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The Fisks say they love their neighbourhood’s rich heritage, and are supportive of the city’s preservation efforts. Their own home at 537 Kildare is the DeGurse-McEwan House, a Queen Anne vernacular built in 1891 and one of three designated homes on the block. Five other homes in their block are listed on the register.

The problem, said the Fisks, is the huge recent jump in popularity of the nearby commercial district. Since moving in about seven years ago, they said at least 15 new nearby businesses have sprouted up, and street parking for residents has become an issue.

The Fisks live just doors away from such establishments as the Kildare House and the Walkerville Tavern, and Ms. Fisk said patrons can crowd out the residents when it comes to curb space.

Windsor heritage planner John Calhoun, who was not available for comment, wrote in a report to a city council committee that the curb cut requested would remove street parking space from a “vibrant” commercial district, it would “likely kill” an adjacent mature tree, and it would “reduce the visual character of the streetscape.”

The matter will be dealt with at a Jan. 12 committee meeting.

Whenever I tell somebody about this, they just laugh

Mr. Fisk said they’ve been told by municipal staff that if their curb cut is permitted, “then everybody else will want a driveway.”

The Fisks, who have two vehicles, own a small garage off the rear lane, but it already houses a motorcycle, and they worry about the incidence of back-alley crime in their neighbourhood. If a driveway lane would threaten the mature tree out front, then they question why the city recently built a new sidewalk that sidles several big trees on the street.

As for other neighbours following their lead, the retired couple said there are few nearby properties that have the lot size to accommodate a driveway.

Standing committee recommendations go to city council for final approval.