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About the project
The City is in the process of creating a heritage conservation district plan and guideline for the Ward neighbourhood.
In 2023, Council directed staff to expedite the evaluation of the Ward for designation as a heritage conservation district, which would safeguard the neighbourhood’s heritage resources and cultural heritage landscapes.
Community engagement
The project involves significant community engagement to understand what the community values and how the community envisions the neighbourhood’s evolution.
An open house is planned for March 30, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Italian Canadian Club, to gather community feedback on important buildings, landscapes and characteristics of the study area. To review open house materials and share your feedback online, please visit Have Your Say.
Boundary
The district boundary was approved by Council at their June 14, 2025 meeting.
Project phases
This project is divided into two phases, each including both technical and community engagement activities.
Phase 1: Heritage Conservation District Study
The purpose of the Phase 1 Study was to determine if the Ward Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study area merits designation as a heritage conservation district in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act, provincial guidelines and municipal policies. The study phase included detailed background research and community engagement, and resulted in a Study (see below) that determined the area merits designation as a heritage conservation district with a recommended boundary.
Phase 2: Heritage Conservation District Plan
Phase 2 involves the preparation of an HCD Plan and guidelines in accordance with Part V, Section 41 of the Ontario Heritage Act. The plan will build on the recommendations of the study and provide guidelines for managing change in ways that highlight and conserve the distinct cultural heritage character of the area.
Reports
Ward West Heritage Conservation District Study Report
For more information
Please contact the Project Manager for the HCD Study for more information
Jack Mallon, Heritage Planner
Planning and Building Services
519-822-1260 extension 3872
[email protected]