If Peterborough developer Paul Dietrich is frustrated, he’s not saying.

That said, the owner and president of Parkview Homes says a “movement” to have heritage designation placed on two downtown Peterborough properties — The Pig’s Ear Tavern property at 144 Brock Street which he has purchased and the The Black Horse Pub property at 450 George Street North for which he has made a conditional offer — is “challenging.”

“We did our due diligence,” Dietrich says. “Hence when we looked at acquiring the properties, we were able to negotiate an amicable price and terms.

“Neither of the properties was designated heritage, so once we had an agreement in place we then made applications for demolition and received the demolition permits. I have them in my desk drawer and I’ve had them for weeks. The next thing I know there’s a movement to have the properties designated heritage.”

That “movement” has manifested itself in the form of a March 2nd recommendation to the City of Peterborough from the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACA) that heritage designation be placed on the two buildings — a move that would prevent the historic buildings’ demolition and restrict the extent of any redevelopment of them.

This Monday night (March 27), city councillors, sitting as Committee of the Whole, will consider a City staff recommendation that PACAC’s request be deferred — allowing time, as agreed March 8 between the City and Dietrich, for some kind of resolution that doesn’t involve the buildings’ demolition. Councillors can vote in favour of that, or grant the heritage designations that PACAC is seeking.

“There was an understanding that there are other options that can be explored,” confirms Dietrich of his meeting with City staff, although he makes very clear what his position is as far as heritage designation of either structure is concerned.

“It would prevent any development moving forward,” he says. “I find it very challenging that we do our due diligence and go through all the channels properly and then, after the fact, after we’ve received our demolition permits, there’s a movement to have the properties designated heritage.”

Dietrich makes it clear that respect for the past — The Pig’s Ear opened in 1865 as the St. Maurice Saloon and The Black Horse building was constructed in 1882, and both are prime examples of the architectural style in vogue at the time of their construction — would be maintained as part of any redevelopment at both sites.

“We would deconstruct some of the interior or exterior facade and, if it’s able to be salvaged, we could reconstruct it either somewhere on the outside of the building or on the inside of the building, and actually preserve some of that hard structure,” he explains.

“At the same time, there’s always opportunities to take pictures, or collect pictures of years gone by, and have them become part of a new development and be able to preserve soft assets such as memories and photos and memorabilia.”

Asked if Parkview’s plan for either or both properties includes commercial development on the ground floor, Dietrich said “It’s worth exploring, for sure.” As for a pub remaining in place at one or both locations, “I’m not ruling that out, but we would want to make sure the City is on board with that.”

In a statement emailed to kawarthaNOW, Dietrich listed Parkview’s guiding principles when it comes to its planned redevelopment of downtown Peterborough properties as follows:

• Development opportunities exist in the downtown of Peterborough.
• We, as developers and builders, want to invest in downtown Peterborough to create homes and employment.
• The Province of Ontario is encouraging intensification, employment and residential redevelopment in downtown Peterborough.
• We see opportunities for both redevelopment and intensification to encourage people to live, work and play in downtown Peterborough.
• Downtown Peterborough has considerable options (work/social/entertainment/parks/leisure) to offer to individuals, young professionals and families.
• The City of Peterborough has “a lifestyle” that is being recognized, and individuals and families are recognizing this and relocating to Peterborough to enjoy the same.
• The Pig’s Ear and The Black Horse have history in Peterborough and we, as developers/builders, would recognize the same in any redevelopment by incorporating some of the hard structure (building) and some of the soft structure (memories) in a new development that would enhance downtown Peterborough.

In our interview with Dietrich, he says that, since news of his purchase of The Pig’s Ear property became known, he has received “a tremendous amount of phone calls from various patrons of years gone by” but, surprisingly, redevelopment of the buildings hasn’t been the subject of those enquiries.

“Every single call, without exception, was ‘What are you going to do with the contents of The Pig’s Ear?'” he says.

