Hespeler Heritage Conservation District Study

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The Ontario Heritage Act enables the City of Cambridge to designate properties or areas of significance as a Heritage Conservation District (HCD). This is done through a designation by-law and can apply to individual properties (Part IV) or a neighbourhood or district (Part V). Heritage designation is a way for the community to honour and protect these areas of cultural heritage value.

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

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 districts by designating character-defining elements and their public realm, providing detailed guidance for redevelopment that occurs over time.

Background & Process

In 2020, Council directed staff to begin the Hespeler HCD Study in order to review areas of cultural 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 involves reviewing the character of the area and making recommendations on:

  • The geographic boundaries of the area to be designated;
  • The objectives and content of a 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 also includes consultation with the public and Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) before Council review.

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 feedback and engagement is important to the Hespeler HCD Study in order to inform the direction of the project. Public feedback will inform areas and properties for inclusion within the future HCD. Thank you to all those who have provided comments on the Study. The survey is now closed as of February 1, 2024, however feel free to contact staff with any additional comments or questions. Contact: Jeremy Parsons, Senior Planner - Heritage, parsonsje@cambridge.ca.

Public Information Centre (PIC) Open House

Thank you to all those who attended the PIC Open House on Monday October 30, 2023 at the Hespeler Legion! We had well over 50 attendees and lots of questions and discussion. Staff have noted all comments and questions shared which will inform the Study results.

Hespeler HCD Community Focus Group

Thank you to all those who participated in our Focus Group meetings on January 10th, February 14th, and March 13th 2024. Thank you for your engagement on this project! Should Council decide for the project continue, Focus Group meetings will recommence in Summer 2024. More information on the Focus Group can be found here: https://www.cambridge.ca/en/your-city/other-committees.aspx.

Next steps:

When the HCD Study is complete, the findings and recommendations will be presented to MHAC for consultation (April 18, 2024) and then to Council (June 4, 2024) in order to decide if the project will move forward to the Plan Phase. If the project does not move on to the Plan Phase, the City of Cambridge will use the recommendations provided to update the City’s Heritage Register and pursue other options, such as cultural heritage landscapes, zoning changes, and/or individual designations under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. If Council does decide to designate an HCD, all residents will be notified and provided a copy of the district designation by-law, HCD Plan & Guidelines, and will be provided with access to staff for any questions on heritage permitting or the HCD.

The Ontario Heritage Act enables the City of Cambridge to designate properties or areas of significance as a Heritage Conservation District (HCD). This is done through a designation by-law and can apply to individual properties (Part IV) or a neighbourhood or district (Part V). Heritage designation is a way for the community to honour and protect these areas of cultural heritage value.

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

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 districts by designating character-defining elements and their public realm, providing detailed guidance for redevelopment that occurs over time.

Background & Process

In 2020, Council directed staff to begin the Hespeler HCD Study in order to review areas of cultural 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 involves reviewing the character of the area and making recommendations on:

  • The geographic boundaries of the area to be designated;
  • The objectives and content of a 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 also includes consultation with the public and Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) before Council review.

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 feedback and engagement is important to the Hespeler HCD Study in order to inform the direction of the project. Public feedback will inform areas and properties for inclusion within the future HCD. Thank you to all those who have provided comments on the Study. The survey is now closed as of February 1, 2024, however feel free to contact staff with any additional comments or questions. Contact: Jeremy Parsons, Senior Planner - Heritage, parsonsje@cambridge.ca.

Public Information Centre (PIC) Open House

Thank you to all those who attended the PIC Open House on Monday October 30, 2023 at the Hespeler Legion! We had well over 50 attendees and lots of questions and discussion. Staff have noted all comments and questions shared which will inform the Study results.

Hespeler HCD Community Focus Group

Thank you to all those who participated in our Focus Group meetings on January 10th, February 14th, and March 13th 2024. Thank you for your engagement on this project! Should Council decide for the project continue, Focus Group meetings will recommence in Summer 2024. More information on the Focus Group can be found here: https://www.cambridge.ca/en/your-city/other-committees.aspx.

Next steps:

When the HCD Study is complete, the findings and recommendations will be presented to MHAC for consultation (April 18, 2024) and then to Council (June 4, 2024) in order to decide if the project will move forward to the Plan Phase. If the project does not move on to the Plan Phase, the City of Cambridge will use the recommendations provided to update the City’s Heritage Register and pursue other options, such as cultural heritage landscapes, zoning changes, and/or individual designations under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. If Council does decide to designate an HCD, all residents will be notified and provided a copy of the district designation by-law, HCD Plan & Guidelines, and will be provided with access to staff for any questions on heritage permitting or the HCD.

Questions: Feel free to add your own questions on the Study here.

