HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2025-031 - Municipal Heritage Register Review - March 2025 UpdateDevelopment Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Heritage Kitchener
DATE OF MEETING: March 4, 2025
SUBMITTED BY: Garett Stevenson, Director of Development and Housing Approvals,
519-783-8922
PREPARED BY: Deeksha Choudhry, Heritage Planner, 519-783-8906
DATE OF REPORT: February 10, 2025
REPORT NO.: DSD-2025-031
SUBJECT: Municipal Heritage Register Review March 2025 Update
RECOMMENDATION:
The pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the cultural heritage value or
interest be recognized, and designation be pursued for the following properties:
241-247 Duke Street East / 55 Victoria Street North
30-32 Duke Street West
1865 Huron Road
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The purpose of this report is to recommend pursuing designation under Part IV of the
Ontario Heritage Act for three properties that are 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 properties 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.
BACKGROUND:
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. Bill 200, the Homeowners Protection Act, 2024,
extended the time municipalities must designate properties listed on their municipal
heritage registers until January 1, 2027. Listed properties are properties that have not
been designated, but that the municipal Council believes to be of cultural heritage value or
interest. The criteria for designation is established by the Provincial Government (Ontario
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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.
A work plan to address these changes has been developed by Heritage Planning Staff
th
with consultation from the Heritage Kitchener Committee on February 7, 2023.
Implementation of the work plan has now commenced. This report contains a summary of
the findings for the properties recently reviewed, and recommendations for next steps.
Progress on Work Plan Implementation
As part of the work plan proposed in February 2023, Heritage Planning Staff committed to
the review of 80 properties listed on the Municipal Heritage Register prior to January 1,
2025. As of the date of this report, a review has been completed for 88 properties. 3
properties are before the Committee as of the date of this report to be considered for
designation. 27 properties have fully undergone the designation process. 46 properties are
currently undergoing the designation process and are at various stages of completion. 14
properties have been reviewed and determined that no action should be taken at this time,
and 1 NOID has been withdrawn by Council.
Bill 200,the Homeowners Protection Act, 2024, extended the time municipalities have to
designate properties listed on their municipal heritage registers until January 1, 2027. Staff
are working on an updated Work Plan and will bring it forward to Heritage Kitchener later
this year.
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:
Register if
they 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).
241-247 Duke Street East / 55 Victoria Street North
The subject property municipally addressed as 241-247 Duke Street East / 55 Victoria Street
North 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 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.
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.
30-32 Duke Street West
The subject property municipally addressed as 30-32 Duke Street West meets three (3) 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 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.
1865 Huron Road
The subject property municipally addressed as 1865 Huron Road meets three (3) 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 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 these
properties, staff will then contact the respective property owners 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, 2027.
Option 2 Deferring the Designation Process
Should Heritage Kitchener vote to defer the designation process for these properties, they
eritage Register until January 1, 2027, after
which it will have to be removed. The process of designating these properties can be
started at any time until January 1, 2027.
Option 3 Not Pursuing Designation for these properties
Should Heritage Kitchener vote not to pursue the designation of these properties, they will
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, 2032.
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
of 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 2023 DSD-2023-
309
Municipal Heritage Register Review January 2024 Update DSD-2024-022
Municipal Heritage Register Review March 2024 Update DSD-2024-093
Municipal Heritage Register Review April 2024 Update DSD-2024-131
Municipal Heritage Register Review May 2024 Update DSD-2024-194
Municipal Heritage Register Review June 2024 Update DSD-2024-250
Municipal Heritage Register Review August 2024 Update DSD-2024-333
Municipal Heritage Register Review September 2024 Update DSD-2024-361
Municipal Heritage Register October 2024 Update DSD-2024-426
Municipal Heritage Register- November 2024 Update DSD-2024-444
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-Updated Statement of Significance 241-247 Duke Street East
/ 55 Victoria Street North
Attachment B-Updated Statement of Significance 30-32 Duke Street West
Attachment C-Updated Statement of Significance 1865 Huron Road
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
241-247 Duke Street West / 55 Victoria Street North
Summary of Significance
Design/Physical ValueSocial Value
Historical ValueEconomic Value
Contextual Value
Environmental Value
Municipal Address:241-247 Duke Street West/55 Victoria Street North Kitchener
Legal Description:Plan374,Lot63 &64
Year Builtca. 1913, addition after 1925
Architectural Style:Vernacular Industrial
Original Owner:John Sloan
Original Use:Commercial/Industrial(Wholesale Grocer)
Other Owner:Robert Bergen
Other Use: Commercial/Industrial(Electrician)
Condition:Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
th
241-247Duke Street West/55 Victoria Street North is an early 20century commercial building
situated on a 0.48acre parcel of land. The property islocated on the south westcorner of Duke Street
West and Victoria Street North in the Warehouse District Cultural Heritage Landscape of the City of
Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo. The principal resource that contributes to the heritage value
isthe commercialbuilding.
