HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2026-084 - Notice of Intention to Designate 156 Benton Street
Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Heritage Kitchener
DATE OF MEETING: March 3, 2026
SUBMITTED BY: Garett Stevenson, Director of Development and Housing Approvals,
519-783-8922
PREPARED BY: Michelle Drake, Senior Heritage Planner, 519-783-8909
WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 9
DATE OF REPORT: February 9, 2026
REPORT NO.: DSD-2026-084
SUBJECT: Notice of Intention to Designate 156 Benton Street
Under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
RECOMMENDATION:
That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to
publish a Notice of Intention to Designate the property municipally addressed as
156 Benton Street as being of cultural heritage value or interest.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The purpose of this report is to request that Council publish a Notice of Intention to
Designate 156 Benton Street under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.
An updated Statement of Significance describing the cultural heritage value or interest
of 156 Benton Street has been drafted by Heritage Planning staff.
The key finding of this report is that 156 Benton Street meets three (3) of nine (9)
criteria for designation under Ontario Heritage Act Regulation 9/06 (amended by
Ontario Regulation 569/22) and has been confirmed to be a significant cultural
heritage resource recognized for its design/physical, and contextual values.
There are no financial implications.
Community engagement included informing residents by posting this report with the
agenda in advance of the Heritage Kitchener Committee meeting, providing written
correspondence to the property owner, and consulting with Heritage Kitchener at their
January 6, 2026 committee meeting. Should Council choose to give Notice of Intention
to Designate, such notice shall be served on the property owner and the Ontario
Heritage Trust.
This report supports the delivery of core services.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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BACKGROUND:
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156 Benton Street is a two-and-a-half storey early 20 century brick building built in the
Decorative Berlin Vernacular architectural style. The building is situated on a 0.13 acre
parcel of land located on the west side of Benton Street between Courtland Avenue and
Martin Street in the Cedar Hill Schneider Creek Neighbourhood Cultural Heritage
Landscape of the City of Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo. The principal resource
that contributes to the heritage value is the residential building.
Figure 1.0: Location Map of Subject Property (156 Benton Street)
A full assessment of 156 Benton Street has been completed, including: field evaluation
and archival research. The findings conclude that the subject property meets three (3) of
nine (9) criteria for designation under Ontario Heritage Act Regulation 9/06 (amended by
Ontario Regulation 569/22). An updated Statement of Significance describing the
or interest was presented to the Heritage Kitchener
Committee on January 6, 2025. The Committee recommended that pursuant to Section 29
of the Ontario Heritage Act, the cultural heritage value or interest of 156 Benton Street
should be confirmed by pursuing designation of the subject property under Part IV of the
Ontario Heritage Act. This work was undertaken as part of the CityMunicipal Heritage
Register (MHR) Review, initiated in February of 2023
response to amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act introduced in January of 2023
through Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act. Bill 200, the Homeowner Protect Act,
2024, extended the time municipalities have, to designate properties listed on their
municipal heritage registers until January 1, 2027. The City contacted all owners of listed
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properties through an initial letter dated May 23, 2023 and an update letter dated February
27, 2025, to inform them of this undertaking. Owners of properties recommended for
designation were contacted via a second letter. The property owner for 156 Benton Street
was contacted via second letter sent by mail dated January 9, 2026. This letter was
accompanied by the updated Statement of Significance and a ÐGuide to Heritage
Designation for Property OwnersÑ prepared in June 2023. The letter invited property
e Planner with any comments, questions, or
concerns.
Per standard procedure, should Council support the Notice of Intention to Designate
(NOID), the property owner will be contacted a third time through a letter advising of the
served on the property owner and the Ontario Heritage Trust, and the newspaper ad is
posted, there will be a 30-day appeal period in which the property owner may object to the
designation.
Figure 2.0: Front Elevation of 156 Benton Street
REPORT:
Identifying and protecting cultural heritage resources within the City of Kitchener is an
important part of planning for the future, and helping to guide change while conserving the
buildings, structures, and landscapes that give the City its unique identity. The City plays a
critical role in the conservation of cultural heritage resources. The designation of property
under the Ontario Heritage Act is the main tool to provide long-term conservation of
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cultural heritage resources for future generations. Designation recognizes the importance
heritage value or
interest; encourages good stewardship and conservation; and, promotes knowledge and
understanding about the property. Designation not only publicly recognizes and promotes
awareness, but it also provides a process for ensuring that changes to a property are
value or interest.
156 Benton Street is recognized for its design/physical, and contextual values. It satisfies
three (3) of nine (9) criteria for designation under the Ontario Heritage Act Regulation 9/06
(amended by Ontario Regulation 569/22). A summary of the criteria that is or is not met is
provided in Table 1 below.
