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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.

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Page last updated: 09 Oct 2024, 10:41 AM