Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District Expansion Study

Transcription

1 Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District Expansion Study Second Draft July 21, 2016

2 Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction and Overview The Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District Plan Study Purpose History Early History First Settlement War of and the Aftermath The Niagara Harbour and Dock Company and the Welland Canal African-Canadian Settlement Irish Settlement The Twentieth Century The Planning Context Ontario Heritage Act Provincial Policy Statement and the Planning Act Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Official Plan Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District Plan Archaeological Master Plan Comprehensive Zoning By-law Federal Designation National Heritage District Review of the District Plan Physical Setting Plan of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Landscape Analysis Built Form Analysis Boundary Considerations Historic Value of the Place Cohesiveness and Integrity Location and Setting Design Materials Uses District Plan Objectives and Contents Objectives Page

3 11.2 Content Existing Plan Expansion Plan Conclusion and Recommendations Expansion Area Assessment Areas Not Included Dock Area Chautauqua Other Areas Recommendations APPENDICES Appendix I (i) Cultural Heritage Landscape Survey Form - 83 Gage Street (ii) Cultural Heritage Landscape Survey Form - Queen's Royal Park Appendix II (i) Ontario Heritage Act - Ontario Regulation 9/ Appendix III (i) Proposal Heritage Conservation District Boundary Expansion Page

4 Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District Expansion Study 1.0 Introduction and Overview A heritage conservation district can be as small as a complex of buildings, or as large as entire municipality with many buildings, gardens, views and vistas and public spaces. A heritage conservation district may be a collection of buildings of a certain style or period. It may also be the reflection of the history and culture of the people who once lived there and those who live there now. It is a cultural heritage landscape. As users and stewards, the community is vital for the successful designation and conservation of a district. Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) enables the council of a municipality to designate the entire municipality or to define specific areas of the municipality to be designated. District designation enables a council, with the advice of a municipal heritage committee, to adopt a district plan with policies and development guidelines to assist in the conservation, protection and enhancement of an area s special character and to manage change in order to ensure that the district s character is maintained. However, a heritage conservation district is not static. It is a palimpsest of history and memory. Change is natural and inevitable. The district plan is meant to guide change so that change enhances the district s cultural heritage landscape character and honours its history. 3 Page

5 2.0 The Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District Plan The Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District Plan was adopted by Council in In 1996, the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (LACAC) recommended that Council consider expanding the District to include the Dock Area and streets to the north, south and west of the current District. However, this recommendation did not result in any additional study, nor in any formal Council decision to move forward with the expansion. Figure 1 Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District and Proposed 1996 Expansion Area of a large part of Old Town as a national heritage district, the first in Ontario. The national district is larger than the current Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District. It extends from Front Street in the north to a portion of William Street in the south and from Mississagua Street in the west to Wellington Street in the east. In 2003, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada approved the designation In the 30 years since the Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District was adopted, over 100 districts have been approved in Ontario. During that time the OHA has Figure 2 Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada National District been amended and strengthened. The Provincial Policy Statement also includes strong policies that provide for protection of archaeological and cultural heritage resources. More recently, the focus of district plans has shifted from individual 4 Page

6 buildings. Districts are now recognized as cultural heritage landscapes consisting of buildings, streetscapes, open spaces, views and vistas. In addition, the Planning Act now provides for additional tools that can be used in concert with heritage permits. These include consideration of elevations as part of the site planning process and integration of heritage permit approval for major alterations and new construction and heritage design guidelines into a development permit system. 5 Page

7 3.0 Study Purpose The purpose of this study is to: re-examine the history, character and appearance of the existing Queen- Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District and to examine the character of the proposed expansion area including buildings, structures and other features such as streetscapes, gardens and public spaces; recommend an expanded area boundary; recommend objectives of designation and proposed content of the heritage conservation district plan; and recommend changes to other planning documents such as the official plan, if required. 6 Page

