Approves Heritage Designation for 33 Bowen Street - Hamilton Municipal Heritage Committee - April 17, 2026

The Hamilton Municipal Heritage Committee approved heritage designation for 33 Bowen Street, a circa-1834 stone stable building in Corktown tied to the former Courthouse Hotel. The committee also discussed ongoing problems at several vacant heritage properties and advanced a motion aimed at improving cross-department enforcement “coordinating” between heritage staff, bylaw, building, legal, and vacant unit tax enforcement.

Topics Discussed

33 BOWEN STREET HERITAGE DESIGNATION: The committee unanimously approved designation of 33 Bowen Street under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. The 1.5-storey stone structure was built around 1834 by Irish immigrant John Bradley as a stable for the Courthouse Hotel. During discussion, a member highlighted the building’s rarity on the street today, saying, “It’s shocking that it’s the only structure left along Bowen Street today from a whole massive amount of buildings that used to be there,” and added, “this is one of those buildings that it’s actually shocking it’s never been designated before today.” Another speaker described the historic hotel operation connected to the site: “By 1834, he was able to boast of the accommodations in his hotel, including a early central heating system and a commodious stable, which is of course the property in question at 33 Bowen Street.”

Staff reported the property meets five of nine criteria under Ontario Regulation 9/06. The building has been used over time as a stable, garage, car wash, warehouse space (including for Verer’s Ginger Ale), auto parts storage, and since the 1970s as restaurant and bar space. The committee noted the property was listed for sale in November 2025, adding urgency to securing heritage protection.

HERITAGE PROPERTY ENFORCEMENT COORDINATION: The committee discussed a motion intended to close gaps between departments dealing with vacant and deteriorating heritage buildings. One speaker framed the issue as a recurring operational problem, saying, “If we were picking a word of the week at council this week, the word is coordinating. So, I’m serious. It’s come up at every single meeting I’ve been at.” The motion—already passed at planning committee—focuses on coordination between heritage staff, vacant unit tax enforcement, the building division, municipal law enforcement/bylaw, and legal services so issues like safety hazards and property standards can be addressed without delays caused by handoffs between divisions.

VACANT HERITAGE PROPERTY CONCERNS: The committee reviewed several properties where deterioration, trespassing, and unresolved maintenance issues continue to draw complaints.

• St. Giles Church: Members discussed ongoing trespassing and vandalism, including a recent police call related to drug use on the property and signs of attempted break-ins.
• 33 Hess Street South: The committee raised concerns about a fire-damaged heritage building that has not been maintained or repaired, with nearby business owners reporting impacts.
• 115–117 George Street (Queen and George): Staff reported municipal law enforcement has active orders requiring graffiti removal, cleanup of deteriorated wooden porch decking, garbage removal, and minor repairs following a previous enforcement “blitz” of vacant heritage buildings.

During discussion of problem sites, one member referenced uncertainty around a specific building condition, saying, “There’s an odd shaped building that’s there and I know it has was a source of graffiti for a long time. There’s all kinds of issues with it and I’m trying to figure out what’s happening with that.”

HERITAGE PROTOCOL REVIEW: Staff said a broader review and update of heritage protocols is expected “probably in the fall.” Staff also indicated a second report on the Gore buildings situation is expected around the same timeframe.

INDIGENOUS RELATIONS TRAINING: The committee confirmed upcoming training from the City’s Indigenous Relations team. Staff noted scheduling was being finalized: “We’re currently looking at the June dates for both this committee and the subcommittee to have them go to those meetings.”

Motions

Passed: - Designation of 33 Bowen Street under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (File: PED26075) - Motion to improve coordination between city departments on heritage building enforcement (previously passed planning committee)

Attendees

• Councillor Crutcher (referenced during discussion)
• Committee members (specific names not provided in transcript; staff member “Ken” referenced)