HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2024-093 - Municipal Heritage Register Review - March 2024 Update
Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Heritage Kitchener
DATE OF MEETING: March 5, 2024
SUBMITTED BY: Garett Stevenson, Director of Housing and Approvals, 519-741-2200
ext. 7070
PREPARED BY: Deeksha Choudhry, Heritage Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 7602
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: February 15, 2024
REPORT NO.: DSD-2024-093
SUBJECT: Municipal Heritage Register Review March 2024 Update
RECOMMENDATION:
The pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the cultural heritage value or
interest be recognized, and designation pursued for the following properties:
35 Courtland Avenue West
131 Victoria Street South
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The purpose of this report is to recommend pursuing designation under Part IV of the
Ontario Heritage Act for one property that is currently listed as non-designated
properties of cultural heritage value or interest on the Municipal Heritage Register.
The key finding of this report is that the property possess design/physical,
historical/associative, and contextual value and meet the criteria for designation under
Ontario Regulation 9/06 (amended through Ontario Regulation 569/22).
There are no financial implications.
Community engagement included consultation with the Heritage Kitchener Committee.
This report supports the delivery of core services.
st
On January 1, 2023 amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) came into effect
through Bill 23, the More Homes Build Faster Act. One of the primary changes introduced
Municipal
Heritage Register to be evaluated to determine if they meet the criteria for heritage
st
designation before January 1, 2025. Listed properties are properties that have not been
designated, but that the municipal Council believes to be of cultural heritage value or
interest. The criterion for designation is established by the Provincial Government (Ontario
Regulation 9/06, which has now been amended through Ontario Regulation 569/22) and a
minimum of two must be met for a property to be eligible for designation.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
A work plan to address these changes has been developed by Heritage Planning Staff with
th
consultation from the Heritage Kitchener Committee on February 7, 2023. Implementation
of the work plan has now commenced. The Architectural Conservancy Ontario North
Waterloo Branch have offered assistance in conducting the Municipal Heritage Register
Review and have aided Heritage Planning Staff in a review of the properties subject to this
report. Below is a summary of the findings for the properties recently reviewed, and
recommendations for next steps.
REPORT:
Ontario Regulation 569/22 (Amended from Ontario Regulation 9/06)
Among the changes that were implemented through Bill 23, the Ontario Regulation 9/06
which is a regulation used to determine the cultural heritage value or interest of a property,
was amended through Ontario Regulation 569/22 (O. Reg. 569/22). Where the original
regulation had three main categories design/physical, historical/associative and contextual
- with three (3) sub-categories for determining cultural heritage value, the amended
regulation now lists all nine (9) criteria independently.
The new regulation has been amended to the following:
1. The property has design value or physical value because it is a rare, unique,
representative or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction
method.
2. The property has design value or physical value because it displays a high degree of
craftsmanship or artistic merit.
3. The property has design value or physical value because it demonstrates a high
degree of technical or scientific achievement.
4. The property has historical value or associative value because it has direct
associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution
that is significant to a community.
5. The property has historical or associative value because it yields, or has the potential
to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or culture.
6. The property has historical value or associative value because it demonstrates or
reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder, designer or theorist who is
significant to a community.
7. The property has contextual value because it is important in defining, maintaining or
supporting the character of an area.
8. The property has contextual value because it is physically, functionally, visually or
historically linked to its surroundings.
9. The property has contextual value because it is a landmark.
Also, among the changes brought about by Bill 23 are how properties can now be listed or
designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. They include:
Properties woul
met one or more criteria of O. Reg 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22).
Properties could be designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act if they meet
two or more criteria of O. Reg 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22).
35 Courtland Avenue South
The subject property municipallyaddressed as 35 Courtland Avenue West meets four(4)of
the nine (9) criteria of O. Reg 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22):
The property has design value or physical value because it is a rare, unique,
representative or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction
method.
The property has historical value or associative value because it has direct
associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution
that is significant to a community.
The property has contextual value because it is important in defining, maintaining or
supporting the character of an area.