Criteria Criteria Met
(Yes/No)
1. The property has design value or physical value because it is a Yes
rare, unique, representative or early example of a style, type,
material, or construction method.
2. The property has design value or physical value because it No
displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit.
3. The property has design or physical value because it No
demonstrates a high degree of technical or scientific
achievement.
4. The property has historical value or associative value because it No
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 No
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 No
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 Yes
defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area.
8. The property has contextual value because it is physically, Yes
functionally, visually, or historically linked to its surroundings.
9. The property has contextual value because it is a landmark. No
Table 1: Criteria for Designation under Ontario Regulation 9/06 (Amended by
Ontario Regulation 569/22)
Design/Physical Value
The design/physical value relates to the building that is a representative example of the
Decorative Berlin Vernacular architectural style that is in good condition with many intact
heritage attributes. The building features: brick construction; front gable roofline with
shingle gabled ends; decorative brickwork; verandah with brick piers, tapered square
columns and shingle handrail; pediment above verandah leading to front door; 3/1 and 1/1
hung windows; front picture window with stained glass; and, woodwork including brackets
and sunburst. The building suffered significant damage due to neglect but was
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rehabilitated into a four-unit residential building while still maintaining the design elements
that contribute to the Decorative Berlin Vernacular style. Work includes the replacement of
windows and repainting of woodwork on the facades. Internal work is described as
including the uncovering and displaying the original internal brick walls throughout the
house, preserving the stained-glass window, and preserving much of the ornamental
woodwork.
Contextual Value
The contextual value relates to the buildings contribution to the character of the Benton
and setback are similar to adjacent buildings
helping to define the street edge and contribute to architectural rhythm on the street. The
building is the same architectural style as the building municipally addressed 158-160
Benton Street. It is also a part of the resident-formed Schneider Creek community, which
is located in the Cedar Hill Schneider Creek Neighbourhood Cultural Heritage Landscape,
and is adjacent to the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District.
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 156 Benton Street resides in the following heritage attributes:
All elements related to the construction and Decorative Berlin Vernacular architectural
style of the building, including:
o brick construction;
o front gable roofline with shingle gabled ends;
o decorative brickwork;
o verandah with brick piers, tapered square columns and shingle hand rail;
o pediment above verandah leading to front door;
o windows and window openings, including:
3/1 and 1/1 hung windows; and,
front picture window with stained glass; and,
o woodwork including brackets and sunburst.
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 Heritage Kitchener committee meeting.
CONSULT Heritage Planning staff have consulted with the Heritage Kitchener committee
regarding designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. Property owners were invited to
consult via three separate letters dated May 23, 2023, February 27, 2025 and January 7,
2026.
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Section 29(2) of the Ontario Heritage Act requires Council to consult with the Municipal
Heritage Committee (Heritage Kitchener) before giving Notice of Intention to Designate
(NOID) a property. Heritage Kitchener will be consulted via circulation and consideration of
this report (see INFORM above). Members of the community will be informed via
circulation of this report to Heritage Kitchener and via formal consideration by Council.
Should Council choose to proceed with a NOID, such notice will be served on the property
owner, the Ontario Heritage Trust, and published in the local newspaper (The Record).
Once notice has been served, the property owner has the right to object to the NOID and
appeal the Designating By-law. Should Council decide not to proceed with a NOID then
the building will remain
2027, after which it will be removed in accordance with the legislative changes enacted by
Bill 200. Once removed from the MHR, it cannot be re-listed on the MHR for five (5) years
(i.e., January 1, 2032).
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
Ontario Heritage Act
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
Municipal Heritage Register Review December 2025 Update DSD-2025-467
Municipal Heritage Register Review January 2026 Update DSD-2025-467
Municipal Heritage Register Review February 2026 Update DSD-2026-044
REVIEWED BY: Sandro Bassanese, Manager of Site Plan
APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services
Department
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A Statement of Significance for 156 Benton Street
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Statement of Significance
156 BENTON STREET
Summary of Significance
Design/Physical Value Social Value
Historical/Associative Value Economic Value
Contextual Value Environmental Value
Municipal Address: 156 Benton Street, Kitchener
Legal Description: Plan 397 Part Lot 6
Year Built: 1895
Architectural Style: Decorative Berlin Vernacular
Original Owner: Unknown
Original Use: Residential
Condition: Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
th
156 Benton Street is a one storey early 20 century brick building built in the Decorative Berlin
Vernacular architectural style. The building is situated on a 0.13 acre parcel of land located on
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the west side of Benton Street between Courtland Avenue and Martin Street in the Cedar Hill
Schneider Creek Neighbourhood Cultural Heritage Landscape 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
156 Benton Street West is recognized for its design/physical, historical/associative, and
contextual values.