8 4.0 History 4.1 Early History The earliest settlers in the Niagara area were the Mound Builders, native people who traveled here from the Ohio Valley and settled in the Niagara region around 100 AD. Four hundred years later the ancestors of the Six Nations Confederacy replaced them. By 1400, Neutral Indians occupied the area relying on fishing, hunting and agriculture to survive. It is from their word, Onighiara, describing the waters flowing between Lakes Erie and Ontario, that Niagara is derived. The Iroquois defeated the Neutrals in the mid 1600 s. Later Mississauga natives settled on the Canadian bank of the Niagara River. Etienne Brule was probably the first European to visit the area in Other French explorers used the Aboriginal portage around Niagara Falls for trade with the west. Beginning with LaSalle in 1679, the French constructed several buildings on the American side of the river to serve as links in the lucrative fur trade. One of these was Fort Niagara, across the river from Niagara-on-the-Lake. During the Seven Years War the British engaged in military action against the French at Fort Niagara. The provisions of the Treaty of Paris in 1763, gave the British the fort. Sir William Johnson also negotiated a settlement with the Aboriginal population and the British Crown was given a strip of land on both sides of the River. 4.2 First Settlement The Town of Niagara was founded as a direct result of the proximity of Fort Niagara on the east bank of the Niagara River. That strategic outpost was responsible for provisioning distant garrisons such as Detroit and Michilimackinac. Most of the supplies came from Britain. With the arrival of many refugees from the American Revolutionary War, who were housed at Fort Niagara, the situation became desperate. Governor-General Haldimand proposed to settle the Loyalists on the rich agricultural lands on the west bank. Allotments were provided on a token rent basis, later converted to a system of grants. When the Butler s Rangers regiment was disbanded in 1784, 258 officers and men were assigned land with clear title to be granted after 10 years of satisfactory residence. In 1791, a town plan was devised by Assistant Surveyor General D.W. Smith consisting of a military grid system of four (4) acre blocks divided into one (1) acre lots. Subsequently, the lots between Queen Street and the waterfront were reduced to a half acre. The main streets, now known as Queen, King, Mary, William, Mississsagua and Butler, were laid out to a width of 99 feet with 66 foot wide secondary streets. An area towards the interior was designated as the town centre; 7 Page

9 but in practice commerce gravitated towards the waterfront with housing along Queen Street. In 1792, Governor Simcoe chose the Town as the capital of Upper Canada. He named it Newark and set about reorganizing the territory for more efficient government. The former administrative districts were divided into counties and then into townships where lot plans were made ready for settlement. The arrival of government officials and military personnel encouraged the establishment of businesses to supply their needs. Workmen skilled in the building trades were attracted to Newark, some from as far away as Lower Canada. The settlers brought with them their vision of what a proper house should look like and many fine houses were erected during this period. In 1794, D.W. Smith reported there were about 150 houses in the Town. At that point, the original Town plot was enlarged to a plan of 412 lots including reserves. Construction of Fort George began in 1796; but for reasons of security the capital was moved to York in Figure 3 - Gray Map, 1810, Library and Archives of Canada Newark reverted to the role of county seat and the inhabitants applied to the legislature for their old name back. Niagara remained the legal name of the Town until Regional government was established in War of and the Aftermath The War of brought a halt to the Town s growth. The American forces occupied the Town on May 27, 1813 and on December 10, 1813, before retreating across the Niagara River, put the Town of Niagara to the torch destroying virtually all the buildings and severely damaging others. The form of Niagara-on-the-Lake as it is today is largely the result of the reorganization which took place during the reconstruction. Except for those enterprises directly connected with shipping, businesses tended to concentrate along Queen Street. Returning residents built their houses mainly between Queen Street and the waterfront and up King Street to the new Court House, which had been built, for safety s sake, at the upper end of the street. 8 Page

10 The first streets to be rebuilt were Prideaux, Front, Queen and Johnson running east-west and the cross streets from King to Mississagua. A four (4) acre block south of Queen Street belonging to D.W. Smith was sold back to the Crown and designated as a market square. In order to compensate for lands expropriated to build Fort Miississauga, a new survey was opened up east of King Street in Although the streets were a continuation of those already in existence to the west, new names were assigned. Prideaux east of King Street became Byron Street, Queen became Picton Street and Johnson became Platoff Street. Figure 4 - Baddley Map, 1827 Niagara Historical Museum The Niagara Harbour and Dock Company and the Welland Canal The evolution of the Town from the end of the War of onwards was affected by periods of boom and recession, with an attendant rise and fall in building construction. Initially there was a period of rapid growth and commercial success, mainly because of Niagara s location at the end of Lake Ontario and the head of the portage route around Niagara Falls. It was also the government headquarters for the Niagara District for most of this period. Enterprises such as the Niagara Harbour and Dock Company, founded in 1831, provided many jobs and the increase in population led to new building construction. In 1829 the first Welland Ship Canal was completed, replacing the overland portage route that was vital to the economy of Niagara. Despite this setback, the Town embarked on an era of economic diversification between 1830 and The Niagara Harbour and Dock Company, established in 1831, built sailing vessels, steamboats, docks and warehouses around the new harbour. Industry followed, including a tannery and a brewery. Fine commercial buildings were also constructed along Queen Street at this time. 9 Page