The property has contextual value because it is physically, functionally, visually or
historically linked to its surroundings.
131 Victoria Street South
The subject property municipally addressed as 131 Victoria Street South meets five (5) of
the nine (9) criteria of O. Reg 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22):
The property has design value or physical value because it is a rare, unique,
representative or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction
method.
The property has historical value or associative value because it has direct
associations, with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution
that is significant to a community.
The property has historical value or associative value because it yields, or has the
potential to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or
culture.
The property has contextual value because it is important in defining, maintaining or
supporting the character of an area.
The property has contextual value because it is physically, functionally, visually or
historically linked to its surroundings.
Heritage Kitchener Committee Options
Option 1 Pursuing Designation for this property
Should Heritage Kitchener committee vote to start pursuing designation for this property,
staff will then contact the respective property owner to inform them and to start working with
them towards designation. Staff will then bring a Notice of Intention to Designate back to the
Committee to initiate the designation process. Should a property owner object to their
property being designated, they can submit an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT)
to rule on the decision. If the OLT determines that the property should not be designated but
remain listed, it will be removed from the Municipal Heritage Register on January 1, 2025.
Option 2 Deferring the Designation Process
Should Heritage Kitchener vote to defer the designation process for thisproperty, itwill
eritage Register until January 1, 2025, after which it
will have to be removed. The process of designating this property can be started at any time
until January 1, 2025.
Option 3 Not Pursuing Designation for this property
Should Heritage Kitchener vote not to pursue the designation of this property, it will remain
it will be
removed. Once removed, these properties will not be able to be re-listed for the next five (5)
years i.e. January 1, 2030.
It should be noted that, per the endorsed work plan, staff are currently undertaking
evaluations for high priority properties that are in located in areas of the City that are
experiencing significant redevelopment.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports the delivery of core services.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget.
Operating Budget The recommendation has no impact on the Operating Budget.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM
the council / committee meeting.
CONSULT AND COLLABORATE The Municipal Heritage Committee (Heritage Kitchener)
have been consulted at previous meetings regarding the proposed strategy to review the
Municipal Heritage Register of Non-designated Properties and participated in the
assessment of the properties subject to this report.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
Heritage Kitchener Committee Work Plan 2022-2024 DSD-2023-053
Bill 23 Municipal Heritage Register Review DSD-2023-225
Kitchener Municipal Heritage Register Review August Update DSD-2023-309
Municipal Heritage Register Review January 2024 Update DSD-202-022
Ontario Heritage Act, 2022
REVIEWED BY: Garett Stevenson, Director of Development and Housing Approvals
APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A-35 Courtland Avenue West Statement of Significance
Attachment B 131 Victoria Street South Statement of Significance
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
35 Courtland Avenue West
Summary of Significance
Social Value
Design/Physical Value
Historical Value Economic Value
Contextual Value
Environmental Value
Municipal Address: 35 Courtland Avenue West, Kitchener
Legal Description: Plan 38 Lot 6
Year Built: 1900-1907
Architectural Styles: Queen Anne
Original Owner: Christian Asmussen
Original Use: Residential
Condition: Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
th
35 Courtland Avenue West is a two-and-a-half storey 20 century brick building built in the Queen
Anne architectural style. The building is situated on a 0.13 acre parcel of land located on the east
side of David Street between Courtland Avenue and Hilda Place in the Victoria Park Planning
Community of the City of Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo. The principal resource that
contributes to the heritage value is the residential building.
Heritage Value
35 Courtland Avenue West is recognized for its design/physical, historic/associative, and contextual
values.
Design/Physical Value
The design and physical values relate to the Queen Anne architectural style that is in good condition
with many intact original elements. The building is two-and-a-half storey in height, and includes an
irregular roof plan with multiple roof shapes. : red brick construction, decorative brick details, including
door and window voussoirs; multiple rooflines, including gables, pyramidal turret with finial, and
decorative chimney; the woodwork, including brackets, scroll work, fascia and soffits; wrap around
verandah with wood columns and shingle roofing; and windows and window openings, including small
lunette in dormer peak.
