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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2025-467 - Municipal Heritage Register Review - December 2025 Update Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca REPORT TO: Heritage Kitchener DATE OF MEETING: December 2, 2025 SUBMITTED BY: Garett Stevenson, Director of Development and Housing Approvals 519-783-8922 PREPARED BY: Victoria Grohn, Heritage Planner, 519-783-8912 WARD(S) INVOLVED: 8 & 9 DATE OF REPORT: November 10, 2025 REPORT NO.: DSD-2025-467 SUBJECT: Municipal Heritage Register Review December 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: 350 Park Street 44 Rusholme Road REPORT HIGHLIGHTS: The purpose of this report is to recommend pursuing designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act for two 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 96 properties. 2 properties are before the Committee as of the date of this report to be considered for designation. 45 properties have fully undergone the designation process. 34 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. 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: 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). The following properties were evaluated to determine their cultural heritage value: 350 Park Street The subject property municipally addressed as 350 Park Street meets six (6) of the nine (9) criteria of O. Reg 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22): The property has design 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 design or physical value because it displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit. 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. 44 Rusholme Road The subject property municipally addressed as 44 Rusholme Road meets six (6) of the nine (9) criteria of O. Reg. 9/06 (amended through O. Reg. 569/22): The property has design 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 design or physical value because it displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit. 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 valuebecause 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 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 tage 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 this property, 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 Municipal Heritage Register Review March 2025 Update DSD-2025-031 Municipal Heritage Register Review April 2025 Update DSD-2025-108 Municipal Heritage Register Review August 2025 Update DSD-2025-317 Municipal Heritage Register Review October 2025 Update DSD-2025-357 Ontario Heritage Act, 2022 REVIEWED BY: Sandro Bassanese, Manager of Site Plan APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A Updated Statement of Significance 350 Park St Attachment B Updated Statement of Significance 44 Rusholme Rd STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 350 PARK STREET / 91 GRUHN STREET Summary of Significance Social Value Design/Physical Value Historical Value Economic Value Contextual Value Environmental Value Municipal Address: 350 Park Street / 91 Gruhn Street Legal Description: Plan 387 Part Lot 2-4 Year Built: c. 1921 Architectural Style: Gothic with Tudor Revival elements Original Owne r: Calvary Memorial Evangelical Church Original Use: Church Condition: Very Good Description of Cultural Heritage Resource th 350 Park Street/91 Gruhn Street is a 20 century church designed in the Gothic architectural style with Tudor Revival elements. The building is situated on a 0.75 acre parcel of land with frontage on both Park and Gruhn Streets between Dominion and Glasgow Streets. The principal resource that contributes to the heritage value of the property is the church. Heritage Value 350 Park Street/91 Gruhn Street is recognized for its design/physical, historic/associative, and contextual values. Design/Physical Value The design and physical value of 350 Park Street/91 Gruhn Street relates to its Collegiate Gothic architecture with Tudor Revival elements. The property has two main components: the original 1921 church building and a 1955 addition, Kellerman Hall, connected at the northwest (back right) corner of the church. The two parts are well integrated through massing, materials, and details. The primary exterior material for both is a variegated tapestry brick in a rich chocolate brown. The brick of the church is laid in running bond and the hall is laid in common bond on raised concrete foundations. The roofs of both buildings are clad in grey asphalt shingles. The church has a high degree of symmetry with its cross-shaped plan and mirrored front and rear facades. Both the church and the hall demonstrate other typical Gothic architecture elements including pointed arches, pinnacles, and Gothic fenestration with leaded stained glass and trefoil/quatrefoil details. The church demonstrates associations with the Tudor Revival style of architecture, possibly influenced by