Simcoe Street Heritage Conservation District Study

For the latest updates and full reports / council directives please visit the Oshawa City web site for the Simcoe Street Heritage District Study:

http://www.oshawa.ca/heritage/default.asp

Update - January 24, 2006

By-Law 132-2005 was passed on October 5, 2005 to initiate a Heritage Conservation District Study on Simcoe Street North.

Click here to see a map of the affected areas.

The area to the east and west of Simcoe Street North between Adelaide Avenue and Rossland Road contains a park and a concentration of buildings constructed in the early 1900's, including Parkwood Estate and many others which have historical and architectural significance.

The area is experiencing pressures for change which could jeopardize the character of the neighbourhood and a heritage conservation district would ensure that the heritage character of the area is maintained and enhanced.

The area will be designated as a study area for one year (until October 2006) during which time no person shall:

  • erect new buildings, structures or additions that are visible from the street
  • demolish buildings or structures or part thereof
  • apply different exterior wall cladding visible from the street
  • demolish or remove any part of verandahs or exterior pillars and columns
  • remove existing trees in front yard

without the prior consent of Council.

All Class 2 Alteration proposals require an application form to be filled out by the owner of the property and to be reviewed by Heritage Oshawa and approved by City Council. Click here for a copy of the Application for Class 2 Alterations.

On December 5, 2005, City Council also authorized the Commissioner of Development Services to retain the services of a professional consultant to undertake the Heritage Conservation Study for the lands within the heritage conservation study area. Staff anticipate a consultant to be selected and the study to be underway by early March.

Throughout the process public input is welcomed, in the form of a Steering Committee that will be established, by contacting your Councillor and through the public meetings.

If the consultant recommends a Heritage Conservation District and Council decides to act on the recommendation then a Heritage Conservation District Plan is prepared and another Public meeting held. The Plan would incorporate specific architectural guidelines as well as strategies for conserving and enhancing the character of the district. A Report through Development Services would recommend a course of action, one option being to approve a Designation By-Law and adoption of the Heritage Conservation District Plan.

Click here to learn more about Heritage Conservation Districts.