Heritage Value
241-247 Duke Street West(formerly 21 Edward Street) /55 Victoria Street Northis recognized for its
design/physical, historical/associative,and contextual values.
Design/Physical Value
th
The design/physicalvalue relatesto the building as a representative example of early 20century
Vernacular Industrial architecture in Berlin (now Kitchener). The original 1913 portion of the building
features elements characteristic of early Vernacular Industrial architecture including a flat roof, buff
(yellow) brick(painted c. 2019), a regular arrangement of windows and minimal ornamentation.
Decorative features include a horizontal brick band under the cornice and above the foundation,
dentils under the cornice band and brick pilasters that separate the door and windowopenings. An
addition constructed after 1925 on the east side of the building replicates the mass, setback, roofline,
and pilasters of the original building.
Historical/AssociativeValue
The historical/associative value of the building reflects the work of an architect, Charles Knechtel
(1869-1951), who was significant to Berlin. Charles was the son of Jonas Knechtel whom he acquired
most of his building and designknowledge from between 1886 and 1894 (Hill, 2022). He opened his
own business in 1895 and operated until 1930 (Hill, 2022). Over 100 buildings were designed by him,
including churches, commercial blocks, factories, homes, schools, etc. (Hill, 2022). In 1913, he built a
large warehouse on Victoria Street for John Sloan and Co.(Hill, 2022). Other notable buildings he
designed include: First Church of Christ Scientist, Victoria Park Pavillion, Berlin Carnegie Library,
The historical/associativevalue of the property relates to its connection to commercial development in
th
the City during the early part of the 20century. The building was first occupied in 1913 by John
Sloan and Co., a wholesale grocer,and one of only two such wholesale companies in Berlin at that
The location was important given its
proximity to the railway spur line that ran along Victoria Street North and enabled easy transport of
produce to the warehouse. John Sloan and Co. was a Toronto company that operated several
wholesale grocery outlets throughout Ontario in the early 1900s. Victor Sloan, a son of John Sloan,
was a resident of the City of Kitchener and served as office manager and later accountant of the
wholesale business. In 1920, John Sloan and Co.purchased its sole local wholesale competitor, the
Randall and Roos Wholesale Grocer and Liquor Warehouse(est. 1884).Later that same year John
Sloan and Co. waspurchased by National Grocers Ltd. By 1950, National Grocers had moved to a
new property and was later consolidated with Loblaws Companies Ltd, the largest food retailer in
Canada.
The historical/associative value of the property also relates to the connection of building to well-known
local electrical and lighting company called Bergen Electric Ltd and its owner Robert William Bergen
(b. 4 December 1900; d. 22 May 1993)(Bonk, 2025). Robert Bergen was an electrician who owned
and operated several electrical contracting companies from 1921, including the RW Bierwagon
Electric Company, the Mattell & Bierwagen Electric Companyand the Bergen Electric Company(The
Bergen Group, 2013). Robert Bergen purchased 241-247 Duke Street West/55 Victoria Street North
from the Sloan estate in 1950. Hehelped form the Ontario Electrical Contractors Association and
encouragedlocal farmers tousehydro instead of coal oil at their farms (Bergen Group, 2025).