its residential setting and the popularity of this style at the time of construction, through its quoin-like tabbed masonry details, wide-plank wood doors, wrought ironwork, and transom windows. The steeply pitched, cross-hipped and gabled roofs of both the church and the hall resemble the roofs of Tudor Revival houses more so than the often flat or plainly gabled roofs of Collegiate Gothic buildings. The Kellerman Hall addition subverts the axial symmetry of the church through its L-shaped plan and cross- gabled roof, as well as its angled placement relative to the church. Considered together, the hall and church possess a picturesque and asymmetrical massing more typical of the Tudor Revival. There is overlap in the stylistic elements associated with the Collegiate Gothic and Tudor Revival architectural styles. For the church building and hall, this includes the prominent front-facing (parapeted) gables, Tudor or four-centred arch portal, hood moulds, and castellations. Front/Main Façade (South Elevations Facing Park Street) The front façade of the church is composed of three bays, which step forward and up from left to right. This upward gesture is echoed by the hipped roof visible from behind. The leftmost part of this elevation is one storey with a flat roof and serves as a secondary entrance. Five concrete steps lead up to a single, wood door with stained-glass sidelights and transom with a quatrefoil design, set within a recessed arch. To the right are pairs of rectangular windows at basement level (double-hung, clear textured glass) and ground level (stained glass transoms). White-painted, cast-stone elements include two horizontal bands (echoed by the white metal parapet flashing at top); arched, flat-faced hood mould above the entrance; lintels, sills, and tabbed surrounds at the windows; and a diagonal corner buttress, topped by an arrow-shaped pinnacle. The central part of this elevation consists of a symmetrical, front-facing parapet gable end of two and a half storeys. At basement level are five rectangular, double-hung windows with clear textured glass, which share a single lintel. Above these is a white- - arch tracery window with brick voussoirs, cast-stone lintel, and flat-faced hood mould. The window has two interior arches; five lower lights with trefoil arches, which are the memorial windows with painted symbols and scenes; and a small circular light at the pinnacle of the large arch, which features the Christian symbol of the Cross and Crown. In the gable above is a rectangular louvre with a tabbed surround. The gable parapet is outlined in white-painted cast stone, with a corbel on the left and a rectangular projection at the peak. The rightmost and tallest section of the front façade is a three-storey tower with a single-storey entrance porch. Five concrete steps lead up to a compound four-centred arch portal with a flat-faced hood mould. The boarded wood double-doors within the arch have contrasting black metal hardware including strap hinges, thumb-latch handles, and kickplates. They are framed by stained-glass sidelights and an arched tten in capital letters. A black-metal lantern hangs from the inside of the arch. On either side of the entrance are diagonal corner buttresses with arrow-shaped pinnacles. To the right of the entrance is a datestone horizontal band, ringed cross, and crenellated parapet. The second storey of the tower lacks embellishment except for a narrow, rectangular stained-glass window with a tabbed stone surround. The third storey is defined by three projecting bands, two trefoil-arch louvers with stone voussoirs and tabbed surround, and a finial projecting above the crenellated parapet. To the right of the main façade of the church is the long south elevation of Kellerman Hall, set well back and partly obscured by adjacent houses on Park Street. The hall is connected to the church by a two- storey, unpainted cast-stone porch with a flat roof, reached by a long sidewalk. The porch has four concrete steps, wood double-doors similar to those of the church, a rectangular transom, flat stone n a two-storey four-centred arch. The transom has small, rectangular panes and the tracery window consists of narrow paired windows with trefoil arches, both of leaded stained glass. The datestone to To the right of the entrance porch is the south elevation of the hall itself. The raised basement has seven double-hung windows, above which are six tall, narrow stained-glass windows with trefoil arches, cast-stone sills, and brick voussoirs. The windows are divided horizontally into six sections, which have small rectangular leaded panes of orange, yellow, and green glass. The top of this elevation consists of the gable roof. Side Façade (East Elevations Facing Adjacent Residences) The east elevation of the church comprises two sections: the three-storey tower and a two-and-a-half- storey gable end. The tower features rectangular stained-glass windows at the ground