“‘There’s a piece of paneling in one of the washrooms that has my parents’ names engraved on it. You know, the heart and arrow and that kind of thing. Can I buy that?’ The next call I got after that was ‘There’s a table inside where I carved in my wife’s name, my fiancé at the time … we carved our names into the table.’

“I didn’t receive one phone call from anybody saying ‘It’s such a shame. I’m sure you’re going to be tearing down the building and building something because you’re a new home builder and that’s what you do.’ The calls were about something inside the structure.”

“The biggest treasure I thought I’d get a call is the sign on the outside of the building. Not one. I thought that was kind of odd.”

Now, along with PACAC members, advocates of the preservation of historic structures and many who have simply sipped a pint or two at one or both pubs, Dietrich’s attention is focused on this Monday night’s 6:30 p.m. council committee meeting at City Hall and a decision on the City staff recommendation to defer PACAC’s call for heritage designation.

Regardless of which way the vote goes, says Dietrich, it will have an impact on his plans for both properties.

In the meantime, The Black Horse property, as of Saturday (March 25), remained listed for sale by Terry Horrigan of Century 21 with an asking price of $850,000.

kawarthaNOW reached out to Black Horse owner Ray Kapoor for comment on this story but the call was not returned.

First responders with Trent Lakes Fire Rescue are now equipped to save the lives of family pets affected by household fires.

Invisible Fence Brand of South East Ontario has donated four pet oxygen mask kits to the department, and also provided personnel with pet-saving tips including pet first aid and CPR.

“When a family suffers the tragedy of a fire, lives are turned upside down,” says Ed Hoyt, Director of Invisible Fence Brand. “Pets are valued family members, so we want families to know that their pet can be cared for if tragedy strikes.”

It’s estimated that between 40,000 and 150,000 pets perish in fires each year, most succumbing to smoke inhalation. Because emergency services are designed to help people, first responders are generally not equipped to deal with animal victims of fires.

The pet oxygen mask kits — each kit contains a small, medium, and large mask — allow emergency services personnel to give oxygen to pets who are suffering from smoke inhalation after being rescued from a fire.

The Trent Lakes donation is part of Invisible Fence Brand’s “Project Breathe” program, which has the goal of equipping every fire station in the U.S. and Canada with pet oxygen masks. Since the company established the Project Breathe program in 2007, it has donated more than 15,000 pet oxygen masks to fire stations all over the U.S. and Canada, saving an estimated 170 pets.

In 2008, Invisible Fence Brand of South East Ontario donated pet oxygen masks to Peterborough Fire Services and, in 2012, to the Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes.

“We realize that humans are the first priority, but in many cases, pets can be saved if firefighters have the right equipment,” Hoyt says. “Project Breathe is simply a way of giving firefighters the tools necessary to save pets’ lives.”

Based out of Tennessee with 289 dealerships across seven countries, Invisible Fence Brand produces electronic containment systems to keep pets out of harm’s way and prevent unwanted behaviors throughout both the home and yard.

For more information about Invisible Fence Brand’s Project Breathe program, visit www.invisiblefence.com/O2. Local fire personnel can also visit the website to make a request for their own departments.

VIDEO: Dogs saved from burning home

Despite the issuance of a demolition permit for the property at 450 George Street North, The Black Horse Pub has not been sold … not yet.

That’s the word from Nancy Kerr, social media manager for the pub, who, in response to Facebook-expressed concerns, has been quick to set the record straight following confirmation that demolition permits have been issued for the properties housing the Black Horse and The Pig’s Ear Tavern at 144 Brock Street.

That said, the Black Horse property is currently listed for sale by Terry Horrigan of Century 21 and has been on the market for more than a month. The asking price of $850,000 includes three bachelor apartments on the building’s second floor.

“We have not been sold,” writes Kerr on Facebook on behalf of pub owner Ray Kapoor, admitting to “lots of tire kicking” but affirming, as of now, it’s “business as usual” at the popular downtown Peterborough live entertainment venue.

“Would Ray really let this be the way his staff and musicians find out (the building has been sold)? We all know he’s not that kind of guy,” adds Kerr.