Front (North) Façade
The front façade of the house includes a dominant projecting front-facing gable with decorative gable
brackets, soffit and fascia, and small lunette with a recessed pyramidal turret and a wrap around
verandah. There is a central semi-arched window on the upper-storey with voussoirs and a single-
hung window with voussoirs and stone sills on the lower storey. The wrap-around porch includes
wooden columns and decorative spindlework.
West Elevation
The west elevation features a portion of a wrap-around verandah with another dominant front-facing
gable and the pyramidal turret. This gable portion also has a central semi-arched window with
voussoirs and stone sills and a square sash window with voussoirs. Next to this is a covered addition
with a shingle roof and square addition. The date of the addition is unknown. The gable roof also
includes a small lunette, decorative brackets, fascia and soffits. Just behind this addition on the upper
storey is a faux gable roof a square window on the upper storey
South Elevation
The south elevation includes the a double window with stone sills on the first storey, and two single
windows with stone sills on the upper-storey.
East Elevation
The front portion of this elevation includes a brick chimney with a gabled-roof portion towards the
back. That portion includes a sem-arched window with voussoirs on the second-storey, and two single
hung windows with stone sills on the first-storey.
Historical/Associative Value
The associative and historic values relate to the original owner and later significant owner; Christian
Asmussen and Edwin B. Dunke.
Christian Asmussen
The original owner was Christian Asmussen, who local builder and contractor responsible for many of
the homes in the neighborhood and in Berlin (Kitchener). He was born on November 20, 1859 in
Germany and immigrated to Canada in 1876. He built a number of residences in the town, including
57 Mill Street, 35 Courtland Avenue West, and 18 Church Street (which has since been demolished).
He died on 19 May 1924.
Edwin B. Dunke
Edwin B. Dunke was born on January 3, 1872 in Berlin (now Kitchener), Ontario. He, along with his
brother Charles Boehmer Dunke, owned and operated Dunke and Company, and was a prominent
independent grocer on King Street for 35 years. He was also a member of the Benton Street Baptist
Church and was a treasurer for the church for 23 years. Edwin Dunke lived in 35 Courtland Avenue
for over 50 years, atleast from 1907 until 1958, after which it was vacant for several years, until a new
resident moved into the house in 1970. Edwin Dunke died in Kitchener on November 7, 1938.
Contextual Value
The contextual value of the property related to its strategic location on a corner lot at the intersection
of Courtland Avenue West and David Street. Certain architectural elements of the house, including
the pyramidal turret, and the wrap around verandah were strategically designed to compliment the
corner lot on which the property was built.
Heritage Attributes
The heritage attributes of 35 Courtland Avenue West resides in the following heritage attributes:
All elements related to the construction and Queen Anne architectural style of the building,
including:
o The massing, setback and scale of the building;
o Red brick construction;
o Decorative brick details, including door and window voussoirs;
o Decorative wood trimming;
o Multiple rooflines, including gables, pyramidal turret with finial, and chimney;
o Lunettes at gable ends;
o Woodwork, including brackets, scroll work, trimming, fascia and soffits;
o Wrap around verandah with wood columns, spindlework and shingle roofing;
o window openings, including small lunette in dormer peak.
All elements related to the contextual value of the Queen Anne architectural style of the
building, including:
o The original location of the church and its contribution to the historical landscape of
Duke Street.
Photos
35 Courtland Avenue West Corner View at Courtland Avenue & David Street
35 Courtland Avenue West David Street Elevation
35 Courtland Avenue West David Street Elevation
35 Courtland Avenue West Side (East) Elevation
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION FORM
Deeksha Choudhry
35 Courtland Avenue West
Address: Recorder:
Residential
February 5, 2024
Description: Date:
Photographs Attached:
Front Facade Left Façade Right Façade Rear Facade Details Setting
Recorder Heritage Kitchener Heritage Planning Staff
Designation Criteria
Committee
1. This property has
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
design value or
Yes
Yes
physical value
because it is a rare,
unique,
representative or
early example of a
style, type,
expression, material
or construction
method.