and second levels, with ornamentation on the third storey similar to that of the main façade except without a finial. The gable end to the right of the tower is similar to the other gable ends of the church, except in place of a large pointed-arch tracery window, there is a smaller one with a series of five rectangular windows below it. To the right of the east elevation of the church is the side façade of the entry porch to Kellerman Hall, of smooth ashlar cast stone. It has a rectangular window with a sloped sill at ground level and a small caged basement window below. The east elevation of the hall itself is not readily visible as it is very close to an adjacent residential property. This gable end is thus quite plain, with only a circular stained- glass window at the third storey. There is also a door on the right side at basement level. Rear Façade (North Elevations Facing Gruhn Street) Facing Gruhn Street are the main façade of Kellerman Hall and the rear façade of the church, which are joined by a flat-roofed entrance vestibule that recalls the entrance porch facing Park Street. The main façade of Kellerman Hall consists of two sections: the long north elevation of the hall as well as a gable end projecting forward. The long elevation features five tall, narrow stained-glass windows matching those of the south elevation, with trefoil arches, cast-stone sills, and brick voussoirs. The top of this portion of the elevation consists of the gable roof. The gable end projecting forward from the right side of the hall is similar in overall proportions to those of the church. It has paired stained-glass double-hung windows at the ground and second storeys, all four of which are framed by a large cast-stone surround with tabs, and a small rectangular louvre with a matching tabbed surround in the gable. To the right of the windows is a rectangular lightbox reading On this elevation, Kellerman Hall is connected to the church by a two-storey, unpainted grey cast-stone porch with a flat roof, with an additional one-storey entrance vestibule added in front of it in the early 1990s. The porch features a small, rectangular double-hung window at the second storey, still visible above the roof of the newer vestibule. The vestibule has a metal-framed glass double door and a flat roof overhanging the entrance. It has been designed to complement the original porch, with a rendered finish in a matching colour and metal profiles spaced according to the height of the cast stone. To the right of and set somewhat back from the entrance is the rear façade of the church. Its dominant element is a gable end that mirrors the one on the front façade, in simplified form, with five basement windows, large pointed-arch tracery window, and small rectangular louvre above. Here, the louvre is unadorned except for a sill, and the gable is raked rather than parapeted. The tracery window has the same geometry and, again, features painted symbols and scenes in the five lower lights, the second set of memorial windows, with an anchor depicted in the small circular light at the top. To the right of the gable end of the church is a two-storey flat-roofed section, with a single ground-level stained-glass window with trefoil arch, pointed-arch brick voussoir, and sloped sill. To the right of and set back from this section is the side of the hip-roofed portion of the church, which has two double-hung rectangular windows with sills, one at each level. Side Façade (West Elevations Facing Parking Lot) The west façade of the church is largely unadorned and consists of a two-storey brick wall with a tall central chimney, two rectangular windows at ground level, five rectangular windows at basement level, and the hip roof. To the right is the side of the one-storey secondary entrance porch with the diagonal corner buttress and arrow-shaped pinnacle (described above). To the left and set back slightly is a two- storey flat-roofed bay with a pointed-arch tracery window at the second storey, behind which the cross- gable roof is visible. Behind and to the left of the church, portions of Kellerman Hall are visible, including an end gable with pairs of rectangular double-hung windows, and the west elevation of the entrance vestibule. Historical/Associative Value The historic and associative value relates to the church, architect, builder, and prominent citizens associated with the founding and expansion of the church. In 1898, Rev. J. P. Hauch advocated for an (Calvary Memorial Church, 1972; KW Record, 1998). In 1913, local builder Casper Braun was appointed by the Advisory Board of Zion Evangelical Church to secure a site for a mission Sunday school in conjunction with members of the Annual Conference Committee and the Zion Church Committee (Brubaker, 1969). The Annual Conference Committee consisted of Rev. J.G. Litt, Rev. G.D. Domm, Rev. J.P. Hauch, Rev. A.Y. Haist, Mr. C. Breithaupt, and Mr. Jacob Kaufman (Brubaker, 1969). The Zion Church