Kyle describes his work as “change management,” helping to balance the conservation of the community ý ’s 6000 protected heritage properties with the natural growth and development of the city.
“We are conserving the resources we value as a community,” says Kyle, “not just isolated buildings, but landscapes and neighbourhoods.”
He explains that heritage designation for a property must address one of three criteria: physical or design value, historical or associative value, or contextual value.
In London for instance, many of the city ý ’s heritage designated properties are built of “buff brick,” a soft yellow brick common in communities across Southwestern Ontario. London also boasts some excellent examples of early Regency properties, such as Eldon House.
Much of Kyle ý ’s time is spent advising individual property owners making upgrades and repairs to their properties. He also works with municipal officials on long-term planning for the community ý ’s Heritage Conservation Districts. His career advice for MPL students wanting to get into the field? Attend city council meetings and look for volunteer opportunities on municipal advisory committees. It ý ’s a great way to get hands-on experience in the field of municipal planning.