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Hespeler Heritage Conservation District Study

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The Ontario Heritage Act enables the City of Cambridge to designate areas of significance as Heritage Conservation Districts (HCDs). This is done through a designation by-law and applies broadly to properties located within a specified neighbourhood or area. Heritage designation is a way for the community to honour and protect these areas of cultural heritage value.

We want your input on the Hespeler Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study.

What is a Heritage Conservation District (HCD)?

An HCD is a geographically defined area within a municipality that is noted for its distinct heritage character. An HCD may be defined by neighbourhoods or other locations with distinct features, styles, themes, or characteristics. HCDs can include buildings, trees, roads, landscapes and other elements that contribute to their unique character. Under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act, municipalities can protect these districts by designating character-defining elements and their public realm, providing detailed guidance for redevelopment that occurs over time.

Background & Process

In 2020, Council directed staff to begin the Hespeler HCD Study in order to evaluate areas of heritage value within Hespeler and ensure their protection. In 2023, staff identified a portion of downtown Hespeler as a draft Study Area and began the Study process under the Ontario Heritage Act. The designation of an HCD involves two phases: the Study Phase and the Plan Phase. The Study Phase involved reviewing the character of the area and making recommendations on geographic boundaries, content of an HCD Plan, and any changes that will be required to the City’s Official Plan and municipal by-laws [Section 40(2)].

The Study Phase also included significant public consultation. Public feedback was collected through a survey with over 200 respondents. The survey is now closed as of February 1, 2024, however any additional comments or questions can be registered on the project by contacting Contact: Jeremy Parsons, Senior Planner - Heritage, parsonsje@cambridge.ca. A Public Information Centre (PIC) Open House occurred on October 30, 2023 at the Hespeler Legion. A Community Focus Group also provided input through monthly meetings on January 10, February 14, and March 13, 2024. Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) review occurred on April 18, 2024 and a Council decision occurred on June 25, 2024. The staff report presented to Council can be viewed here: Report 24-047-CD.

Plan Phase

As a result of public input and Council's decision, the project will move forward to the Plan Phase. The Plan Phase involves the development of policies, guidelines and procedures to help guide future changes in the District so that the area’s cultural heritage value is conserved. Public consultation continues to be an important part of this project. The following opportunities for public feedback will take place during the Plan Phase:

  • MHAC Launch Meeting @ 7:00pm, virtual (Zoom): November 20, 2024
  • Public Information Centre (PIC) Open House: December 4, 2024 @ 7:00pm, Hespeler Legion
  • Community Focus Group Meetings @ 3:00-4:30pm, virtual (Zoom):
    • January 15, 2025
    • February 12, 2025
    • March 12, 2025
  • MHAC Final Report Meeting @ 7:00pm, virtual (Zoom): March 20, 2025
  • Council Final Report Meeting @ 6:00pm, Council Chambers: April 2025 (date TBD)

Hespeler HCD Community Focus Group

The Community Focus Group is a forum for local residents who are interested in the project to meet and discuss aspects of the HCD and relevant documents and policies. The group will meet three times in 2025 (January 15, February 12, and March 12). If you have an interest in being involved in the Focus Group, contact Jeremy Parsons, Senior Planner - Heritage, parsonsje@cambridge.ca. More information on the Focus Group can be found here: https://www.cambridge.ca/en/your-city/other-committees.aspx.

The Ontario Heritage Act enables the City of Cambridge to designate areas of significance as Heritage Conservation Districts (HCDs). This is done through a designation by-law and applies broadly to properties located within a specified neighbourhood or area. Heritage designation is a way for the community to honour and protect these areas of cultural heritage value.

We want your input on the Hespeler Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study.

What is a Heritage Conservation District (HCD)?

An HCD is a geographically defined area within a municipality that is noted for its distinct heritage character. An HCD may be defined by neighbourhoods or other locations with distinct features, styles, themes, or characteristics. HCDs can include buildings, trees, roads, landscapes and other elements that contribute to their unique character. Under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act, municipalities can protect these districts by designating character-defining elements and their public realm, providing detailed guidance for redevelopment that occurs over time.

Background & Process

In 2020, Council directed staff to begin the Hespeler HCD Study in order to evaluate areas of heritage value within Hespeler and ensure their protection. In 2023, staff identified a portion of downtown Hespeler as a draft Study Area and began the Study process under the Ontario Heritage Act. The designation of an HCD involves two phases: the Study Phase and the Plan Phase. The Study Phase involved reviewing the character of the area and making recommendations on geographic boundaries, content of an HCD Plan, and any changes that will be required to the City’s Official Plan and municipal by-laws [Section 40(2)].

