General Heritage

[WaterlooNative]

I believe it had been an executive-level long-term rental property, presumably catering to visiting SunLife or RIM guests. The yard was naturalized. The City clerk could likely tell you who owned it.

[panamaniac]

From Saturday's Record, this builiding is probably best known to most as the old Royal Canadian Legion Hall:

Historic Bell Telephone building up for protection

Heritage 48 Ontario St., a century-old building constructed by the Bell Telephone Company, is among several buildings Kitchener councillors will consider including on a heritage registry during the next month.
Philip Walker/Record staff


KITCHENER — The red-brick building at 48 Ontario St. looks a little worse for wear but the old walls are steeped in history and should be preserved, says the chair of Heritage Kitchener.
It was built near the start of the First World War and was a busy office for the Bell Telephone Company for the next 27 years. Government workers then moved in, helping people find work and administering the draft for the Second World War. And then for 55 years it was a place for socializing and promoting the remembrance of fallen soldiers



http://www.therecord.com/news/local/...for-protection

[Danielle.Babcock]

Play Time at City of Waterloo Museum

The latest sight at the City of Waterloo Museum takes both young and old on a historical journey of toys.

The Canada at Play exhibit features countless toys and games from the 19th and 20th centuries, with information on origin and date of production.

Delicate, older toys were showcased behind glass. Not to worry hands-on crowd, the ‘Boredom Busting Zone’ is a play area where anyone can tinker with a variety of famous toys like the slinky, viewfinders, and backgammon.

For the tech or gaming enthusiast, you can sit down for a classic game of Pac-Man. Retro gaming consoles were brought in from the Personal Computer Museum in Brantford.

Isabel Stalkie has been a volunteer at the museum for over two years. She said the crowd for this exhibit ranges from families with young children to seniors.

The toy displays seem to strike a nostalgic chord for older audiences according to Stalkie, “This exhibit brings back a lot of memories for adults and seniors of their childhood.”

Stalkie recalled with a smile toys she played with as a child, and pointed out a favourite game that was similar to pinball, but played with a marble.

All are welcome to check out the exhibit for free until April 27, 2012.

The museum entrance is to the left of the food court entrance, inside Conestoga Mall.

For detailed hours of operation, please go to the City of Waterloo Museum Website at http://www.city.waterloo.on.ca/Deskt...spx?tabid=2449

[UrbanWaterloo]

Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award
April 25, 2012 | Region of Waterloo | Link



Congratulations to Peter Russell, recipient of the prestigious Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award recognizes volunteers who have shown outstanding dedication and contributions to heritage conservation for more than 25 years.

Peter is a world-renowned promoter of earth science and geological heritage in Canada. Peter was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the University of Waterloo’s Earth & Environmental Science Museum, The Reimer Family Mineral Gallery, and the new mining tunnel exhibit along with his contributions to the Waterloo Wellington Children’s Groundwater Festival. Thank-you for making our community a better place to live!

[metropolis]

City adds properties to heritage list

By Paige Desmond, Chronicle Staff
The Waterloo Park log school house and the original Ontario Mutual Life Insurance Company headquarters will be recommended for designation under the Ontario Heritage Act.
At the urging of the city’s heritage committee, city councillors voted unanimously Monday in support of the designation.
Joanna Rickert-Hall, a member of the city’s municipal heritage committee, said interest in the school house was on the rise.
“I think there’s a lot of interest in this building and it certainly seems to be increasing,” she said.
The schoolhouse was the first school in Waterloo and was built by Pennsylvania German Mennonite city founders on land donated by Abraham Erb in 1820.
After 22 years as a schoolhouse it was moved to the city of Berlin (Kitchener) and served as a residence until 1894 when it was moved to Waterloo Park.
It’s the oldest standing school in Waterloo Region and the oldest known log school in Ontario.
Its cultural historical significance is associated with early Pennsylvania German education and construction techniques while its later use as a home for ex-slave Levi Carroll and his family is associated with the early presence of the Underground Railroad as well as early black settlers to the area, according to heritage reports.
Calling it the only building in Waterloo that didn’t infringe on someone’s backyard when it was built, Coun. Scott Witmer questioned the initial location of the school house.
Rickert-Hall said it was up for debate.
“There certainly has been some discussion about that,” she said.
Generally, Rickert-Hall said, it was believed to havefirst been built on what is now Central Street.
There was also a place in Waterloo’s history for 14 Erb St. W
Designed by David W. Gingrich and constructed for the Ontario Mutual Life Insurance Company (now Sun Life), the Edwardian building dates back to 1880.
The Region of Waterloo recently listed the building — which houses the north division of Waterloo Region Police — for sale, and supported the heritage designation.
Gingrich also designed the former Waterloo Town Hall on Albert Street, Castle Kilbride in Baden and Waterloo County Gaol.
With the heritage designations in place, future owners would be required to cooperate with the municipal heritage committee in making any alterations to the properties that affect its heritage attributes.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Mayor to receive Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal
June 22, 2012 | City of Kitchener | Link