11 This period of prosperity ended with the construction of the second Welland Canal in the mid 1840 s and the ultimate failure of the Niagara Harbour and Dock Company. The situation was compounded when the county seat was relocated from Niagara to St. Catharines, despite the construction of the handsome third Court House in 1847, designed by the eminent Anglo-Canadian architect, William Thomas. As a result, the population of the Town declined steadily throughout the second half of the nineteenth century. 4.5 African-Canadian Settlement Although the Loyalist settlers in Niagara brought their slaves with them from the United States, slavery never took permanent root in Upper Canada. On July 9, 1793, Canada s first and only anti-slavery act was given royal assent by Governor John Graves Simcoe, fully 40 years before the British parliament abolished slavery throughout the Empire. Figure 5 - Negro Burying Ground, Mississagua Street The Act to prevent the future introduction of slaves and to limit the terms of contracts for servitude within the province was a compromise in that it provided for freedom for future generations of slaves and effectively ended slavery in Canada. From the beginning, Niagara was the end of an Underground Railroad system and many escaped slaves who successfully made the perilous trip settled in the Town. By 1850 there was a significant African-Canadian community located predominantly near the Negro Burial Ground in an area bounded by Mary, Mississagua, Anne and King Streets. Some of the remaining smaller, older homes in this area may have been owned by African-Canadian families though all of their descendants have since moved away. 10 Page

12 4.6 Irish Settlement During the 1840 s immigrants from Ireland fleeing the Irish Potato Famine came to Niagara seeking employment constructing the Welland Canal and later finding work on the railroad. The area in which they settled, along Rye Street near the site of the second Court House, was known as Irishtown. However, little evidence remains to mark their residence in the Town. 4.7 Summer Visitors The survival of both the lake steamer service and the railroad line and the construction of a network of electric railways across the peninsula laid the foundation for the revival of Niagara as an important resort area in the late nineteenth century. Though it was off the beaten path, the area was known for its fresh air, moderate climate and waterfront location. Figure 6 - Charles Inn (Richardson-Kiely House) Wealthy American visitors came to stay for long summer vacations resulting in the enlargement of some of the older homes to accommodate extended families and servants. Large new summer residences were also constructed with balconies, verandahs, widows walks and large airy rooms. A religious camp grew up in the Chautauqua area resulting in the construction of a hotel; an amphitheatre seating several thousand people; and a Figure 7 - Queen's Royal Niagara Hotel Niagara Historical Museum number of summer cottages of a distinctly picturesque Victorian design. When the Chautauqua Institute ceased to exist, the ensuing development took on a unique street design resembling the spokes of a wheel. The Queen s Royal Niagara Hotel was constructed in what is now Queen s Royal Park. It accommodated such distinguished visitors such as the Duke and Duchess of York, the future King George V and Queen Mary. Tennis courts, a lawn bowling green and a pavilion for parties and dances attested to the popularity of Niagara as a summer resort. 11 Page

13 4.8 The Twentieth Century Throughout the twentieth century, tender fruit farming and tourism have been the basis of the local economy. In 1902, Niagara unofficially became Niagara-on-the- Lake. The title was made official with the introduction of Regional government in In the mid 1970 s, encouraged by the special climate of Niagara, Inniskillin winery began to plant vinefera vines and was producing wine from those grapes by the early 1980 s. The switch to vinefera grapes resulted in a burgeoning wine industry that has seen tremendous growth and has resulted in the creation of a number of estate wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Figure 8 - Niagara-on-the-Lake - Inniskillin Vineyards many of which have introduced interesting and challenging modern architectural styles to the residents of the Town. These are becoming increasingly celebrated in Canada and around the world. Figure 9 Southbrook Estate Winery Cultural institutions such as the Niagara Historical Society Museum, have always been important for Niagara-on-the- Lake s development. The founding of the Shaw Festival, the 1960 s also saw growth of cultural institutions such as the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre. The festival has since grown to encompass three theatres; is open from April until November; and attracts over 300,000 patrons each year. Figure 10 - Royal George Theatre, Queen Street - Shaw Festival 12 Page

