Heritage vs. housing. But how about both?

One could anoint Gord Lovegrove the posterchild for balancing heritage and housing.

Look no further than his backyard - a carriage house Frank Lloyd Wright would struggle to believe wasn't built in the 1950s.

Flat edges. Five-and-a-quarter-inch paneling. White trim.

Textbook mid-century modern.

And it's that balance the city councillor was trying to protect when he opted to bring forward a motion at city hall in late November.

The move would have protected the Abbot and Marshall Street heritage conservation corridors from being lumped in with the urban core.

This designation would allow for a wide range of developments, from townhomes to apartments - all projects Lovegrove welcomes.

"I just want it to be a form and character that fits," he told Kelowna10. "I am the last one to be against infill and densification in heritage areas."

Lovegrove ended up walking back his motion, citing newly passed provincial legislation that may have rendered his move moot.

He also worried about a perceived conflict of interest, given his home is nestled along the southern most perimeter of the conservation area, despite the fact he is leading by example.

But the importance of protecting heritage extends beyond preserving old buildings, he said. The tree canopy, character, and people in those neighbourhoods are part of the city's story.

"Our historic neighbourhoods are where we come from," he said. "It’s important to protect our heritage as part of our culture, understanding where we’ve come from but who we are and who we will become."

He believes there is the opportunity to balance heritage with density. But Lovegrove, who has served on the heritage advisory committee, admits to the subjectivity involved in such decisions.

And for those who accuse Lovegrove of NIMBYism or elitism via heritage protection: "Look at my backyard."

"I have no problem with heritage densification."

Once provincial regulations are settled, he anticipates a council colleague will reintroduce a similar motion to find a way that best protects heritage while allowing much-needed densification.

Lovegrove hopes landing on a healthy balance between heritage and density will allow for the development of unique and special neighbourhoods, in new ways.