An old house that occupies one of the most strategic corners of Fort 91原创 is to be demolished.

As the property is located in the Fort 91原创 Heritage Conservation Area, the owner was required to secure a heritage alteration permit.

This permit was granted by Township council on Dec. 12.

For several years, the house and a smaller building at 9166 Glover Road have been poorly maintained, and although the house lies within the heritage conservation area it is not on the Township鈥檚 Heritage Inventory nor has it been considered for inclusion on it.

In the permit application, owner Statewood Properties said that without a demolition permit the property 鈥渨ill transition into a visual blight within the heart of Fort 91原创鈥檚 commercial core.鈥�

If the house, built in the 1940s, were to be kept, it would require significant repairs, including a new roof, electrical upgrades and extensive interior renovations.

This significant expense cannot be justified, given the amount of rent the property generates, the owner said.

Statewood noted that the land lies opposite the Fort 91原创 Community Hall which is a major attraction in the village and hosts many weddings and other events throughout the year.

Frank Cox, who chairs the Fort 91原创 Community Association, agreed that the buildings should be torn down.

鈥淲e don鈥檛 believe that this is representative of our heritage,鈥� he told council.

Responding to a question about the property鈥檚 future after the buildings have been demolished, head planner Ramin Seifi advised that the property owner 鈥渋s committed to keep the site green.鈥�

While the public will have access to the green space, 鈥渢he use could change,鈥� Seifi said.

The property is zoned commercial.

Statewood principal Eric Woodward said later that the buildings will probably be demolished in January, and redevelopment will happen 鈥渋n the next few years.鈥