Committee consisted of E.E. Ratz, E.C. Kabel, D. Hibner, C. Braun, A.R. Breithaupt, P. Rieder, and Geo. Dippel (Brubaker, 1969). The property at 350 Park Street was purchased on March 5, 1919. The Mission Sunday School was formally opened in January 1920 and the proper name for the church, Calvary Memorial Evangelical Church, was dedicated on September 10, 1922 with Bishop L. H. Seager officiating (Calvary Memorial Church, 1972). Plans for the church were prepared by Spier and Gherke of Windsor and Detroit, and the contract for construction was awarded to Casper Braun (Brubaker, 1969). Ten memorial windows were donated in memory of loved ones by family and friends while the bell and the pulpit and altar furniture were donated by Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Augustine and Mr. and Mrs. D. Hibner, respectively. Mrs. M. Kaufman continued to support through donations for a pipe organ, debt payments, heating plant, built-in storm windows, exterior p The family of Talmon Rieder, a prominent rubber industrialist and visionary of the Westmount neighbourhood, commissioned stained glass windows on the church (Mavor, 2011). A parsonage was built in 1928 and various additions and alterations were completed over the years including: construction of Kellerman Hall in 1954; alterations to the basement in 1958; and renovation to the auditorium in 1958. Kellerman Hall was built by a local builder Laverne Asumssen as a Christian education building in memory of Dr. H.A. Kellerman who served as Calvary minister for 11 years until his death in 1953 (KW Record, 1955; KW Record, 1972). Contextual Value The contextual value relates to the contribution that the building makes to the continuity and character of the Park Street and Gruhn Street streetscapes. The setting is also noteworthy because it is prominently located on a corner and the building has presence along two streets. Heritage Attributes The heritage value of 350 Park Street/91 Gruhn Street resides in the following heritage attributes: All elements related to the Gothic architectural style of the original 1921 church including: o Hip roof with cross parapet gable; o Three-bay front façade; o Three-storey Castellated tower; o Chocolate coloured brick in running bond pattern; o White painted cast stone elements; o Large memorial windows with painted symbols and scenes; o Pointed arch stained glass windows with brick voussoirs and stone sills; o Flat headed windows with stone headers and sills; o Compound four-centred arch portal with flat faced hooded mould; o Single and double doors with three quarter glazed side lights and transoms with trefoil and quatrefoil designs; o ; and o . All elements related to the 1954 Kellerman Hall addition including: o L-shaped plan; o Cross-gabled roof; o Chocolate coloured brick in common bond pattern; o Narrow stained-glass windows with trefoil arches; o Paired stained-glass double-hung windows at the ground and second storeys framed by cast-stone surround and tabs; o Small rectangular louvre with a matching tabbed surround in the gable; o Cast-stone sills; and o Brick voussoirs. References Brubaker, C. (1969). The History of Calvary Memorial Church, originally the Evangelical Church later the Evangelical united Brethren Church and lately the United Church of Canada. Calvary Memorial Church. (1972). 50 Grow 1922-1972: This is our fiftieth year. The United Church of Canada: Kitchener, Ontario. Calvary Memorial United Church. Retrieved June 24, 2025, from https://www.calvarymemorial.ca/1990s-at-calvary. Calvary Memorial United Church. (2014). Calvary Memorial. Retrieved on October 14, 2014 from http://calvarymemorial.ca/AboutUs/CalvaryMemorial/tabid/6333/Default.aspx. KW Record. (1972). . KW Record: Kitchener, Ontario. th KW Record. (1962). Special Dinner Set, Calvary to Mark 40 Anniversary. KW Record: Kitchener, Ontario. KW Record. (1955). Cornerstone of Kellerman Hall is Laid. KW Record: Kitchener, Ontario. Mavor, S. (2011). Westmount: The Tie that Binds the Twin Cities Years. Friesens Corporation: Altona, Manitoba. McAlester, V.S. (2022). A Field Guide to American Houses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. Ricketts, S., L. Maitland, & J. Hucker. (2011). A Guide to Canadian Architectural Styles, Second Edition. North York, Ontario: University of Toronto Press. Photographs Front Elevation (South FaŒade facing Park Street) Rear Elevation (North FaŒade facing Gruhn Street) Side Elevation (West FaŒade facing parking lot) Side Elevation (East FaŒade facing adjacent residences) Detailing of memorial window with painted symbols and scenes STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 44 Rusholme Road Summary of Significance Design/Physical Value Social Value Historical Value Economic Value Contextual Value Environmental Value Municipal Address: 44 Rusholme Road Legal Description: Plan 352 Part Lot 13 & 14 Year Built: c. 1937 Architectural Style: Tudor Revival Original Owne r: Frederick