Hamilton Municipal Heritage Committee Meeting

The Hamilton Municipal Heritage Committee discussed heritage designation matters, an unsafe heritage property at 134 Cannon Street East, archaeological assessment changes, heritage permit extensions, and updates on monitored heritage properties. Members approved designation recommendations for 71 Claremont Drive, 6 Main Street East and 1401 King Street East, heard a delegation from Harry Stinson on the condition of 134 Cannon Street East, and added 158-178 King Street West to the Yellow Caution list.

Topics Discussed

• 134 Cannon Street East / Canning Knitting Mills (PED26119): The committee heard from Harry Stinson about the deteriorated heritage property at 134 Cannon Street East. Stinson said "the solution here needs to be a long-term one not an interim patchup job just to sort of buy some time." Councillor Thompson said the city cannot intervene pre-emptively, stating, "we have to wait till there's a concern that allows us legally to intervene and say enough already." Councillor Cret said the matter before the committee was a safety issue, adding, "the option to do nothing is not an option of the four presented." Staff said the report was for information and that a future recommendation would come to planning committee.

• 71 Claremont Drive / Omar Gate House (PED26092): The committee considered designation of 71 Claremont Drive under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Graham Carroll declared a conflict, saying he is "the treasurer and board of directors on for the friends of Okamar which has been obviously promoting for the preservation." Discussion focused on the building's significance and condition. Karen said the property should be placed on Yellow Caution monitoring, adding, "we do monitor their condition to make sure they don't degrade anymore because they are significant buildings. There were very few left in that area from that era." The designation recommendation passed with one abstention.

• 6 Main Street East / Hamilton Club (PED26085): Staff presented the case for designation of 6 Main Street East. Kieran moved "that we ask to the city clerk to be directed to give notice of council's intention to designate 6 Main Street East known as the Hamilton Club." Kira Cook said the property "has a long and significant history, serving as the headquarters of the Hamilton Club from 1873 until the present day," and said the 1959 ladies annex "marked a key shift toward inclusivity, as women were formally admitted." Discussion also referenced the club's earlier exclusionary membership rules and the building's architectural and historical value. The designation was approved.

• 1401 King Street East / Former Grace Anglican Church (PD26098): The committee approved designation of the former Grace Anglican Church at 1401 King Street East. Staff said the property "has historical value for its association with the historic Grace Anglican Church, which has had a presence in Hamilton since 1919." City staff also said the property "is important in defining the historic character of the Delta neighborhood, is visually and historically linked to its surrounding, and considered a landmark." Graham said, "Places of worship are all struggling right now. So, it's very important that we protect the important ones as much as we possibly can." The designation was unanimously approved.

• Heritage administration and monitoring: The committee discussed archaeological assessment changes and heritage monitoring items. Ken Quite, director of heritage and urban design, discussed a challenged heritage property and the opportunity for the owner to present a strategy. Members also approved an extension to the heritage permit for relocation of the Filippo Mar house tied to the 398 Wilson Street East, Ancaster redevelopment. The committee approved adding 158-178 King Street West to the Yellow Caution list for monitoring.

Motions

• Agenda amendment — Item 8.3 was moved to follow delegations.
• Designation of 71 Claremont Drive (PED26092) — Passed with one abstention.
• Designation of 6 Main Street East (PED26085) — Approved.
• Designation of 1401 King Street East (PD26098) — Unanimously approved.
• Extension of heritage permit for relocation of the Filippo Mar house related to 398 Wilson Street East, Ancaster — Approved.
• Add 158-178 King Street West to the Yellow Caution list — Approved.
• Property status updates on monitored heritage sites — Unanimously approved.

Attendees

• Graham Carroll
• Stephen Spalnik
• Karen
• Andrew
• Lyn
• Cret
• Graham

Conflicts of interest declared: - Graham Carroll recused himself, saying he is "the treasurer and board of directors on for the friends of Okamar which has been obviously promoting for the preservation." - Stephen Spalnik abstained due to a personal relationship with Mr. Stinson's daughter.