ContextualValue
The contextual value relatesto the
Warehouse District Cultural Heritage Landscape (WDCHL)
Landscape Study (2015). The WDCHL, which roughly encompasses the complex of industrial
buildings concentrated along the Canadian National Railway (formerly Grand Trunk Railway) and the
he late 19th
th
and early 20centuries. Heritage attributesinclude aquantity of multi-storey, brick buildings in a
Vernacular Industrialstyle with small setbacks from the street and the rail line (Landplan
Collaborative, 2012). The building at 241-247Duke Street West/55 Victoria Street North supports
these heritage values and attributes through its height, mass, setback, Vernacular Industrial
architectural style, and original use as a warehouse. The building is historically linked to the Canadian
National Railway, which delivered produce and goods via a spur line which permitted freight cars to
pull up directly alongside the Victoria Street North elevation of the building (Underwriters Survey
Bureau, 1925; Fear, 2011).
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 241-247Duke Street West/55 Victoria Street North resides in the following
heritage attributes:
All elements related to the construction and Industrial Vernacular architectural style of the building,
including:
o roof and roofline, including the flat roof;
o door openings;
o window openings, including concrete headers and sills;
o yellow brick construction(painted c. 2019);
o concrete foundation;
o parapets between windows;
o shallow horizontal brick banding under cornice and above foundation;and,
o dental brick work under brick banding.
All elements related to the contextual valueof the building, including:
o height, mass and set back.
References
Bergen Group. (2025). Our History. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from
http://www.bergengroup.ca/history.
The Bergen Group. (2013). About us. Retrieved March 1, 2013, from
http://www.bergengroup.ca/about-us.
Bonk, D. (2025). Robert William Bergen: Waterloo Region Generations. Retrieved February 3, 2025,
from https://generations.regionofwaterloo.ca/getperson.php?personID=I29249&tree=generations
Canadian Grocer. (1913, January-March). Volume 27, Issue 1-13.
Canadian Grocer. (1920, April-June). Volume 34, Issue 14-26.
Envision Consulting Group and Scheinman, Andre. (2006). Cultural Heritage Landscapes in Waterloo
Region: A Framework for Inventory, Assessment and Policy Development. Kitchener, Ontario.
Fear, J. (2011, November 4). Flash from the Past: Some Kitchener streets were once paved with
wood. Waterloo Region Record. Retrieved March 1, 2013 from:
http://www.therecord.com/living/article/620193--flash-from-the-past-some-kitchener-streets-
were-once-paved-with-wood.
Hill, R. G. (2022). Charles Knechtel: Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada1800-1950.
Retrieved February 3, 2025 from: http://dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org/node/223.
The Landplan Collaborative Ltd. with John MacDonald Architect Inc. (2012). Heritage Study and
Heritage Impact Assessment: Proposed Region of Waterloo Multimodal Hub 16 Victoria Street
North, 50 & 60 Victoria Street North, and 520 & 510 King Street West. Kitchener. Kitchener,
Ontario.
Underwriters Survey Bureau Ltd. (1908 revised and reprinted March 1925). Kitchener Fire Insurance
Maps. Toronto.
Photographs
Front Elevation(NorthFaçade): 241-247 Duke Street West / 55 Victoria Street North
(Google, 2024)
Rear Elevation(SouthFaçade): 241-247 Duke Street West / 55 Victoria Street North
(Google, 2024)
Side Elevation(EastFaçade): 241-247 Duke Street West / 55 Victoria Street North
(Google, 2024)
Side Elevation (WestFaçade): 241-247 Duke Street West / 55 Victoria Street North
(Google, 2024)
241-247 Duke Street West / 55 Victoria Street North (Canadian Grocer,April-
June 1920)
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION FORM
Michelle Drake
241-247 Duke St. W. / 55 Victoria St. N.
Address: Recorder:
Vernacular Industrial style
January 31, 2025
Description: Date:
(date of construction, architectural style, etc)
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
arrangement, finish,
craftsmanship and/or
Yes N/A Unknown No
detail noteworthy?
Yes
Completeness: Does this
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
structure have other
Yes
Yes
original 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
Yes
Yes
original site?
* If relocated, is it relocated on
its original site, moved from
another site, etc.
Alterations: Does this
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
building retain most of its
Yes
Yes
original 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
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No
in 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
N/A Unknown No YesN/A Unknown No Yes
importance to
Indigenous heritage and
Additional Research Required
Additional Research Required
history?