Dean Findlay, chief building official for the City of Peterborough, confirmed Friday (March 24) that demolition permits have been applied for and were granted for both properties back on February 24. While privacy restrictions prevent Findlay from saying who took out the permits, The Pig’s Ear Tavern property was purchased earlier this year by Parkview Homes; the historic pub is slated to close its doors for good on April 22.

Parkview Homes president Paul Dietrich was unavailable for comment when called Friday.

Muddying the picture concerning the future of the two properties is a March 2-approved recommendation by the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC) that both properties be designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Such designation, if granted, would prevent the demolition of either building without city council approval. A City staff recommendation that councillors “defer” approval of heritage designation for the properties will be presented to councillors this Monday night (March 27) when they sit as Committee of the Whole.

“The buildings at 144 Brock Street and 450 George Street North have strong associations with the community, are integral parts of the 19th century streetscape and display a high order of architectural design,” notes the staff report, authored by Community Services Director Ken Doherty.

“While both buildings merit consideration for designation, approval of the recommendation to defer the designation process and to refer the matter back to staff and the developers to explore viable re-development alternatives to demolition without some form of heritage preservation will provide time to determine what viable solutions may be available.”

In a related move, back on November 3, 2016, PACAC recommended to council that it approve 100-plus properties for listing on the Heritage Register which lists properties of historical/cultural significance.

While not a designation, listing means if and when a demolition permit is sought for a listed property, a 60-day period is in place during which the City has to be notified and council can review the application. On that list is The Pig’s Ear property but The Black Horse property is not listed. That list is still waiting for council approval.

The building that is home to The Black Horse was constructed in 1882 by George A. Cox and James Stevenson as an addition to the 442-448 George Street — The Morrow Bulding — at the northeast corner of George and Brock streets.

An interested observer of the future of both the Pig’s Ear and Black Horse properties is lawyer Ann Farquharson, a longtime advocate for the preservation of historically significant buildings. Her home on Weller Street is on the Heritage Register list awaiting council approval.

“I’ve been concerned that it (Heritage Register approval) proceed due to a possible development of the Pig’s Ear property,” says Farquharson. “I’ve been told by City staff that it will be on the (council) agenda for several of the last Committee of the Whole meetings only to be disappointed when advised senior administration had not placed it on the agenda.

“I think saving heritage buildings downtown is so crucial. I totally support development but there are ways of doing both. A great example is the old YMCA (at George and Murray streets). They’re going to save the corner part of the old building and it’s going to be a prominent feature. They’re going to save the entrance on George Street and they’re going to build 147 residential units. There’s lot of creative ways of doing it (preserving the past while embracing the new).”

For all the history that will be forever lost when The Pig’s Ear Tavern closes its doors for the last time on April 22, one revered made-in-Peterborough music tradition will emerge unscathed.

The monthly Blues Jam, which benefits the ongoing fundraising efforts of the Peterborough Musicians’ Benevolent Association (PMBA), will call Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews — the former Montreal House at King and Aylmer streets — its new home moving forward. But first things first, and that means one final Blues Jam at the iconic 152-year-old Brock Street pub owned by John and Lylie Punter.

“I expect it will be totally out of control,” predicts longtime bass player JP Hovercraft who, with his Rezonator bandmates, will host the final Pig’s Ear Blues Jam on Saturday, April 15th from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.

“The previous one (March 18) was wall-to-wall people. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many bass players in one room.”

VIDEO: The penultimate Deluxe Blues Jam at The Pig’s Ear on March 18, 2017

According to Don McBride, who along with Al Black, Norm Kastner and John Punter, organizes Blues Jam events as well as administer the proceeds of which assist musicians in need of a hand-up during tough stretches, the last eight months have seen it take on “event” status.

“It’s really caught on like wildfire,” assesses McBride, noting, since its formal inception in January 2014, 26 musicians have been helped to the tune of just more than $10,000.

“Like everyone else, musicians are proud and won’t ask for help. We haven’t had a musician come to us on his own behalf. But this is a tight community. Somebody will come up and say ‘I heard so-and-so is in trouble’ and then we go from there. It’s something we love to do. It makes us feel really good and part of the community.”

