride in the 19th and most of the 20th century, but they focused too much on money and less on baby-making. Actually, the best satiric take I've seen on this phenomenon was on the Bill Maher show - he...

I'm against the silly Mandir and Ismaili Centre as well. The so-called Ismaili Centre is particularly offensive as a tenant of their faith is that non-believers are not allowed into the inner sanctum and basically all non-believers are sentenced to eternal damnation.

I'm not sure I understand your point here - the current policy in most of the major cities in China is to build, only some very touristy historical places are being preserved. In terms of the Middle East - their thinking in all matters is less evolved and all their "heritage" relates to silly...

You'd be correct - I'm a professional satirist doing some research on a column. Thanks everyone for the interesting discussion though!

LOL - that one made me spit out my elitist Starbucks Soy Latte on my elitist Macbook!

Well, I would say that anyone who makes any argument is thinking about their own selfish need. No one has a monopoly on non-selfishness. Claiming that the outside look of a building is to be preserved, even if it delays the renewal of the unused land, is as selfish as saying the construction...