We want your input on the Hespeler Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study and Plan.

HCD Plan and Guidelines

The draft HCD Plan and Guidelines document can be viewed here: Hespeler HCD Plan and Guidelines (DRAFT). Consultation on the draft will take place throughout Fall 2025. Feel free to share your thoughts with us!

What is a Heritage Conservation District (HCD)?

An HCD is a geographically defined area within a municipality that is noted for its distinct heritage character. An HCD may be defined by neighbourhoods or other locations with distinct features, styles, themes, or characteristics. HCDs can include buildings, trees, roads, landscapes and other elements that contribute to their unique character. Under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act, municipalities can protect these districts by designating character-defining elements and their public realm, providing detailed guidance for redevelopment that occurs over time. Heritage designation is a way for the community to honour and protect these areas of cultural heritage value.

Background & Process

In 2020, Council directed staff to begin the Hespeler HCD Study in order to evaluate areas of heritage value within Hespeler and ensure their protection. In 2023, staff identified a portion of downtown Hespeler as a draft Study Area and began the Study process under the Ontario Heritage Act. The designation of an HCD involves two phases: the Study Phase and the Plan Phase. The Study Phase involved reviewing the character of the area and making recommendations on geographic boundaries, content of an HCD Plan, and any changes that will be required to the City’s Official Plan and municipal by-laws [Section 40(2)].

Study Phase

The Study Phase included significant public consultation. Public feedback was collected through a survey with over 200 respondents. The following publicly-accessible meetings were held during the Study Phase:

• October 19, 2023: Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) meeting (City Hall)
• October 30, 2023: Public Information Centre Open House (Hespeler Legion)
• January 10, 2024: Community Focus Group Meeting #1 (virtual)
• February 14, 2024: Community Focus Group Meeting #2 (virtual)
• March 13, 2024: Community Focus Group Meeting #3 (virtual)
• April 18, 2024: MHAC meeting (City Hall)
• June 25, 2024: Council meeting (City Hall)

A Council decision occurred at its meeting on June 25, 2024. The presentation to Council can be viewed here: Report 24-057-CD (pages 228 to 511).

Plan Phase

As a result of public input and Council's decision, the project will move forward to the Plan Phase. The Plan Phase involves the development of policies, guidelines and procedures to help guide future changes in the District so that the area’s cultural heritage value is conserved. Public consultation continues to be an important part of this project. The following opportunities for public feedback will take place during the Plan Phase:

• Public Information Centre (PIC) Open House: December 4, 2024 @ 7:00pm, Hespeler Legion
• MHAC Plan Launch Meeting: December 5, 2024 @ 7:00pm, virtual (Zoom) and in person (City Hall)
• Community Focus Group Meetings @ 3:00-4:30pm, virtual (Zoom):
  • January 15, 2025
  • February 12, 2025
  • September 17, 2025
• Public Meeting on Draft HCD Plan and Guidelines: October 7, 2025 @6:30pm, Council Chambers
• MHAC Meeting on Draft HCD Plan and Guidelines: October 16, 2025 @7:00pm (Hybrid: City Hall Bowman Room and virtual)
• Drop-in Session on Draft HCD Plan and Guidelines: October 29, 2025 from 4:00-7:00pm, Hespeler Legion
• MHAC Meeting on HCD Plan and Guidelines: January 15, 2026
• Council Meeting on HCD Plan and Guidelines: March 24, 2026

Hespeler HCD Community Focus Group

The Community Focus Group is a forum for local residents who are interested in the project to meet and discuss aspects of the HCD and relevant documents and policies. The group will meet three times in 2025 (January 15, February 12, and September 17). If you have an interest in being involved in the Focus Group, contact Jeremy Parsons, Senior Planner - Heritage, parsonsje@cambridge.ca. More information on the Focus Group can be found here: https://www.cambridge.ca/en/your-city/other-committees.aspx.