McBride notes the move to Dr. J’s was finalized early this week after a lengthy process which saw several venues investigated with the capacity of each a factor.

“We looked at The Spill. Too small. We looked at Hot Belly Mama’s. We love the ambience but, again, too small. We looked at the Gordon Best Theatre. We love the room, but accessibility is bad with that steep set of stairs. We chose Dr. J’s for many reasons. Number one, it’s licensed for 201 people and it’s fully accessible. Dr. J’s has really bent over backwards accommodating us. Tony Best has been amazing. We’re looking forward to this relationship and where it takes us.”

The first Blues Jam at Dr. J’s will be staged Saturday, May 20th, 2 to 5 p.m., hosted by Black. Like all Blues Jam events, there’s no cover charge but donations are greatly encouraged and collected for the PMBA.

“We’re never going to replicate the ambience and atmosphere we have here (at the Pig’s Ear),” says McBride, adding, “This was Phil’s favourite bar” — a reference to the late Phil “Mr. Deluxe” Marshall’s role in the PMBA’s founding.

VIDEO: What is the Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association?

More than 20 years ago, Marshall, a singer and keyboardist, quietly started gifting his share of the proceeds from local gigs to those in need and causes important to him. A bigger-than-life personality that oozed charisma and magnetism, Marshall died suddenly in December 2013, prompting McBride et al, upon being approached by Marshall’s partner, to keep his benevolent spirit alive.

“This (the Blues Jam) is Phil’s legacy,” says McBride.

“He started it informally five years ago. He loved The Piggy and he loved coming here. If he knew someone was in trouble, he would just put out a jar (for donations).

“One of the things that Phil was adamant about — I remember him saying this way back when — is musicians are always so good at showing up for this benefit or that cause. At the end of the day, everyone working at the venue got paid, the venue made lots of money with beer sales and everything else, but the musicians got nothing. In Phil’s mind, we needed something for musicians.”

At the Blues Jam’s last hurrah at the Pig’s Ear, The Victory Boys will perform four of Marshall’s original songs as a tribute.

Since its inception, the Blues Jam has attracted a who’s who of local live music: Bobby Watson, Buzz Thompson, Pat Temple, Rob Foreman, Sean Daniels, Rick and Gailie, Greg Weichel and The Rocket Revue come to mind. The list is long and impressive.

When Jon Wong, the sax player for The 24th Street Wailers, hopped onstage at the last event, he continued a long tradition of guest artists jumping into the fray.

“The names that have come through there (the Pig’s Ear) are wonderful,” says Hovercraft, certainly no stranger to Blues Jam events — as a performer and as the recipient of the first PMBA donation.

“Three years ago, I took a header off my porch,” recalls Hovercraft.

“It happened so bloody fast. One moment I’m heading out to buy groceries and the next moment I’m lying in a heap in the backyard yelling for help. I tore the tendons off a kneecap and had to have them re-attached. I’ve got screws in my ankle and grommets in my kneecap with some space-age material holding it all together. I’m not doing a lot of running now but then again, I never did.”

Besides lending his talents to the proceedings April 15, Hovercraft will hoist a pint or two in celebration of his 65th birthday.

“The music community here is so incredibly tight-knit and supportive of its constituents,” says Hovercraft.

“My jaw would have been in my lap if it (the Blues Jam) hadn’t found a home somewhere. The steadfastness with which the community is carrying on Phil Marshall’s vision is just so inspiring.”

Back in January, the three-storey building and property which is home to The Pig’s Ear Tavern was purchased by Parkview Homes. While Parkview has remained mum on its plans for the property, the building hasn’t been historically designated and, as such, doesn’t have the protection such designation offers.

Opened in 1865 as the St. Maurice Saloon, the pub was purchased in 2000 by Punter and his wife Lylie. Besides the Blues Jam, it’s been home to signature pub events such as Karaoinke, Vinyl Night, and Pingo.

The Punters are now eyeing retirement with plans to travel and indulge their passion of diving.