Mayor Carl Zehr will receive a special gift from Kitchener Centre MPP John Milloy this Monday night - a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal, in honour of the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne.

As Kitchener’s longest serving mayor, he was chosen to receive this honour based on the significant contribution he has made to the local community.

The Diamond Jubilee medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour the Queen for her service to this country. At the same time, it serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.

What: Presentation of Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal to Mayor Carl Zehr

Date: Monday, June 25, 2012

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Council chambers, Kitchener City Hall

[UrbanWaterloo]

A few heritage events to look forward to next month in Cambridge...

‘Trail Guy’ to Lead Historical Walk in Cambridge Bob McMullen Linear Trail Plaque Unveiling
June 27, 2012 | City of Cambridge | Link

Did you know that Cambridge has ties to the original Mennonite settlement trails? How about the fact that the City is blessed with rich natural amenities including limestone cliffs that formed around 450 million years ago? Here’s your chance to learn more on a special nature walk.

Media and members of the public are invited to attend the official unveiling of the permanent bronze plaque at the Bob McMullen Linear Trail. The event will also include a special guided nature walk by Bob, affectionately known as the ‘Trail Guy’.

When: Saturday July 7th at 9:00am

Where: Bob McMullen Linear Trail (corner of Hamilton Street and Chopin Drive)

Why: Bob McMullen has been an important supporter of the Cambridge trail system for over 20 years. Recently, Cambridge City Council approved the renaming of the trail in his honour. Mr. McMullen was also honoured with the 2010 Award of Merit from the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association.


Learn about Archiving Techniques to Preserve Memories at Home Special Tour of the City of Cambridge Archives
June 27, 2012 | City of Cambridge | Link

Heritage Cambridge in conjunction with the City of Cambridge Archives, will host a special workshop entitled ‘Archiving at Home’. The workshop will share basic conservation and preservation techniques and include details on creating detailed inventories for the digital world.

The workshop is happening on Saturday July 28th between 9:30am and 2:00pm at Cambridge City Hall, 50 Dickson Street, 2nd floor, Secord Room.

“We’ll delve into some very important techniques that can be used to preserve family treasures,” says Michelle Goodridge, Nitrate Negative Project Assistant, Archival and Special Collections at the University of Guelph.

The workshop also includes a special tour of the City of Cambridge Archives located in Historic City Hall, 2nd Floor, 46 Dickson Street. The tour will feature an overview of the Cambridge Hall of Fame collection and a newly created exhibit focusing on medical services which includes a circa 1870 wicker wheelchair.

All materials for the session are included in the cost of only $10 for Heritage Cambridge members and $20 for non-members. Space is limited so register today by contacting heritage.cambridge@gmail.com.

There are other workshops planned by Heritage Cambridge as part of an Ontario Architecture series. Visit http://www.arconserv.ca/branches/ for dates and details.

[BuildingScout]

The old police station in Uptown Waterloo is for sale. That shouldn't be a surprise. What caught my eye is that the sign says "development opportunity". Now there's a building worthy of heritage designation and I hope the city does not approve of any redevelopment that compromises the building facade.

An experienced developer should have no problem building a large structure over the parking lot in the back on Dupont (including underground parking) while preserving the facade on Erb St.

[RangersFan]

Waterloo to Take on First Ever Heritage Plan
August 1, 2012 | Paige Desmond | The Record | LINK

WATERLOO — Cash from the sale of the Waterloo Train Station two years ago will help provide the groundwork for the city’s first comprehensive heritage strategy.