W. Snyder Original Use: Residential Condition: Excellent Description of Cultural Heritage Resource th 44 Rusholme Road is a two storey mid-20 century house built in the Tudor Revival architectural style. The building is situated on a 0.59 acre parcel of land located on the south side of Rusholme Road between Westmount Road and Dunbar Road. The property is located in the Westmount Planning Community within the City of Kitchener. The principal resource that contributes to the heritage value of the property is the house. Heritage Value 44 Rusholme Road is recognized for its design/physical, historic/associative, and contextual values. Design/Physical Value The design value of 44 Rusholme Road relates to the architecture of the house. It is a rare and representative example of a less common subtype of the Tudor Revival architectural style. The parapeted gables, stone cladding and absence of the decorative half-timbering, often a familiar and distinguishing feature of the Tudor Revival architectural style, make this a unique illustration. The house isa two-storey, lime and cinder block construction, and features an irregular plan with varied hip rooflines and cedar shingles. The attached conservatory is an original feature of the building and contributes to the unique characteristic of the house. The decorative stonework and near original condition display a high degree of craftsmanship contributing to the design/physical value of the property. Historical/Associative Value The historical and associative values of 44 Rusholme Road relate to the original owner, architect, builder, and later significant owners, as well as the designers of the neighbourhood in which the property is a part of. The house at 44 Rusholme Road is located within the Westmount Neighbourhood which was envisioned by prominent rubber industrialist Talmon Rieder before his death in the early 1920s. The neighbourhood neighbourhood in Montreal. of the Westmount Neighbourhood and became the lead of the Kitchener City Planning Commission. Kaufman assumed leadership - approval process for the construction of houses in this neighbourhood to ensure a high standard of design and create an image of prestige and stability (Mavor, 2011). The neighbourhood was governed by restrictive deeds, covenants, and unique by-laws. The design of houses, their setbacks, and ultimate hener and Waterloo, and a distinct community that provided economic, political, athletic, and social leadership in the post-war years was formed (Mavor, 2011). The house was designed by local architect W.H.E. Schmalz. Schmalz, a native of Berlin (now Kitchener) was a prominent architect having graduated from the University of Toronto and known as the Twin Norman Dryden, an early member of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects and Town Planners designed the gardens. Lincoln Stroh, a well-known local general contractor and self- constructed the house in 1937. Stroh built other notable homes in the Westmount neighbourhood (Mavor, 2011). Frederick W. Snyder, an early resident in the Westmount neighbourhood, was one of the founding members of the Economical Mutual Fire Insurance Company and served as Secretary-Treasurer (WHS, Volume 77, pg. 92). He was the original owner of 44 Rusholme Road, one of the finest and most stately homes in the Westmount neighbourhood (Mavor, 2011). Snyder was a founding member and president 1937. Snyder was one of the residents who moved to the Westmount neighbourhood to take advantage of its location adjacent to the golf course (Mavor, 2011). The house was purchased by A.R. Kaufman, of the Kaufman Rubber Company, in 1949. The house changed hands over several private sales. Insurance Company at the time, purchased the house in 1973 (Mavor, 2011). Contextual Value The contextual value of the property relates to the contribution that the house makes to the continuity and character of the Rusholme Road streetscape. consistency with the WWI to late-1930s era of development demonstrated in this portion of the Westmount Neighbourhood. The property is historically linked to its surroundings as it is one of the early homes in the Westmount neighbourhood and is situated on its original site. Heritage Attributes The heritage value of 44 Rusholme Road resides in the following heritage attributes: All elements related to the Tudor Revival architectural style of the building, including: o Irregular plan; o Varied hip rooflines; o Parapeted gable; o Copper trim; o Cedar shingles; o Stone cladding; o Tall, narrow casement windows in groups with multi-pane glazing with stone sills and voussoirs; o Cast stone front door surround with Tudor arch and wood paneled door; o Chimney; and o Conservatory. References City of Kitchener. (1937). Building Permit Number 325: house, attached garage, and conservatory. Kitchener, Ontario. Mavor, S. (2011). . Friesens Corporation: Altona, Manitoba. Photographs Front Elevation (South FaŒade) Detailing of Conservatory