Torontonians sick and tired of 'McMansions' look to protect historic cottages from redevelopment A Toronto resident has started a petition seeking heritage designation for the city's historic "workers' cottages" after a controversial redevelopment was approved on Palmerston Avenue. Social Sharing CBC News · Posted: Feb 01, 2021 4:00 AM ET | Last Updated: February 1 The Palmerston Avenue workers' cottages in 1940. Built in 1871, two of the cottages are now being rebuilt.(Toronto Archives)