In September 2010, Waterloo sold the designated heritage building at 20 Regina St. S. for $647,000.

Councillors have agreed to use $80,000 from the sale to fund a plan for the city’s heritage buildings.

“We have to define heritage in a different model than we’re already doing it in,” said Jim Bowman, director of community and culture services. “We’re looking to use a non-traditional model of heritage.

“We’re looking at new non-traditional ways of protecting what we have and preparing for the future.”

[panamaniac]

I am trying to decide what to visit during the upcoming Doors Open and see that St Matthews Lutheran is one of the sites. They have a Cassavant organ and I wonder if anyone knows from previous years whether churches offer a recital as part of their participation? I may need to give them a call.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Castle Kilbride Birthday Bash: Celebrating 135 years!
September 2012 | Township of Wilmot | E-mail



Baden (Ontario) – In 1876, James Livingston purchased all of lot 15 north of Snyder’s Road in Baden. The following year in 1877 the construction began of a magnificent Italianate home, which was named Castle Kilbride after James’ birthplace in East Kilbride, Scotland. This “castle” was the talk of the town!

“The magnificent house of Mr. James Livingstone (sic), Baden, is rapidly approaching completion. It will be, when fully completed, a marvel of beauty and convenience – large rooms, tastefully decorated in fresco work, and with hot and cold water in all the rooms, bathrooms, steam-heating apparatus, gas fixtures, etc., it will be the finest and most comfortable residence in the country.(The Berlin Daily News, August 14, 1878)

The Birthday Bash Event

Join us on Sunday September 23rd as we celebrate the 135th birthday of the building of Castle Kilbride. Tour the home between 1pm and 3pm and see what makes this national historic site so spectacular. From 3pm to 4pm enjoy a live concert on the front lawn with Mike Erb and the Hanker Chiefs.

Special Admission Rate

For one day only, there is complimentary admission to Castle Kilbride IF your first name matches the first name of a Livingston family member (with identification of course!) They are…James, Louise, Elizabeth, Peter, Caroline, Barbara, Agnes, Rebecca, John Peter, Henry (or Harry), Alice, Edna, Laura Louise, Harris or Sherry. If your name does not match a Livingston name, you can still celebrate with a reduced $5 admission to tour the Castle and enjoy the concert!

Highlights of the day will include:

• Tour the exquisite home of James Livingston and learn the unique history of this home from 1pm to 3pm
• Tour the museum’s newest exhibits The Mysterious Masons & Maccabees as well as The Whitehorse Photographer.
• Enjoy the sounds of a live concert outside with Mike Erb & the Hanker Chiefs from 3pm to 4pm on the front lawn.
• Enjoy a slice of birthday cake (while quantities last)

About Castle Kilbride:

Step back into the lavish Victorian era and visit the jewel of Wilmot Township. Built in 1877, Castle Kilbride is a restored and furnished grand Italianate home of James Livingston, Canada’s “Flax Mill King.” The Livingston family resided at the Castle from 1877 to 1988. In 1993, the Township of Wilmot purchased Castle Kilbride and an extensive restoration and conservation project was underway to bring back the home to its former glory. The home features rare, nationally designated three-dimensional wall and ceiling murals known as, Trompe l’oeil, a French term that means “fools your eye” or “trickery of the eye.” These magnificent murals reflect the Victorian love of extravagance and variety while providing an interesting illusion of depth.

[panamaniac]

I've noticed that the red brick/dark green paint combination that used to be so typical of older Kitchener homes, dating back ot the mid-1800's as I understand it, seems to have become much less common in recent years, although the dark green trim is still pretty common on buff brick houses.

[panamaniac]

Looks like the Rockway Seniors Centre may join Rumpel Felt on the list of Kitchener heritage designation controversies. Given the large site occupied by the Centre, I wonder whether it wouldn't be attractive to a private developer who could incorporate the existing building (or a new seniors' facility) into a larger residential project (four blocks from future LRT station)? The article is not entirely clear, but this doesn't seem to be one of the options, all of which see to imply costs to the city. City Council may want to think twice about going up against those feisty seniors!

