Canadian figure skating champion Tessa Virtue and her husband, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly, have encountered a significant roadblock in their efforts to renovate their heritage home in Toronto.
The couple, who have been working to restore the property, have been advised to halt their exterior paint job, a move that has stirred considerable discussion among city officials and the community.
Heritage Home Renovation Halted
The renovation plans for Virtue and Rielly’s home became a focal point during a Toronto and East York Community Council meeting. The couple received a building permit in May 2023, which was later revised in September.
According to city documents, the revised plans included new windows and a note indicating that the brick was to be painted, a detail that was not initially noted by Heritage Planning staff.
City’s Concerns Over Heritage Preservation
The city’s Heritage Planning staff became aware of the exterior painting when they observed the west façade of the house being painted. This prompted them to advise the couple to cease work and seek necessary approvals under Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act.
The home, located in the North Rosedale Heritage Conservation District, features antique brick masonry, considered one of its most important attributes. City staff recommended masonry repairs, repointing, and brick cleaning instead of applying a layer of limewash.
Legal and Expert Opinions
Rodney Gill, one of the solicitors representing Virtue and Rielly, attended the meeting and noted that his clients intended to apply a layer of limewash to their home.
He presented a letter from an engineer stating that the limewash would significantly enhance the home’s long-term structural performance. Additionally, photos of other painted brick homes in the area were provided as examples.
Balancing Private and Public Interests
Gill emphasized the need to balance private property interests with the public interest in preserving heritage properties. He argued that Virtue and Rielly had appropriately balanced these interests.
However, Ward 11 University-Rosedale Councillor Dianne Saxe supported the staff recommendation to deny the couple’s appeal. She acknowledged the error in the building permit but stressed that the couple should have been aware of the heritage conservation plan and the associated regulations.
Community and Council Reactions
The matter has now been forwarded to city council without recommendations, with meetings scheduled for the end of June. The North Rosedale Residents’ Association expressed disappointment that the recommendations of Toronto Heritage and the Heritage Preservation Board were not endorsed in the motion to move the matter to city council.
Personal Milestones
Amidst the renovation controversy, Virtue and Rielly have shared personal milestones. Virtue recently announced her pregnancy via Instagram, revealing her growing baby bump in a series of vacation photos. This announcement delighted fans, adding a personal dimension to the couple’s ongoing public and private endeavors.
A Look Back at Their Relationship
Virtue and Rielly, who met through mutual friends, have kept much of their relationship private. They made their first public appearance together in January 2020 and confirmed their relationship during an Instagram live stream in March 2020. In January 2023, Virtue confirmed their engagement, and by February 2024, they had tied the knot, sharing their wedding photos with Hello! Canada.
Future Steps
As Virtue and Rielly navigate the challenges of renovating their heritage home, they continue to balance their personal and public lives. Their next steps will likely be influenced by the decisions made at the upcoming city council meetings and the support of their community and fans.