The only heritage home in Cargill will keep its status, after the Municipality of Brockton rejected the application of its owners to repeal the designation.
The Henry Cargill White House, located at 12 Concession Road, was formally designated as a heritage property in August 1988.
Deputy Mayor Kym Hutcheon said removing the designation would set a poor precedent.
"This building is very important to our heritage," she said. "It is the one designated property outside of Walkerton, in Brockton, and we owe it to Henry Cargill to have it maintained."
According to a staff report, "Henry Cargill was the leading citizen of the village which came to bear his name."
When the appeal was made by the owners in January, the municipality posted a notice as required in the Ontario Heritage Act, and received eight letters objecting to the removal of the designation, including from the Brockton Heritage Committee and the home's former owners.
Councillor Tim Elphick said it made his decision easy.
"It was overwhelming in terms of the response, we don't typically see this level in reports, so it was really helpful to hear from those who have a vested interest in seeing the home maintain its heritage status," he said.
The Cargill White House owners can still appeal the ruling to the Ontario Land Tribunal, within 30 days of being notified of council's decision.