2. The property has
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
design value or
Yes
Yes
physical value
because it displays a
high degree of
craftsmanship or
artistic merit.
3. The property has
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
design value or
Yes Yes
physical value
because it
demonstrates a high
degree of technical or
scientific
achievement.
* E.g. - constructed with a
unique material
combination or use,
incorporates challenging
geometric designs etc.
4. The property has
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
historical value or
Yes
Yes
associative value
because it has direct
associations with a
theme, event, belief,
person, activity,
organization or
institution that is
significant to a
community.
* Additional archival work
may be required.
5. The property has
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
historical or
Yes
Yes
associative value
because it yields, or
has the potential to
yield, information
that contributes to an
understanding of a
community or
culture.
* E.g - A commercial
building may provide an
understanding of how the
economic development of
the City occured.
Additional archival work
may be required.
6. The property has
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
historical value or
Yes Yes
associative value
because it
demonstrates or
reflects the work or
ideas of an architect,
artist, builder,
designer or theorist
who is significant to a
community.
* Additional archival work
may be required.
7. The property has
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
contextual value
Yes
Yes
because it is
important in defining,
maintaining or
supporting the
character of an area.
* E.g. - It helps to define
an entrance point to a
neighbourhood or helps
establish the (historic)
rural character of an area.
8. The property has
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
contextual value
Yes
Yes
because it is
physically,
functionally, visually
or historically linked
to its surroundings.
* Additional archival work
may be required.
9. The property has
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
contextual value
Yes Yes
because it is a
landmark.
*within the region, city or
neighborhood.
Notes
Additional Criteria Recorder Heritage Kitchener
Committee
Interior: Is the interior
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
arrangement, finish,
Yes
Yes
craftsmanship and/or detail
noteworthy?
Completeness: Does this
N/A Unknown No
N/A Unknown No
structure have other original
Yes
Yes
outbuildings, notable
landscaping or external
features that complete the
site?
Site Integrity: Does the
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
structure occupy its original
Yes
Yes
site?
* If relocated, is it relocated on its
original site, moved from another site,
etc.
Alterations: Does this building
N/A Unknown No
N/A Unknown No
retain most of its original
Yes
Yes
materials and design features?
Please refer to the list of
heritage attributes within the
Statement of Significance and
indicate which elements are
still existing and which ones
have been removed.
Alterations: Are there
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
additional elements or
Yes Yes
features that should be added
to the heritage attribute list?
Condition: Is the building in
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
good condition?
Yes
Yes
*E.g. - Could be a good candidate for
adaptive re-use if possible and
contribute towards equity-building
and climate change action.
Indigenous History: Could this
site be of importance to
N/A Unknown No YN/A Unknown No Yes
Indigenous heritage and
Additional Research Required
es
history?
Additional Research
Required
*E.g. - Site within 300m of water
sources, near distinct topographical
land, or near cemeteries might have
archaeological potential and
indigenous heritage potential.
Could there be any urban
N/A Unknown No Yes
Indigenous history associated
Additional Research Required
with the property?
N/A Unknown No Y
es
* Additional archival work may be
Additional Research
required.
Required
Function: What is the present
Unknown Residential
Unknown Residential Com
function of the subject
Commercial
mercial
property?
Office Other Church
Office Other -
________________
* Other may include vacant, social,
institutional, etc. and important for
the community from an equity
building perspective.
Diversity and Inclusion: Does
N/A Unknown No YN/A Unknown No Yes
the subject property
es
contribute to the cultural
Additional Research Required
Additional Research
heritage of a community of
Required
people?
Does the subject property
N/A Unknown No Yes
have intangible value to a
N/A Unknown No Y
Additional Research Required
specific community of people?
es
Additional Research
* E.g.- Waterloo Masjid (Muslim
Required
Society of Waterloo & Wellington
Counties) was the first established
Islamic Center and Masjid in the
Region and contributes to the history
of the Muslim community in the area.