*E.g. - Site within 300m of
water sources, near distinct
topographical land, or near
cemeteries might have
archaeological potential and
indigenous heritage potential.
N/A Unknown No YesN/A Unknown No Yes
Could there be any urban
Indigenous history
Additional Research Required
Additional Research Required
associated with the
property?
* Additional archival work may
be required.
Function: What is the
Unknown Residential Unknown Residential Co
present function of the
Commercial
mmercial
subject property?
Office Other -
Office Other -
________________
________________
* Other may include vacant,
social, institutional, etc. and
important for the community
from an equity building
perspective.
Diversity and Inclusion:
N/A Unknown No YesN/A Unknown No Yes
Does the subject
property contribute to
Additional Research Required
Additional Research Required
the cultural heritage of a
community of people?
Does the subject
N/A Unknown No Yes
N/A Unknown No Yes
property have intangible
value to a specific
Additional Research Required
Additional Research Required
community of people?
* E.g.- Waterloo Masjid
(Muslim 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:
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
30-32 Duke Street West/ 141 Ontario Street North
Summary of Significance
Design/Physical ValueSocial Value
Historical/AssociativeValueEconomic Value
Contextual Value
Environmental Value
Municipal Address:30-32 Duke Street West / 141 Ontario Street North
Legal Description:Plan 396 Part Lots 3 to 5 Plan 401 Part Lot 8 58R-5891 Part 1
Year Built:1970
Architectural Style:International with Brutalist and Expressionist influences
Original Owner:Corporation Square
Original Use:Commercial (Mall, Offices, Theatre)
Condition:Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
th
30-32 Duke Street West is two 20century commercial office buildings connected by a concrete
podium and parking garagebuilt in the International architectural stylewith Brutalist and Expressionist
influences. The building is situated on a 1.07-acreparcel of land located on the corner of Duke Street
West and Ontario Street North in the City Commercial Core Planning Community of the City of
Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo. The principal resourcesthat contributes to the heritage value
arethe buildings, podium, parking garage, and exterior hardscaping.
Heritage Value
30-32 Duke Street West/ 141 Ontario Street Northis recognized for its design/physical,
historical/associative, andcontextual values.
Design/Physical Value
The property municipally addressed as 30-32 Duke Street West/ 141 Ontario Street North
demonstrates design/physical value as a rare example of the International architectural style with
Brutalist and Expressionist influences. The International architectural style is known for its use of hard
angular edges, severely plain surfaces, and large expanses of glass expressing a structural system
based on a skeleton of steel or reinforced concrete (Ricketts et al, 2011). The International style often
featured a flat roof, square or rectangular massing, large horizontal bands of windows,andminimal to
no decoration (Ricketts et al, 2011). Landscape design was also influenced by the International
architectural style with commercial buildings designed as a focal point in an artificial landscape
(Ricketts et al, 2011). This often resulted in a building being built on a podium and/or surrounded by a
plaza, which pedestrians would cross to reach the building towers (Ricketts et al, 2011). Historically,
the Internationalarchitectural style was almost exclusively used by the commercial sector during the
th
second half of the 20century triggered by the prosperity of the 1950s and 1960s leading to a
building boom that transformed Canadian cities with introduction of many large commercial
complexes in this style(Ricketts et al, 2011).
In Kitchener, this is the only property that has been recognized for its design/physical value as an
example of the International architectural style with Brutalist and Expressionist influences.The
International architectural style is expressed by the flat roof, square and rectangular towers, horizontal
bands of windows, podium, and plaza.Brutalist influencesinclude the stairs and columns around the
theatre entrance, the north façade,parts of the east façade, the relatively maintenance free gardens
andwalkways.Expressionist influencesinclude the podium and concave concrete panels.
The buildingsarein good conditionand have recently undergone renovations to change the use of
some units from commercial to residential. The propertyfeatures: a plaza leading to a ten-storey
squaretoweron a podium fronting Duke Street West; a six-storey rectangular tower fronting Ontario
StreetNorth;a parking garage; aflat roof; concrete construction; bronze double-glazedaluminum
framewindows; and, courtyards, plazas(including stairs)and flower boxes. With respect to the
concreteconstruction, the buildingsfeature: hard angular edges; smooth and rough, naturally textured
surfaces; precast concave concrete spandrels;concrete stairs and columns around the theatre
entrance;and, concrete hardscaping of courtyards, plazas(including stairs)and flower boxes.