14 5.0 The Planning Context Ontario Heritage Act The Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) is the primary legislation that enables municipalities to conserve, manage and protect heritage properties and areas. The Act has two parts. Part IV allows municipalities to designate individual properties as significant heritage resources. Part V of the Act [Subsection 41(1)] enables a municipality to designate the entire municipality or any defined area or areas in the municipality as heritage conservation districts. District designation enables a council to manage and guide future change in the district through adoption of a district plan containing policies and guidelines for conservation, protection and enhancement of the area s special character. The significance of a district often extends beyond its built heritage, structures, streets, landscape and other physical and special elements, to include important vistas and views between and towards buildings and spaces such as the views from Queen s Royal Park out towards Lake Ontario and Fort Niagara and the view along Queen Street towards the cenotaph. In 2005 the OHA amendments and related amendments to the Planning Act and the Provincial Policy Statement provided a clear framework for identification, conservation and protection of cultural heritage resources in heritage conservation districts. Key changes in Part V of the OHA included: Requiring municipalities to adopt a district plan for every district designated after 2005; The option to have interim controls for up to one year to protect an area being studied for designation; Requiring municipal review of development applications and undertaking of public works in a heritage conservation district to be consistent with the district plan; Additional power to control alterations to other property features such as landscaping and fencing; Ability to exempt minor alterations from approval requirements; Requiring notice of district designation by-laws to be placed on the title of all properties in the district; and Requiring Part V controls to be applied to Part IV designated properties where the plan is adopted under the amended act. The resulting district plan for the expanded Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District will reflect the 2005 the amendments to Part V of the OHA as they relate to expansion of the Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District. 13 Page

15 5.1 Provincial Policy Statement and the Planning Act Part I, Provincial Administration of the Planning Act recognizes that the conservation of features of significant architectural, cultural, historical, archaeological or scientific interest are of Provincial interest and the Minister, council of a municipality, a local board and the Ontario Municipal Board are required to have regard to these matters in carrying out their responsibilities. The five (5) year review of the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) was completed in The new Provincial Policy Statement includes explicit policies for the conservation of cultural heritage and archaeological resources. Section 2.6, Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, provides prescriptive policies for the conservation of significant built heritage resources and significant cultural heritage landscapes and further emphasizes that development and site alteration is not permitted on adjacent lands to protected heritage property unless the heritage attributes of the protected heritage property are conserved. Archaeological resources are afforded the same protection. The key defined terms related to Section 2.6 of the PPS are: Significant built heritage resources are resources that have been determined to have cultural heritage value or interest for the important contribution they make to our understanding of the history of a place, an event, or a people. Cultural heritage landscapes are a defined geographical area that may have been modified by human activity and is identified as having cultural heritage value or interest by a community. The area may involve features such as structures, spaces, archaeological sites or natural elements that are valued together for their interrelationship, meaning or association and can include a National Historic Site or District designation. The PPS policies regarding built heritage resources and cultural landscapes and the two (2) associated definitions apply to designation of heritage conservation districts under the OHA as a mechanism for conservation of identified heritage conservation districts. 5.2 Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Official Plan The current Official Plan includes a definition of heritage; general policies regarding requirements for planning impact analyses for development applications and tree preservation and reforestation polices. The Plan also contains specific heritage policies and criteria for heritage districts including policies requiring preparation of a 14 Page

16 district plan and for the protection of archaeological sites. These policies enable the Town to establish heritage conservation districts and to expand existing districts. The new Official Plan, which has not been adopted by Council and is currently under review, contains enhanced and updated heritage policies that reflect the 2005 amendments to the OHA. The Plan contains policies specific to heritage districts. These policies provide criteria for a district plan and consideration for tree conservation and protection of views and vistas. The policies also recognize that heritage districts are cultural heritage landscapes. The new Plan contains policies specific to the Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District including policies that allow for integrating heritage permits into a development permit system for the district and that provide for expansion of the district. 5.3 Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District Plan The Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District Study and Plan were approved by Council in In many ways the plan was ahead of its time. It recognized the distinct characteristics of the business and residential areas and the need to prevent the commercial area from infiltrating residential streets. Figure 11 - Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District The Plan incorporated a series of physical, social and economic goals that included: Maintaining a cohesive, well-designed district that emphasizes the human scale and historic character of the streetscape; Encouraging conservation and enhancement of historic building stock; Guiding construction of new buildings so that they are of good and compatible design; Ensuring that supporting infrastructure such as traffic patterns and car parking complement the human scale, historic character and businesses; Introducing appropriate landscaping, street lights, signage and pedestrian amenities; Conserving and strengthening the small town character; Involving the community in major issues impacting the district; 15 Page