Notes about Additional Criteria Examined
Recommendation
Does this property meet the definition of a significant built heritage resource, and should it be designated
under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act? (Does it meet two or more of the designation criteria?)
N/A Unknown No Yes
If not, please select the appropriate action for follow-up
Remove from the Municipal Heritage Register
Additional Research Required
Other:
General / Additional Notes
TO BE FILLED BY HERITAGE PLANNING STAFF:
Date of Property Owner Notification:
REFERENCES
Beohmer Family Records, accessed via Kitchener Public Library
Waterloo Region Generations,
https://generations.regionofwaterloo.ca/getperson.php?personID=I36383&tree=generations
Waterloo Region Generations,
https://generations.regionofwaterloo.ca/getperson.php?personID=I176604&tree=generations
ess and miscellaneous Directory 1907, 1920, 1940, 1958, 1970.
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
131 Victoria Street South
Summary of Significance
Social Value
Design/Physical Value
Historical/Associative Value Economic Value
Contextual Value
Environmental Value
Municipal Address: 131 Victoria Street South
Legal Description: Plan 378 Part Lot 552
Year Built: 1926
Architectural Style: Modest Vernacular example of the Ukrainian Baroque architectural style with
influences from the Byzantine architectural style
Original Owner: Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Transfiguration
Original Use: Religious
Condition: Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
th
131 Victoria Street South is an early 20 century building displaying a modest vernacular example of
the Ukrainian Baroque architectural style with influences from the Byzantine architectural style. The
building is situated on a 0.22-acre parcel of land located on the east side of Victoria Street South
between Theresa Street and Michael Street in the Victoria Park Planning Community of the City of
Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo. The principal resource that contributes to the heritage value is
the main church building. The property is located adjacent to the Victoria Park Area Heritage
Conservation District, which contains the circa 1952 church rectory (49 Michael Street) and 1972 parish
centre (15 Michael Street).
Heritage Value
131 Victoria Street South is recognized for its design/physical, historical/associative, contextual, and
social values.
Design/Physical Value
The property municipally addressed as 131 Victoria Street South demonstrates design/physical value
th
as a rare and unique example of an early 20 century religious building displaying a modest vernacular
example of the Ukrainian Baroque architectural style with influences from the Byzantine architectural
style. The building has many intact heritage attributes in good condition including: clerestory windows,
bronze pear-shaped dome, rooftop cupola topped by a cross; front hipped gable roof; cross plan; red
brick construction; brick dentils below the eaves; round window with stained glass; semi-circular window
openings displaying paintings; semi-circular window openings with modest tracery, consisting of a plain
circle with two rounded lancet lights under the main arch; brick voussoirs with drip molds; stone sills;
semi-circular double front door entrance with stone surround; rose window; and, a 1926 stone
datestone. Various additions have been added to the church building (1938, 1947, 2015) and adjacent
to the building (1952, 1955, 1971-72).
Front (West) Façade
The front of the building faces Victoria Street South and is comprised of three bays including a centre
projecting bay. The most prominent feature of the building is the bronze pear-shaped dome with rooftop
cupola topped by a cross. The centre bay features brick dentils at the roofline, a large round stained-
glass window with brick surround, a semi-circular stone door surround, and paneled double doors with
a decorative semi-circular transom. The end bays each feature semi-circular window openings, brick
voussoirs with drip molds, and stone sills. The windows in these openings have been removed and
replaced with Byzantine paintings. The left bay (when looking at the front of the building) also features
a 1926 stone datestone. The current exterior stairs were constructed in 1993 and provide access from
the north and south. These stairs feature four brick piers of varying heights with stone caps. Between
each brick pier is an angel stone wall capped with concrete. Two brick piers with concrete caps have
been added to the front of the building along with an angel stone wall capped with concrete. The centre
bay of the angel stone wall displays a cross. Four additional brick piers create a brick and iron fence
that extends south along the property line (parallel to Victoria Street).