Historical/AssociativeValue
The property municipally addressed as 30-32 Duke Street West / 141 Ontario Street North has
historical/associativevaluebecause it demonstrates the work of an architect who issignificant to the
province, the country and the international community.Webb Zefara Menkes Housden(WZMH)
Partnership of Toronto designed the building. WZMH was established in 1961 and they are now an
award winning international partnership responsible for the design of prominent buildings such asthe
CN Tower(1973-75), Telegram Building (now the Globe and Mail Headquarters), Toronto (1961-63);
the Toronto Star Building, Toronto (1971); Hazelton Lanes, Toronto (1974-76); the Crossways
Complex, Toronto (1975-76); the Royal Bank Building, Toronto (1976); Sun Life Centre, Toronto (1981-
83); the Elf Aquitaine Towers, Paris (1982-84); City Hall, Calgary (1985); the Manufacturer's Life Tower,
Vancouver (1984-85); the Bank of BC Tower, Vancouver (1984-86); Scotia Plaza Tower, Toronto
(1986-88); Waterfront Park, Phase I, Halifax (1988); Canada Place, Edmonton (1988), and Maison des
Coopérant, Montréal (completion in 1989)(WZMH Architects, 2014; The Canadian Encyclopedia,
2025; Canada Lands Company Limited, n.d.).
Contextual Value
The property municipally addressed as 30-32 Duke Street West / 141 Ontario Street Northhas
contextual value because it is important in defining the public versus private space and in so doing also
supports the character of the area. The building design includes concrete stairs and flower boxes that
lead to a plaza in front of the main entrance to the building. These features align with the general built
form setbacks on adjacent buildings fronting Duke Street West helping to create a street edge and
rhythm as one walks along the public sidewalk on Duke Street West. At the same time, the mainfloor
concrete arches establish a rhythm as one walks along the public sidewalk on Ontario Street North.
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 30-32 Duke Street West / 141 Ontario Street North resides in the following
heritage attributes:
All elements related to the construction and architectural style and influences of the building,
including:
o Flat roof;
o Concrete construction;
hard angular edges;
smooth and rough, naturally textured surfaces;
precast concave spandrel panels;
o Front (South) Elevation
ten-storey square toweron a podium;
horizontal bands of precast concave concrete spandrel panels;
horizontal bands of bronze double-glazed aluminum frame windows;
plaza with stairs and flower boxes;
parking garage entrance;
o Side (West) Elevation
ten-and six-storey towers on a podium;
horizontal bands of precast concave concrete spandrel panels;
horizontal bands of bronze double-glazed aluminum frame windows;
stairs and columns around the theatre entrance;
o Rear (North) Elevation
six-storey tower on a podium;
parking garage;
rough, naturally textured vertical concrete surfaces with plain concrete bands
aligning with the horizontal bands of precast concave concrete spandrel panels;
o Side (East) Elevation
ten-and six-storey towers on a podium;
horizontal bands of precast concave concrete spandrel panels;
horizontal bands of bronze double-glazed aluminum frame windows;
parking garage
All elements related to the contextual value of the property, including:
o location and orientation of buildings; and,
o concrete stairs and flower boxes that lead to a plaza along Duke Street West.
References
Canada Lands Company. (n.d.). The CN Tower Story. Retrieved from https://www.cntower.ca/history
on February 14, 2025.
Ricketts, S., L. Maitland, & J. Hucker. (2011). A Guide to Canadian Architectural Styles, Second
Edition. University of Toronto Press: North York, Ontario.
The Canadian Encyclopedia. (2025). Article: Webb Zerafa Menkes Housden Partnership. Retrieved
from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/webb-zerafa-menkes-housden-partnership
on February 14, 2025.
WZMH Architects. (2025). About / History. Retrieved from https://www.wzmh.com/about/history/on
February 14, 2025.