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  • Share (1) What would the designation of HCD would mean for current residents of the Study Area, particularly those in historic homes that were previously "modernized" without regard for any cultural heritage? (2) What is the sudden incentive for protection of heritage buildings here in Hespeler, among other areas, when there was no incentive previously? (Our Hespeler home dates to 1880, and when we purchased it in 2021, no one cared about its heritage or could provide us with more info on its history, despite our inquiring with the Archives.) (3) How will the HCD be enforced when the City cannot and does not enforce basic bylaws? We've watched signs and walls become graffitied over the past 1.5 years, and blatant disregard for neighbours' comfort (sound and air pollution) and neighbourhood property. The lack of bylaws doesn't help; enforcement seems like a joke, so how will this HCD enforcement be different? on Facebook Share (1) What would the designation of HCD would mean for current residents of the Study Area, particularly those in historic homes that were previously "modernized" without regard for any cultural heritage? (2) What is the sudden incentive for protection of heritage buildings here in Hespeler, among other areas, when there was no incentive previously? (Our Hespeler home dates to 1880, and when we purchased it in 2021, no one cared about its heritage or could provide us with more info on its history, despite our inquiring with the Archives.) (3) How will the HCD be enforced when the City cannot and does not enforce basic bylaws? We've watched signs and walls become graffitied over the past 1.5 years, and blatant disregard for neighbours' comfort (sound and air pollution) and neighbourhood property. The lack of bylaws doesn't help; enforcement seems like a joke, so how will this HCD enforcement be different? on Twitter Share (1) What would the designation of HCD would mean for current residents of the Study Area, particularly those in historic homes that were previously "modernized" without regard for any cultural heritage? (2) What is the sudden incentive for protection of heritage buildings here in Hespeler, among other areas, when there was no incentive previously? (Our Hespeler home dates to 1880, and when we purchased it in 2021, no one cared about its heritage or could provide us with more info on its history, despite our inquiring with the Archives.) (3) How will the HCD be enforced when the City cannot and does not enforce basic bylaws? We've watched signs and walls become graffitied over the past 1.5 years, and blatant disregard for neighbours' comfort (sound and air pollution) and neighbourhood property. The lack of bylaws doesn't help; enforcement seems like a joke, so how will this HCD enforcement be different? on Linkedin Email (1) What would the designation of HCD would mean for current residents of the Study Area, particularly those in historic homes that were previously "modernized" without regard for any cultural heritage? (2) What is the sudden incentive for protection of heritage buildings here in Hespeler, among other areas, when there was no incentive previously? (Our Hespeler home dates to 1880, and when we purchased it in 2021, no one cared about its heritage or could provide us with more info on its history, despite our inquiring with the Archives.) (3) How will the HCD be enforced when the City cannot and does not enforce basic bylaws? We've watched signs and walls become graffitied over the past 1.5 years, and blatant disregard for neighbours' comfort (sound and air pollution) and neighbourhood property. The lack of bylaws doesn't help; enforcement seems like a joke, so how will this HCD enforcement be different? link

    (1) What would the designation of HCD would mean for current residents of the Study Area, particularly those in historic homes that were previously "modernized" without regard for any cultural heritage? (2) What is the sudden incentive for protection of heritage buildings here in Hespeler, among other areas, when there was no incentive previously? (Our Hespeler home dates to 1880, and when we purchased it in 2021, no one cared about its heritage or could provide us with more info on its history, despite our inquiring with the Archives.) (3) How will the HCD be enforced when the City cannot and does not enforce basic bylaws? We've watched signs and walls become graffitied over the past 1.5 years, and blatant disregard for neighbours' comfort (sound and air pollution) and neighbourhood property. The lack of bylaws doesn't help; enforcement seems like a joke, so how will this HCD enforcement be different?

    Rachel Kulick asked 7 months ago

    Hello Rachel,  

    Thank you for your engagement and your questions. Please see staff responses below:

    1. What would the designation of an HCD mean for current residents of the Study Area, particularly those in historic homes that were previously "modernized" without regard for any cultural heritage?
      • The designation of a Heritage Conservation District would mean that a defined area in Hespeler would be afforded a higher level of recognition and protection under the Ontario Heritage Act. Major alterations to properties in the HCD (including demolition, infill, additions, removal of large trees, etc) would require that property owners seek a Heritage Permit from the City of Cambridge before carrying out significant changes. Minor changes such as painting, landscaping, or replacing the same roof material would be exempt and would not require heritage permitting. Interior spaces and rear yards are also exempt. Property owners who are located within HCDs are also eligible for funds from the Heritage Property Grant Program, which help designated property owners to repair or improve heritage elements of their homes.  If properties that are located in a future HCD have already been altered, there is no process or requirement for retroactive Heritage Permits. We only approve or regulate changes going forward.
    2. What is the sudden incentive for protection of heritage buildings here in Hespeler, among other areas, when there was no incentive previously?
      • In 2020, Council directed staff to look at Hespeler for a potential Heritage Conservation District. Several other areas in Cambridge have already been approved for HCDs (Dickson Hill, Main Street Galt, and Blair) while other areas are being studied for HCDs (East Galt and Galt Core). Downtown Hespeler has been identified as a potential HCD given that it contains a significant concentration of heritage buildings and a unique commercial and industrial landscape anchored on the Speed River. Hespeler is also subject to significant development pressures that could be guided and better regulated through an HCD Plan & Guidelines. Hespeler already has a number of individually designated and listed heritage properties, but an HCD affords a greater ability to ensure suitable, quality development in the downtown.
    3. How will the HCD be enforced when the City cannot and does not enforce basic bylaws? How will this HCD enforcement be different?
      • Should Council and the community decide to move ahead with the Hespeler HCD, a Plan & Guidelines will be created to outline the type of infill, urban design, beautification, alterations, and conservation that should occur in the HCD. The Plan will also outline what is discouraged or prohibited in the District. The Heritage Permit process ensures that these changes only occur in accordance with the Plan and are overseen by the City. The Heritage Permit process is also a public process, informed by the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee, wherein residents can have a say. Major changes that are carried out without regard for the proper process and without a Heritage Permit could be subject to enforcement and fines under the Ontario Heritage Act. Currently, this process works very well in other districts and on Part IV-designated properties. Where heritage designation by-laws exist, the City of Cambridge enforces those by-laws within the processes and parameters outlined under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Page last updated: 26 Apr 2024, 04:37 PM