The Study Phase also included significant public consultation. Public feedback was collected through a survey with over 200 respondents. The survey is now closed as of February 1, 2024, however any additional comments or questions can be registered on the project by contacting Contact: Jeremy Parsons, Senior Planner - Heritage, parsonsje@cambridge.ca. A Public Information Centre (PIC) Open House occurred on October 30, 2023 at the Hespeler Legion. A Community Focus Group also provided input through monthly meetings on January 10, February 14, and March 13, 2024. Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) review occurred on April 18, 2024 and a Council decision occurred on June 25, 2024. The staff report presented to Council can be viewed here: Report 24-047-CD.

Plan Phase

As a result of public input and Council's decision, the project will move forward to the Plan Phase. The Plan Phase involves the development of policies, guidelines and procedures to help guide future changes in the District so that the area’s cultural heritage value is conserved. Public consultation continues to be an important part of this project. The following opportunities for public feedback will take place during the Plan Phase:

  • MHAC Launch Meeting @ 7:00pm, virtual (Zoom): November 20, 2024
  • Public Information Centre (PIC) Open House: December 4, 2024 @ 7:00pm, Hespeler Legion
  • Community Focus Group Meetings @ 3:00-4:30pm, virtual (Zoom):
    • January 15, 2025
    • February 12, 2025
    • March 12, 2025
  • MHAC Final Report Meeting @ 7:00pm, virtual (Zoom): March 20, 2025
  • Council Final Report Meeting @ 6:00pm, Council Chambers: April 2025 (date TBD)

Hespeler HCD Community Focus Group

The Community Focus Group is a forum for local residents who are interested in the project to meet and discuss aspects of the HCD and relevant documents and policies. The group will meet three times in 2025 (January 15, February 12, and March 12). If you have an interest in being involved in the Focus Group, contact Jeremy Parsons, Senior Planner - Heritage, parsonsje@cambridge.ca. More information on the Focus Group can be found here: https://www.cambridge.ca/en/your-city/other-committees.aspx.

Questions: Feel free to add your own questions on the Study here.

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  • Share (1) What would the designation of HCD would mean for current residents of the Study Area, particularly those in historic homes that were previously "modernized" without regard for any cultural heritage? (2) What is the sudden incentive for protection of heritage buildings here in Hespeler, among other areas, when there was no incentive previously? (Our Hespeler home dates to 1880, and when we purchased it in 2021, no one cared about its heritage or could provide us with more info on its history, despite our inquiring with the Archives.) (3) How will the HCD be enforced when the City cannot and does not enforce basic bylaws? We've watched signs and walls become graffitied over the past 1.5 years, and blatant disregard for neighbours' comfort (sound and air pollution) and neighbourhood property. The lack of bylaws doesn't help; enforcement seems like a joke, so how will this HCD enforcement be different? on Facebook Share (1) What would the designation of HCD would mean for current residents of the Study Area, particularly those in historic homes that were previously "modernized" without regard for any cultural heritage? (2) What is the sudden incentive for protection of heritage buildings here in Hespeler, among other areas, when there was no incentive previously? (Our Hespeler home dates to 1880, and when we purchased it in 2021, no one cared about its heritage or could provide us with more info on its history, despite our inquiring with the Archives.) (3) How will the HCD be enforced when the City cannot and does not enforce basic bylaws? We've watched signs and walls become graffitied over the past 1.5 years, and blatant disregard for neighbours' comfort (sound and air pollution) and neighbourhood property. The lack of bylaws doesn't help; enforcement seems like a joke, so how will this HCD enforcement be different? on Twitter Share (1) What would the designation of HCD would mean for current residents of the Study Area, particularly those in historic homes that were previously "modernized" without regard for any cultural heritage? (2) What is the sudden incentive for protection of heritage buildings here in Hespeler, among other areas, when there was no incentive previously? (Our Hespeler home dates to 1880, and when we purchased it in 2021, no one cared about its heritage or could provide us with more info on its history, despite our inquiring with the Archives.) (3) How will the HCD be enforced when the City cannot and does not enforce basic bylaws? We've watched signs and walls become graffitied over the past 1.5 years, and blatant disregard for neighbours' comfort (sound and air pollution) and neighbourhood property. The lack of bylaws doesn't help; enforcement seems like a joke, so how will this HCD enforcement be different? on Linkedin Email (1) What would the designation of HCD would mean for current residents of the Study Area, particularly those in historic homes that were previously "modernized" without regard for any cultural heritage? (2) What is the sudden incentive for protection of heritage buildings here in Hespeler, among other areas, when there was no incentive previously? (Our Hespeler home dates to 1880, and when we purchased it in 2021, no one cared about its heritage or could provide us with more info on its history, despite our inquiring with the Archives.) (3) How will the HCD be enforced when the City cannot and does not enforce basic bylaws? We've watched signs and walls become graffitied over the past 1.5 years, and blatant disregard for neighbours' comfort (sound and air pollution) and neighbourhood property. The lack of bylaws doesn't help; enforcement seems like a joke, so how will this HCD enforcement be different? link