Photographs
Front Elevation(South Façade)(Google, 2024)
Side Elevation(East Façade)(Google, 2024)
Side Elevation (West Façade)(Google, 2024)
Rear Elevation (North Façade) (Google, 2024)
Detail of Ontario Street North Entrance (Google, 2024)
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION FORM
Michelle Drake
30-32 Duke St W / 141 Ontario St N
Address: Recorder:
1970 commercial office building
February 3, 2025
Description: Date:
(date of construction, architectural style, etc)
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 Yes
design value or
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 Yes
design value or
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 Yes
design value or
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 Yes
historical value or
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 Yes
historical or
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 Yes
historical value or
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 Yes
contextual value
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 Yes
contextual value
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 Yes
contextual value
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 Yes
arrangement, finish,
Yes
craftsmanship and/or
detail noteworthy?
Completeness: Does this
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
structure have other
Yes
original outbuildings,
notable landscaping or
external features that
complete the site?
Site Integrity: Does the
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
structure occupy its
Yes
original site?
* If relocated, is it relocated on
its original site, moved from
another site, etc.
Alterations: Does this
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
building retain most of its
Yes
original 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 Yes
additional elements or
Yes
features that should be
added to the heritage
attribute list?
Condition: Is the building
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
in good condition?
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
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
importance to
Yes Additional Research Required
Indigenous heritage and
Additional Research
history?
Required
*E.g. - Site within 300m of
water sources, near distinct
topographical land, or near
cemeteries might have
archaeological potential and
indigenous heritage potential.
N/A Unknown No Yes
Additional Research Required
Could there be any urban
N/A Unknown No
Indigenous history
Yes
associated with the
Additional Research
property?
Required
* Additional archival work may
be required.
Function: What is the
Unknown Residential Unknown Residential Commer
present function of the
cial
Commercial
subject property?
Office Other -
Office Other -
________________
________________
* Other may include vacant,
social, institutional, etc. and
important for the community
from an equity building
perspective.
Diversity and Inclusion:
N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No Yes
Does the subject
Yes Additional Research Required
property contribute to
Additional Research
the cultural heritage of a
Required
community of people?
N/A Unknown No Yes
Does the subject
Additional Research Required
property have intangible
N/A Unknown No
value to a specific
Yes
community of people?
Additional Research
Required
* E.g.- Waterloo Masjid
(Muslim 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
Keep on the Municipal Heritage Register
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:
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
1865 Huron Road
Summary of Significance
Design/Physical Value
Social Value
Historical Value
Economic Value
Contextual Value
Environmental Value
Municipal Address:1865 Huron Road
Legal Description:Plan 585 Part Lots 4 & 5
Year Built:1885
Architectural Style:Vernacular
Original Owner:Abraham Cressman
Original Use:Residential
Condition:Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
th
1865 Huron Road is a late 19century building constructed in the vernacular architectural style. The
building is situated on a 0.33 acre parcel of land located on the north side of Huron Road between
Trussler Road and Amand Drive in the TrusslerPlanning Community of the City of Kitchener within the
Region of Waterloo. The principal resource that contributesto the heritage value is the house.
Cultural Heritage Valueor Interest
1865 Huron Roadis recognized for its design/physical, historical/associative, and contextual values.
Design/Physical Value
The design and physical values relate to the age, material,and method of construction. Thewest wing
of thefarmhouse is a rare example of strapped log construction while the east wing is a representative
example of lath construction.The building features: log and lath construction; side gables with a
; clapboard siding(covered byinsulbrick andaluminum
siding); symmetrical window placements; original door andwindowopenings, including the round
windowopeningon the east elevation;verandah with hip roof on the south;original interior baseboards,
Historical/AssociativeValue
The property has historical/associative value because it has direct associations with the theme of early
pioneer settlement, early pioneer farming, and pioneer settlers Abraham Cressman. The lands are part
res of land from Richard Beasley on July 18, 1800,
generally extends from the Grand River west to the Wilmot Township and once included the villages of
German Mills and Strasburg. The property wasonce part of a larger lot ownedoriginally by Abraham
Cressmancirca 1861 ().
The property has historical/associative value because it has direct associations with the Sallans family.
The property was purchased by James HenrySallans(b. 24 January 1885; d. 1959)in 1924(Bonk,
2025a). He was a local blacksmith and according to local history he moved an old pig stable from
Strasburg to his property and converted it to a blacksmith shop
1981).
