Hespeler Heritage Conservation District Study & Plan
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We want your input on the Hespeler Heritage Conservation District (HCD).
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)].
The Study Phase included significant public consultation. Public feedback was collected through a survey with over 200 respondents. A Public Information Centre (PIC) Open House was held, as were Community Focus Group meetings and Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) meetings. A Council decision occurred 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 Meeting @ 7:00pm, virtual (Zoom): December 5, 2024
Community Focus Group Meetings @ 3:00-4:30pm, virtual (Zoom):
January 15, 2025
February 12, 2025
March 12, 2025
MHAC Final Report Meeting @ 7:00pm, virtual (Zoom): March 20, 2025
Council Final Report Meeting @ 6:00pm: April 2025 (date TBD)
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 March 12). 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.
We want your input on the Hespeler Heritage Conservation District (HCD).
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)].
The Study Phase included significant public consultation. Public feedback was collected through a survey with over 200 respondents. A Public Information Centre (PIC) Open House was held, as were Community Focus Group meetings and Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) meetings. A Council decision occurred 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 Meeting @ 7:00pm, virtual (Zoom): December 5, 2024
Community Focus Group Meetings @ 3:00-4:30pm, virtual (Zoom):
January 15, 2025
February 12, 2025
March 12, 2025
MHAC Final Report Meeting @ 7:00pm, virtual (Zoom): March 20, 2025
Council Final Report Meeting @ 6:00pm: April 2025 (date TBD)
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 March 12). 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.
Hespeler Heritage Conservation District Study & Plan has finished this stage
Background research, property surveys, creation of project timelines, and draft boundaries for Study Area.
Fall 2023
Hespeler Heritage Conservation District Study & Plan has finished this stage
Creation of EngageCambridge website, online public survey, MHAC and public consultation started.
Winter 2024
Hespeler Heritage Conservation District Study & Plan has finished this stage
Continue consultation with public, last focus group meeting held, draft of HCD Study Report submitted to staff for review
Spring 2024
Hespeler Heritage Conservation District Study & Plan has finished this stage
Final HCD Study Report draft to MHAC for review, Presentation of final Study Report and proposed boundaries to Council for decision on June 25, 2024. Council approved launch of Phase 2: HCD Plan & Guidelines.
Summer/Fall 2024
Hespeler Heritage Conservation District Study & Plan has finished this stage
Launch of Plan Phase. Involves research, property photographs, policy analysis, and the beginning of public consultation.
Winter/Spring 2025
Hespeler Heritage Conservation District Study & Plan is currently at this stage
Plan Phase public consultation continues. Open House, Community Focus Group, and MHAC meetings take place. HCD Plan report is reviewed by staff. Final report is set to go to Council in April 2025.