Terry Pender, Record staff Wed Oct 03 2012 18:41:00




City comes up with four options for future of Rockway Centre

KITCHENER — City staffers have at least four options for the future use of the Rockway Seniors’ Centre after meeting with consultants on Wednesday, but a move to protect the building under the Ontario Heritage Act could complicate the decisions.

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/...rockway-centre

[panamaniac]

The fact that it has lost its original windows and porch, and now the disappointing use of the front yard for additional parking, would suggest that this house on Courtland near Benton has no heritage designation. It is good to see it being painted (first time in many, many years). I am not aware of any other buildings in town of that age that were built of these interesting blocks. Are there others? Does anyone know anything about the history of this house? Its design and location suggest that it dates back to the 1870s or 1880s.

As an aside, I think the city should be looking to sell off the vacant property between this house and Benton (acquired originally for the widening that never took place, I believe). It would make a nice spot for two or three modern townhouses of good design.

[mpd618]

As an aside, I think the city should be looking to sell off the vacant property between this house and Benton (acquired originally for the widening that never took place, I believe).

This is a tangent, but I've been wondering what exactly the plans for that were - Benton Street looks obviously designed to be extended as an arterial past Courtland, but where to? The other question is at what point it gets narrowed to a reasonable size given its function.

[panamaniac]

I believe someone mentioned in this forum a while back that it was at one time planned to extend Benton out to Forest Hill. If you look at the rowhouses on Courtland across from my picture above, you will notice that there is a rather bleak looking cinderblock wall facing Benton where one of the row was demolished to widen the street. That would have been back in the early 1970's, if memory serves. Fortunately, that extension of Benton never happened, but Benton between King and Courtland is now way overbuilt for the amount of traffic that it carries. We also lost the beautiful old Post Office at King and Benton back in about 1964 (where Speakers Corner now stands). I believe that the street between Courtland and Weber (at least) has the potential to be turned into a rather nice boulevard and I think there has been some discussion of it at the City, but I don't think there is any plan or timing attached to it yet.

It's all kind of ironic since Benton was, I think, just a two lane road before all the demolition started and today, two lanes with a turning lane here and there would pretty much do the job most of the time.

[markster]

There are some drawings from the 90s that show the vestigial plans. It basically does an S-hook at the end of Benton to link up to Queen St in the vicinity of the rail way crossing. Drivers coming in from Queens Blvd and Highland would be routed directly onto Benton. Obviously, this plan involves a fair bit of expropriation. It appears that the plan died a silent death through the 90s (maybe not so silently for the residents of Benton), and I believe was only formally taken off the books quite recently.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Museum Visitor Survey
November 22, 2012 | Region of Waterloo | Link

The Region of Waterloo routinely reviews all of its programs and activities. This year Region of Waterloo Museums have come up for review. Region of Waterloo Museums include the Waterloo Region Museum, Doon Heritage Village, McDougall Cottage and Joseph Schneider Haus.

As part of this review, we want to give all of our visitors and members an opportunity to provide input. Your help will be extremely useful. The survey should take you only five to 10 minutes to complete.

Link is: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QVVCZD5

Please complete the survey no later than Monday December 17, 2012. Thank you!

[519]

The fact that it has lost its original windows and porch, and now the disappointing use of the front yard for additional parking, would suggest that this house on Courtland near Benton has no heritage designation. It is good to see it being painted (first time in many, many years). I am not aware of any other buildings in town of that age that were built of these interesting blocks. Are there others? Does anyone know anything about the history of this house? Its design and location suggest that it dates back to the 1870s or 1880s.

As an aside, I think the city should be looking to sell off the vacant property between this house and Benton (acquired originally for the widening that never took place, I believe). It would make a nice spot for two or three modern townhouses of good design.

I recall seeing the Victoria Park heritage zone map extending from the park area down Courtland all the way up to Benton.
The house falls within the heritage zone but may have had an exemption. The row houses across the street are heritage homes. I always though that house was protected and the owner was just letting it go into a state of disrepair so it could be torn down and redeveloped.

My house which is not far from there and just outside the heritage zone was built in 1905. The style is very different from this house so it's probably a decade or two behind.

Edit: I found the map/document I was looking at:

http://www.kitchener.ca/en/livingink...toria_park.Pdf

[panamaniac]

Excellent find, thanks. Interesting to see how City has implemented a number of recommendations from this 1996 document.