A portion of the cross-building plan on the south side also faces Victoria Street South. This section of
the building was constructed in 1938 as the original church rectory. This elevation is setback
approximately 11.5 metres (52.2 feet) from the front façade and is two storeys high. This elevation
features a rose window, two 1/1 hung windows with flat lintels and stone sills on the first storey, two 1/1
hung windows with semi-circular lintels and stone sills on the second story (these windows appear to
be altered with exterior trim or storm windows displaying flat lintels), a slightly inset semi-circular wood
concrete stairs with a metal hand railing. A rusticated stone foundation is partially exposed above
ground.
An alteration to the cross-building plan on the north side also faces Victoria Street South. This section
has been altered twice. First, in 1947, when the original building was lengthened by 20 feet, and again,
in 2015. As it exists today, this elevation is a new addition with a flat roof constructed in 2015. It appears
that windows from the original building were salvaged and reused in the addition. The addition features
a semi-circular window opening with decorative transom, brick voussoirs with drip molds, and stone
sills. Beneath the main window is a square window that matches other basement windows around the
building. This square window has no brick voussoir but it does have a stone sill. This window opening
is cut into a portion of the partially exposed parged concrete foundation as well as the red brick. The
red brick is not original and not an exact match to the original.
Side (North) Façade
The north side façade features three bays; however, used to feature four bays. This section has been
altered twice. First, in 1938, when the building was lengthened by 20 feet, and in 2015 with a building
addition that increased the height and depth of the building. The fourth bay was covered by the 2015
building addition. Each bay features a large semi-circular window opening with modest tracery,
consisting of a plain circle with two rounded lancet lights under the main arch with with brick voussoirs
and drip molds along with a stone sill. Beneath two of the bays is a square window opening with what
appears to be a non-original window with no voussoirs and a stone sill. These window openings cut into
a portion of the partially exposed rusticated stone foundation as well as the red brick. Beneath one of
the windows is a modern metal man door. The primary building material is brick. The eaves, soffits and
fascia are plain apart from a discrete bracket at the southwest corner of the roofline.
The side gable of the north side façade was altered by the 2015 building addition which increased the
height of the gable and extended the depth of the cross gable on the north along with a square addition
with a flat roof. The side gable of the north façade features a single bay with a round rose decorative
detail and a large semi-circular window opening with modest tracery, consisting of a plain circle with
two rounded lancet lights under the main arch with brick voussoirs and drip molds along with a stone
sill. Two modern lights flank the window. The foundation is parged concrete. The flat roof addition is red
brick with no other significant architectural features.
Side (South) Façade
The south side façade features three bays. Each bay features a large semi-circular window with modest
tracery, consisting of a plain circle with two rounded lancet lights under the main arch with brick
voussoirs and drip molds along with a stone sill. Beneath two of the windows is a square window
opening with what appears to be a non-original window with no voussoirs and a stone sill. These window
openings cut into a portion of the partially exposed rusticated stone foundation as well as the red brick.
The primary building material is red brick. The eaves, soffits and fascia are plain apart from a discrete
bracket at the southwest corner of the roofline.
The side gable of the south side façade features two bays divided by a chimney that extends above the
roofline. The two bays are not symmetrical. Each bay of the first storey displays two 1/1 hung windows
with a flat lintel and a stone sill. The second storey displays three windows of different size but similar
style. The style again is 1/1 hung windows with a flat lintel and a stone sill. The third storey is
symmetrical with two 1/1 hung windows with a flat lintel and a stone sill. The rusticated stone foundation
is partially exposed above ground.
Rear (East) Facade
The rear of the church is an addition that was built in 1947 to lengthen the church and hall by 20 feet.
As it exists today, the end gable at the rear of the building is comprised of three unseparated bays. The
third storey of the centre bay features a semi-circular window opening with brick voussoir, drip mold
and stone sill. It appears that the original windows have been removed and replaced with Byzantine
paintings. The second story features semi-circular window openings with brick voussoirs, drip molds
and stone sills. These window openings also contain Byzantine paintings. Beneath each of the second
storey windows are square window openings with no voussoirs or sills. These window openings cut into
a portion of the partially exposed foundation as well as the red brick.