Institute, 1981). The blacksmith shop no longer exists. He was a member of the Rosebank Brethren in
Christ Church(Find a Grave, 2025).His second wife was Lucy Rosenblath (b. 21 October 1897; d. 8
March 1990) and together they had eight children (Bonk, 2025a).Their youngest child was Willard Louis
Sallans (b. 7 March 1937; d. 9 October 2004) who married Miriam Effie Hallman (Bonk, 2025b). Willard
operated a farm machinery business, Sallans Equipment Ltd.,at 1876Huron Road for 30 years (Find
a Grave, 2025; Romahn, 1985).In 1985, Sallans Equipment Ltd. became the biggest farm machinery
dealership in eastern Canada for the new Deutz-Allis Chalmers manufacturing company (Romahn,
1985). Willard is recognized across North American within the tractor-pulling community for his skill at
announcing and judging at competitions (Romahn, 1985).
Contextual Value
The contextual value relates to the physical location of the building orientated towardsand in close
proximity to Huron Road, which would have been connected to its use as a blacksmith shop and later
commercial uses. The property is also visually connected to 1876 Huron Road on the south side of the
road and west of 1865 Huron Road.
Heritage Attributes
All elements related to the construction and vernacular architectural style of the house, including:
o Logand lath construction;
o Roof and roofline;
o clapboard siding;
o symmetrical window placements;
o original door and window openings, including the round window on the east elevation;
o verandah with hip roof on the south
o original interior baseboards, casings and doors; and,
o
References
Bonk, D. (2025a). James Henry Sallans. \[online\]. Available from:
https://generations.regionofwaterloo.ca/getperson.php?personID=I181794&tree=generations
(Accessed 2025, January 30).
Bonk, D. (2025b). Williard Louis Sallans. \[online\]. Available from:
https://generations.regionofwaterloo.ca/getperson.php?personID=I194677&tree=generations
(Accessed 2025, January 30).
Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27611795/willard_lewis-
sallans: accessedJanuary 31, 2025), memorial page for Willard Lewis Sallans (7 Mar 19379 Oct
2004), Find a Grave Memorial ID27611795, citing Rosebank Cemetery, Waterloo Regional
Municipality, Ontario, Canada; Maintained by Darryl Bonk (contributor47010264).
Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27917574/james_henry-
sallans: accessedJanuary 31, 2025), memorial page for James Henry Sallans (24 Jan 18851959),
Find a Grave Memorial ID27917574, citing Rosebank Cemetery, Waterloo Regional Municipality,
Ontario, Canada; Maintained by Darryl Bonk (contributor47010264).
Tweedsmuir history, Helena Feasby Institute, North
Waterloo. Kitchener Public Library: Kitchener, Ontario.
Romahn, J. (1985). Big and getting bigger: Merger gives K-W implement dealer a boost. K-W Record:
Kitchener, Ontario.
Taylor, A. W. (1965). John Steckle Recollects. Waterloo Historical Society, 53, 47-48.
1865 Huron Road Sallans W N2R 1R5.
Photographs
Front & Side Elevation(South & EastFaçade)(Google, 2023)
Side & Front Elevation (West & South Façade) (Google, 2023)
RearElevation(NorthFaçade)(Google Earth, 2018-2021)
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION FORM
Michelle Drake
1865 Huron Road
Address: Recorder:
1865 Huron Road, 1885, log and lath construction
October 30, 2024
Description: Date:
(date of construction, architectural style, etc)
Photographs Attached:
Left Façade
Front Facade 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 N/A Unknown No Yes
Indigenous heritage and
Yes
history?
Additional Research Required
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
Indigenous history associated
N/A Unknown No Yes
with the property?
N/A Unknown No
Yes
Additional Research Required
* Additional archival work may be
Additional Research
required.
Required
Function: What is the present
Unknown Residential Unknown Residential Co
function of the subject
mmercial
Commercial
property?
Office Other -
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 N/A Unknown No Yes
the subject property
Yes
contribute to the cultural
Additional Research Additional Research Required
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
specific community of people?
Yes
Additional Research Required
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: