Heritage Permit Review Subcommittee Meeting

The Heritage Permit Review Subcommittee reviewed proposed heritage work at Hamilton City Hall, the Hamilton Conservatory of Music and the former Otis-Fensom/Studebaker building at 440 Victoria Ave. N. It approved solar-panel installation at the conservatory and recommended approval of security bollards at City Hall and the restoration and office conversion of the vacant industrial building for Stelco.

Topics Discussed

CITY HALL SECURITY BARRIERS

The committee recommended approval of Heritage Permit HP 2026-027 for security bollards at 71 Main St. W. The work includes redesigning the "Main 2" access point to preserve access for community events, horticulture, forestry and the annual Christmas tree while restricting unauthorized vehicle access.

The project also includes replacing defective concrete and damaged bollard sleeves at the "Main 1" access point. The permit allows minor design or elevation changes to be approved by the director of planning. Construction must be completed by Oct. 31, 2029.

SOLAR PANELS AT HAMILTON CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

The committee unanimously approved Heritage Permit HP 2026-028 for 60 solar panels on the roof of the Hamilton Conservatory of Music at 126 James St. S.

The panels will be mounted flush to the roof and are expected to have limited visibility from street level. The permit is subject to standard conditions and expires after two years.

RESTORATION AND STELCO OFFICE CONVERSION

The committee recommended approval of Heritage Permit HP 2026-029 for the restoration and redevelopment of the vacant 1912 Otis-Fensom/Studebaker Office Building at 440 Victoria Ave. N. The proposed new use is Stelco office space.

The work includes masonry restoration, brick infill, replacement windows and doors, new lighting and signage, and a modern addition on the north and east elevations. An at-grade north entrance will connect to a lobby and elevator. The historic Victoria Street entrance will be restored with steps.

Heritage consultant Megan Hobson described the building as "currently vacant and at risk due to its poor condition." She said, "The heritage attributes will all be conserved and restored," and that the proposed office use is compatible with the building's heritage value.

Hobson also noted that the building had previously served as offices for the Otis Elevator Company and the Studebaker Company. The project includes investigation of an interpretive heritage display.

DESIGN AND HERITAGE PROTECTION

Updated plans changed the addition's exterior materials from white panels to gunmetal-gray metal panels and reorganized the window groupings. The design team proposed three-dimensional spandrels to add depth and rhythm to the east elevation.

A printed Corten-steel finish is proposed for part of the addition to reference Hamilton's steelmaking history without producing runoff stains.

A conservation plan will be required before the proposed Stelco sign is installed near the historic entrance. Final specifications for windows, doors, lighting, signage and masonry work must receive heritage review.

Motions

• Heritage Permit HP 2026-027 — City Hall security bollards: Recommended approval, subject to planning review of minor changes and completion by Oct. 31, 2029.
• Heritage Permit HP 2026-028 — Hamilton Conservatory of Music solar panels: Approved unanimously, subject to standard conditions and a two-year expiry.
• Heritage Permit HP 2026-029 — 440 Victoria Ave. N. restoration and Stelco office conversion: Recommended approval, subject to final technical specifications, heritage review and completion by Oct. 31, 2029.
• Previous meeting minutes, file HPRC 2026-009: Approved, with clarification of conditions related to heritage vine-growth removal.

Attendees

The provided material identifies the following committee participants:

• Graham
• Sandra
• Matthew
• Carol

Project and consultant representatives identified in the meeting included:

• Chris Garno
• Megan Hobson
• Marvin
• Rick