The rear façade was altered again in 2015 with a building addition that increased the height of the gable
and extended the depth of the cross gable. This addition features a new barrier-free building entrance.
The entrance is covered by a small gable roof with supports that lead to modern doors made with metal
and glass. The red brick is not original and not an exact match to the original.
Interior
unable to complete the project due to his unexpected death (Wynnyckyj, 1987). The project was finished
by an unknown artist in 1951 (Wynnyckyj, 1987). Major renovations to the interior of the church were
initiated in 1977, including: refurbishing the walls, pews, and woodwork; replacing the altars; installing
a 15-foot-high wood iconostasis - a lattice screened between the nave and the sanctuary - covered by
18 painted icons in the Byzantine style (Wynnyckyj, 1987). Another project to paint the interior of the
church in the Byzantine style began in 1983 and was completed in 1986 (Wynnyckyj, 1987).
Historical/Associative Value
The subject property has historical and associative value due to its history and association with
Ukrainian immigrants, the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the
Transfiguration and Mykola Bibniak.
In the early 1900s immigrants from Ukraine started to arrive and sponsor Masses in the Eastern Rite at
local Roman Catholic churches. They were drawn to the area by the industrial activity (Gesza, 2010),
especially the rubber, machinery and tannery industries (Hamara, 1987). Many worked for prominent
industries such as the Huck Glove Factory, the Lang Tannery, and the Kaufman Rubber Company. The
chapter of the Ukrainian Labor and Farm Temple Association (ULFTA) (Hamara, 1987). At the same
time, other Ukrainians in the ULFTA became tra
tannery industries (Hamara, 1987). By 1922, the non-communists in the community (Hamara, 1987)
organized their own parish and in 1924 named it The Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus
Christ (Wynncyckyj, 1987). Land to construct the church was acquired in 1925 for a cost of $1,160.00
(Wynncyckyj, 1987). Mr. Zomer who lived at the corner of Victoria Street and Oak Street acquired a
mortgage (Gesza, 2020). These immigrants completed the construction of the church building in 1926
for a cost of $11,400.00 (Wynncyckyj, 1987). The cornerstone was laid on December 5, 1926 and
blessed by His Excellency, Bishop Nykyta Budka, the first bishop for the Ukrainian Catholics in Canada
(Wynncyckyj, 1987).
In the beginning, Mass was performed by visiting priests from larger centres such as Toronto or
Brantford. In 1938, the parish built an addition at the cost of $3,635.00 to the church to serve as a
rectory, which ultimately attracted the first resident priest Father Charny (Wynncyckyj, 1987). The
home adjacent to the church building was purchased in 1952 to house the members of the order of
Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate (Wynncyckyj, 1987).
The church building was a focal point for Ukrainians. In the 1940s, at least 52 families lived within a 5-
block radius of the church building (Gesza, 2010). The hall beneath the church hosted numerous
activities such as dances, concerts, performances, English language instruction, etc. (Gesza, 2010).
By the end of 1977, significant interior heritage attributes the iconostas- were added to the interior of
the church building. The iconostas were 12-feet high and carved in wood by V. Barach. Within each of
the iconostas, 18 icons were painted by Mykola Bidniak. Mykola lost his hands as a teenager and went
on to learn how to paint with his mouth (K-W Record, 1979). He studied at the Ontario College of Art
and in 1978 he was commissioned to 18 Byzantine icons at a cost of $20,000 (K-W Record,
1979).
Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Transfiguration, date unknown). Additional wall paintings were added
in 1949 by Mr. L. Scott Young (Wynnyckyj, 1987). Young was a church mural artist who painted more
than three dozen churches in Canada (Unknown, 1994). Today, his artwork is only present in four
churches, including the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Transfiguration (Unknown, 1994). Additional
icons were painted on the walls and ceilings in 1984 by Rev. Theodore Koufos, a Tortonto-based Greek
orthodox priest.
Contextual Value
The contextual value of the property relates to its location and proximity to the church rectory, parish
centre, on-site park and local industries.
