Heritage Rules: A Burden or Benefit?

You might think that having a historic home is a great thing, but for some, it comes with a big price tag. The City of Kingston is considering forcing owners of old buildings to keep their homes looking a certain way, even if they don't want to. This can cost a lot of money and might not be what the owners need or want. Some people love the old look, but others find it hard to keep up. It's like being told you have to wear a special outfit every day, even if it's not your style. Grants are available to help owners keep their homes looking historic, but they might not cover all the costs. And some people just don't want to spend their money on something they don't care about. They might need that money for other things, like their kids' education or everyday living costs. The city should find a balance between keeping old buildings looking nice and respecting what homeowners want and need. It's important to preserve history, but not at the expense of people's well-being. The good news is that most people are okay with having their homes designated as historic. But for those who aren't, there should be a way to respect their decisions. After all, it's their home and their choice.