Heritage Oakville Approves Two Heritage Permit Applications at 397 Trafalgar Road

Heritage Oakville reviewed two heritage permit applications tied to a severance at 397 Trafalgar Road in the Trafalgar Road Heritage Conservation District: one to replace an existing garage beside the Doughty House, and another to build a new house and garage on the severed lot. The committee recommended approval of both applications, with final decisions to go to council on July 7.

Topics Discussed

397 Trafalgar Road: garage replacement beside Doughty House

The committee discussed a heritage permit application for the retained lot at 397 Trafalgar Road, home to the Doughty House, a circa-1900 Queen Anne-style brick dwelling. Staff said that, although there is currently no structure on the severed property, "it is still designated part five under the Trafalgar Road Heritage Conservation District."

For the retained lot, the proposal would demolish the existing detached garage and construct a new one-and-a-half-storey frame detached garage with related landscaping. Staff materials described the existing garage as being in very poor condition, and staff said it "could not be restored without substantial replacement of materials."

The new garage would be set back farther from both the heritage house and Spruce Street. Staff said that relocating it "significantly reduces its overall length, which allows for some more greenery on the lot."

Heritage design details for the new garage

The proposed garage was presented as drawing from traditional coach house architecture. Materials and design elements included horizontal wood cladding, white-painted aluminum-clad wood windows and doors, and multi-pane glazing. The steeply sloped roof had already received a height variance through the Committee of Adjustment in February as part of the severance process.

The application was recommended for approval subject to final details for cladding, trim, windows, doors, and landscaping being approved by heritage planning staff. The permit would expire two years after final council approval.

New house and garage on severed lot

The committee also considered a separate heritage permit application for the severed lot on Trafalgar Road. The proposal included a new two-storey detached brick house and a one-storey frame garage with carport. Staff said this was "the second heritage permit the owners have submitted for work on the severed portion of the lot."

According to the presentation, the new house would sit slightly forward of adjacent homes but would be lower than both neighbouring houses, helping the existing heritage homes remain prominent on the streetscape. Access to the new property would be from Spruce Street, with no driveway connection to Trafalgar Road. A flagstone path would connect the house to Trafalgar Road.

Tree removals and landscaping on the severed lot

The severed lot application included removal of eight trees: one Norway spruce and three catalpas for the new driveway, plus five additional trees for construction of the new house. Staff said three of those five trees were in poor condition and that most of the removals were centrally located, limiting their effect on the Trafalgar Road streetscape.

A beech hedge was proposed to replace the removed catalpas. The driveway would use brick paving stones and include a parking turnaround.

Committee comments on design fit

Committee members said the new house fit the heritage district's character. Johnny said, "It's a vernacular of the Oakville Heritage Design. It's a well-designed and a good fit for an infill. It is contextual." He added that "it respects the values and keeps the Oakville vernacular alive in new design."

Staff concluded that "the proposed new house, new garage, and landscaping all meet the requirements of the HCD plan and guidelines."

Motions

Approved / Recommended for approval: - Heritage permit application for demolition of the existing detached garage and construction of a new one-and-a-half-storey detached garage at 397 Trafalgar Road, subject to final staff approval of materials and landscaping details. - Heritage permit application for a new two-storey detached brick house and one-storey frame garage with carport on the severed lot at 397 Trafalgar Road — carried unanimously.

Attendees

The provided notes do not include a full attendance list.

Members identified by name in the notes: - Johnny - Terry Martino

Council consideration of the committee's recommendations was scheduled for July 7 at 6:30 p.m.