The home adjacent to the church building was purchased in 1952 to house the members of the order
of Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate (Wynncyckyj, 1987). In more recent years, this home has served
as the church rectory. This home is designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act as it is located
within the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District.
Lands for the parish centre, the Ukrainian Catholic Centre at 15 Michael Street, were purchased in 1963
for the sum of $19,500.00 (Wynncyckyj, 1987) and the building was constructed in 1971-1972 to provide
the congregation with a large, combined auditorium-gymnasium and some classroom space (K-W
Record, 1972). The cornerstone was laid in November 1971 along with the burial of a time capsule (K-
W Record, 1972). The opening ceremonies were held in May of 1972 and participants included Most
Rev. Isidore Borecky (Ukrainian bishop of Eastern Canada), Rev. Russel Chyz (parish priest), and an
official opening by Donna Sawicky (Miss Canada) (K-W Record, 1972a; K-W Record, 1972b).
In 2010, the parish planned the installation of a park on the south side of the church building to include
an open wrought iron gate and walkways leading to a granite monument and landscaped with flowers,
trees and benches (Gesza, 2010).
Social Value
The social value of the property relates to the parish, church building, rectory and parish centre.
The parish and church building were the original focal point of the Ukrainian community. The church
building not only held worship services but also dances, concerts, dance and theatrical performances,
choir practices and English language classes (Gesza, 2010).
sponsored by the Ukrainian Catholic
(Denney, 1986). This tradition continued for at least 21 years (Koza, 1992).
Heritage Attributes
All elements related to the construction and modest vernacular example of the Ukrainian Baroque
architectural style with influences from the Byzantine architectural style, including:
Cross-building plan;
front hipped gable roofline with plain eaves, soffits and fascia as well as discrete brackets;
red brick laid in a running bond, including brick dentils at the roofline on the front (west)
elevation;
rusticated stone foundation;
the number, placement and details of bays on each elevation;
clerestory windows below bronze pear-shaped dome with rooftop cupola topped by a cross;
windows and window openings, including:
o the large round stained-glass window with brick surround;
o semi-circular windows with modest tracery, consisting of a plain circle with two rounded
lancet lights under the main arch with brick voussoirs and drip molds along with a stone
sill;
o semi-circular window openings featuring brick voussoirs with drip molds and stone sills;
o semi-circular window openings featuring decorative paintings;
o the rose window;
o 1/1 hung windows with flat lintels and stone sills;
o 1/1 hung windows with semi-circular lintels and stone sills;
o Square window openings with flat lintels and stone sills;
doors and door openings, including:
o a semi-circular stone door surround displaying double paneled wood doors with modest
tracery, consisting of a plain circle with two rounded lancet lights;
o semi-circular wood door with brick voussoirs, two lights flanking the door, the municipal
1926 datestone; and,
round rose decorative detail.
References
th
Denney, F. L., (1986). Easter Egg Festival Celebrates 15 year. K-W Record: Kitchener, Ontario.
Gesza, C. (2010). Presentation for the Heritage Kitchener Committee. Kitchener, Ontario.
K-W Record. (1971). Will lay cornerstone. Kitchener, Ontario.
K-W Record. (1972a). Ukrainian Catholics to inaugurate unit. Kitchener, Ontario.
K-W Record. (1972b). Centre Opening.
K-W Record. (1979). Handless artist paints icons. Kitchener, Ontario.
Koza, R. (1992). Pysanky eggs. K-W Record: Kitchener, Ontario.
Unknown. (1994). L. Scott Young, Artist. Waterloo Historical Society: 82(1994): 26-30. Cober Printing:
Kitchener, Ontario.
Wynnyckyj, I. L., (1987). Milestones: A History of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Transfiguration.
Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Transfiguration: Kitchener, Ontario.
Photographs
Front Elevation (West Façade)
Rear Elevation (East Façade)
Side Elevation (South Façade)
Side Elevation (North Façade)
Photograph of monument located in the south garden
Photograph showing the details on the north 2015 building addition
Photograph showing a window opening replaced with a painting
Photograph showing the 1926 datestone