Design/Physical Value
The design/physical value relates to the building that is a representative example of the
Decorative Berlin Vernacular architectural style that is in good condition with many intact
heritage attributes. The building features: brick construction; front gable roofline with shingle
gabled ends; decorative brickwork; verandah with brick piers, tapered square columns and
shingle handrail; pediment above verandah leading to front door; 3/1 and 1/1 hung windows;
front picture window with stained glass; and, wood work including brackets and sunburst. The
building suffered significant damage due to neglect but was rehabilitated into a four-unit
residential building while still maintaining the design elements that contribute to the Decorative
Berlin Vernacular style. Work includes the replacement of windows and repainting of wood work
on the facades. Internal work is described as including the uncovering and displaying the
original internal brick walls throughout the house, preserving the stained-glass window, and
preserving much of the ornamental wood work.
Contextual Value
ribution to the character of the Benton Street
ion and setback are similar to adjacent buildings helping to
define the street edge and contribute to architectural rhythm on the street. The building is the
same architectural style as the adjacent building municipally addressed 158-160 Benton Street.
It is also a part of the resident-formed Schneider Creek community, which is in the Cedar Hill
Schneider Creek Neighbourhood Cultural Heritage Landscape, and is adjacent to the Victoria
Park Area Heritage Conservation District.
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 156 Benton Street resides in the following heritage attributes:
All elements related to the construction and Decorative Berlin Vernacular architectural style
of the building, including:
o brick construction;
o front gable roofline with shingle gabled ends;
o decorative brickwork;
o verandah with brick piers, tapered square columns and shingle hand rail;
o pediment above verandah leading to front door;
o windows and window openings, including:
3/1 and 1/1 hung windows; and,
front picture window with stained glass; and,
o wood work including brackets and sunburst.
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References
Harley, Douglas T. | History in the Making | Kitchener Public Library
RFB Development. (n.d.). 156 Benton Street. https://www.rfbdevelopment.com/156-benton
Photographs
Front Elevation (South East Façade)
Front Elevation (South East Façade)
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Front and Side Elevation (South East and North East Façades)
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CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION FORM
Address: 156 Benton Street Recorder: JM
Description: Decorative Berlin Vernacular Date: December 4, 2025
(date of construction, architectural style, etc)
Photographs Attached:
Front Facade Left Façade Right Façade Rear Facade Details Setting
Designation Criteria Heritage Planning Staff
1. This property has design value or physical
value because it is a rare, Yes
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 No
craftsmanship or artistic merit.
3. The property has design value or physical
value because it demonstrates a high degree No
of technical or scientific achievement.
* E.g. - constructed with a unique material
combination or use, incorporates challenging
geometric designs etc.
4. The property has historical value or
associative value because it has direct No
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 historical or associative
value because it yields, or has the potential No
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.
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6. The property has historical value or
associative value because No
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 contextual value because it Yes
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 contextual value because it
is physically, functionally, visually or Yes
historically linked to its surroundings.
* Additional archival work may be required.
9. The property has contextual value because it
No
is a landmark.
*within the region, city or neighborhood.
Additional Criteria Heritage Kitchener Committee
Interior: Is the interior arrangement, finish,
craftsmanship and/or detail noteworthy? Unknown
Completeness: Does this structure have other
original outbuildings, notable landscaping or No
external features that complete the site?
Site Integrity: Does the structure occupy its original Yes
site?
* If relocated, is it relocated on its original site, moved from
another site, etc.
Alterations: Does this 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 additional elements or No
features that should be added to the heritage
attribute list?
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Condition: Is the building in good condition?
*E.g. - Could be a good candidate for adaptive re-use if possible Yes
and contribute towards equity-building and climate change
action.
Indigenous History: Could this site be of importance No
to Indigenous heritage and history?
*E.g. - Site within 300m of water sources, near distinct
topographical land, or near cemeteries
might have archaeological potential and indigenous heritage
potential.
Unknown
Could there be any urban Indigenous history
associated with the property?
* Additional archival work may be required.
Function: What is the present function of the Residential
subject property?
* Other may include vacant, social, institutional, etc. and
important for the community from an equity building
perspective.
Diversity and Inclusion: Does the subject property No
contribute to the cultural heritage of a community
of people?
Does the subject property have intangible value to a No
specific 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.
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
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