    (1) What would the designation of HCD would mean for current residents of the Study Area, particularly those in historic homes that were previously "modernized" without regard for any cultural heritage? (2) What is the sudden incentive for protection of heritage buildings here in Hespeler, among other areas, when there was no incentive previously? (Our Hespeler home dates to 1880, and when we purchased it in 2021, no one cared about its heritage or could provide us with more info on its history, despite our inquiring with the Archives.) (3) How will the HCD be enforced when the City cannot and does not enforce basic bylaws? We've watched signs and walls become graffitied over the past 1.5 years, and blatant disregard for neighbours' comfort (sound and air pollution) and neighbourhood property. The lack of bylaws doesn't help; enforcement seems like a joke, so how will this HCD enforcement be different?

    Rachel Kulick asked about 1 year ago

    Hello Rachel,  

    Thank you for your engagement and your questions. Please see staff responses below:

    1. What would the designation of an HCD mean for current residents of the Study Area, particularly those in historic homes that were previously "modernized" without regard for any cultural heritage?
      • The designation of a Heritage Conservation District would mean that a defined area in Hespeler would be afforded a higher level of recognition and protection under the Ontario Heritage Act. Major alterations to properties in the HCD (including demolition, infill, additions, removal of large trees, etc) would require that property owners seek a Heritage Permit from the City of Cambridge before carrying out significant changes. Minor changes such as painting, landscaping, or replacing the same roof material would be exempt and would not require heritage permitting. Interior spaces and rear yards are also exempt. Property owners who are located within HCDs are also eligible for funds from the Heritage Property Grant Program, which help designated property owners to repair or improve heritage elements of their homes.  If properties that are located in a future HCD have already been altered, there is no process or requirement for retroactive Heritage Permits. We only approve or regulate changes going forward.
    2. What is the sudden incentive for protection of heritage buildings here in Hespeler, among other areas, when there was no incentive previously?
      • In 2020, Council directed staff to look at Hespeler for a potential Heritage Conservation District. Several other areas in Cambridge have already been approved for HCDs (Dickson Hill, Main Street Galt, and Blair) while other areas are being studied for HCDs (East Galt and Galt Core). Downtown Hespeler has been identified as a potential HCD given that it contains a significant concentration of heritage buildings and a unique commercial and industrial landscape anchored on the Speed River. Hespeler is also subject to significant development pressures that could be guided and better regulated through an HCD Plan & Guidelines. Hespeler already has a number of individually designated and listed heritage properties, but an HCD affords a greater ability to ensure suitable, quality development in the downtown.
    3. How will the HCD be enforced when the City cannot and does not enforce basic bylaws? How will this HCD enforcement be different?
      • Should Council and the community decide to move ahead with the Hespeler HCD, a Plan & Guidelines will be created to outline the type of infill, urban design, beautification, alterations, and conservation that should occur in the HCD. The Plan will also outline what is discouraged or prohibited in the District. The Heritage Permit process ensures that these changes only occur in accordance with the Plan and are overseen by the City. The Heritage Permit process is also a public process, informed by the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee, wherein residents can have a say. Major changes that are carried out without regard for the proper process and without a Heritage Permit could be subject to enforcement and fines under the Ontario Heritage Act. Currently, this process works very well in other districts and on Part IV-designated properties. Where heritage designation by-laws exist, the City of Cambridge enforces those by-laws within the processes and parameters outlined under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Page last updated: 09 Oct 2024, 10:41 AM