Toronto Star

The election of a new pope wasn't the only attempt this week to save the past. The provincial government passed Bill 60, which after decades of futility finally gives the Ontario Heritage Act the teeth it needs to be effective. The new legislation means that Queen's Park and municipal governments will soon have the power to stop demolition of designated heritage buildings. Until now, the act only allowed for demolition to be delayed up to six months. Not surprisingly, the heritage community, more accustomed to bad news, is thrilled.