The picturesque charm of Almonte's downtown is one step closer to being protected as a heritage conservation district. But some residents oppose the designation because they say it will create more red tape for property owners.

Though more than 50 people packed the Mississppi Mills, Ont., municipal council meeting room, residents weren't invited to speak to the committee of the whole Tuesday evening.

The committee voted in favour of moving ahead with the heritage district for the Almonte community. Only two councillors, Denzil Ferguson and Paul Waters, voted against it. Ferguson told councillors he felt communication to the public about the proposal had been inadequate.

Almonte resident Brian Gallagher echoes that feeling. He says property owners haven't been told about how this will affect what they can do with their buildings.

Brian Gallagher says the rights of property owners aren't being respected in the effort to preserve downtown Almonte's architectural heritage. (Steve Fischer/CBC)

'Just not right'

"From the little house on Union Street to a business on Mill Street — to tell those owners six people or eight people who are not elected are going to tell you how to look after it, that's just not right," he says.

Gallagher, who has experience owning a heritage property, says insurance for neighbouring buildings and consulting costs could add up and make it harder to manage, renovate or sell downtown buildings.

Supporters of the heritage conservation district applauded Tuesday night's vote.

"To me it's one extra level of design oversight to make sure that the people making changes that require a building permit, that we will all see on the street, have as much information as much help as they can possibly get," says Stephen Brathwaite.

Stephen Braithwaite, second from left, brought signs for supporters of the heritage conservation district to the Mississippi Mills town council meeting on Tuesday.

There will be grants and tax credits to help people who own and manage the heritage properties, Brathwaite says. While the money is not a lot, he says it will ease the burden on businesses.

"It's a fledgling economy in a tiny town," he says. "The people running these shops put their heart and soul into it. In most cases, these are owner-occupied shops, people carrying through on their own passions."

Coun. Christa Lowrey says the heritage conservation district will help Almonte market itself, attracting new business, tourists and even residents.

Mississippi Mills council will vote on the bylaw creating the historic conservation district on June 28.