17 Developing the district as a place to live in as well as a place to shop and work; Maintaining Queen and Picton Streets as a progressive, profitable commercial district; Developing programs that will relieve problems in the district such as car parking, traffic flow and negative impacts on adjacent residential areas; Using and adapting building stock in a full and profitable manner; and Providing incentives and assistance to individual property owners to ensure correct conservation procedures for their properties. The current plan provides a rating system of A, B and C for properties within the district. At the time the plan was written this system was directly related to buildings and structures in conformity with policies in the OHA. Since that time, amendments to the OHA and other planning documents have extended the consideration of significance to the landscape, fences and other attributes of properties and streets within heritage conservation districts. The Plan provides an assessment of building styles and heritage district guidelines for the treatment of buildings and structures. It also includes objectives and policies that address the streetscape and the vocabulary of that streetscape including: parking and traffic; the streetscape; pedestrian amenities; sidewalks and boulevards; open space; gardens; lighting; signage; and road configuration. Many of the objectives and design guidelines in the current plan are relevant today, a testament to the success of the heritage conservation district plan. These will be incorporated into the new plan for the expanded district along with new objectives and policies that address current conditions and amendments to the OHA and other planning documents. 5.4 Archaeological Master Plan The Archaeological Master Plan was completed and adopted by Council in Official Plan Amendment No. 12 implemented archaeological policies for the Town. The entire urban area of Old Town is located in the zone of archaeological potential. All planning applications in the zone of archaeological potential that impact 16 Page

18 properties require a preliminary archaeological survey. While the majority of surveys do not result in discovery of archaeological resources, there have been significant discoveries in Old Town in the 16 years since the archaeological policies were implemented. Any archaeology that cannot be removed from a site becomes a significant heritage resource within a heritage conservation district. Objectives and policies regarding archaeology and archaeological resources will be implemented when the heritage conservation district is expanded and the district plan is amended or rewritten. 5.5 Comprehensive Zoning By-law The Comprehensive Zoning By-law was approved in The residential area of the Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District is zoned Established Residential (ER) Zone. Permitted uses are single detached dwellings, in keeping with the character of the area, and uses that can be accommodated in these dwellings such as bed and breakfast establishments, home occupations and cottage rentals. Official Plan Amendment 68 dealing with lot frontage and lot depth provided policies for the protection of community character and cultural heritage resources in the Established Residential (ER) Zone and Established Residential designation by ensuring that new development is compatible with the existing streetscape by requiring in depth planning impact analyses and zoning amendments for all new development in this area as a result of an application to sever land. However, there are currently no specific urban design guidelines or regulations dealing with compatibility, height, mass and scale. The commercial area of the district is zoned Queen Picton Commercial (QPC) Zone in recognition of its heritage significance and tourism commercial function. In this zone contextual zoning limits the height of buildings and building lot coverage to ensure compatibility of building mass and scale. If additional zoning regulations are required to protect cultural heritage resources, policies will be included in the plan for the expanded district to address these. 5.6 Federal Designation National Heritage District A portion of the Old Town was formally recognized as a National Historic District, the first in Ontario, in 2004 (Figure 2). It extends from Front Street in the north to a portion of William Street in the south and from Mississagua Street in the west to Wellington Street in the east. The designation includes all of the Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District, which is subject to the policies in the OHA and the district plan. 17 Page

19 The historic district covers 25 city blocks and includes more than 90 residential, commercial, ecclesiastical and institutional buildings constructed between 1815 and There are 100 pre-1860 buildings in the National Heritage District over 50 of which are located in the current Queen-Picton Heritage Conservation District. The majority of the buildings are constructed in the British Classical tradition, with similarities in design, materials and scale. The wide, tree-lined streets within the district follow a late 18th century grid plan. The district also includes Simcoe Park and three (3) early 19 th century churches and surrounding cemeteries. The landscape is gently rolling in places, with a creek running through part of the district. The official recognition refers to the approximately 41 hectares of related buildings and landscapes within the district boundaries. Currently there are no legislative controls associated with national designation. 18 Page

20 6.0 Review of the District Plan As part of the review, planning staff and the Municipal Heritage Committee (MHC) are producing a revised inventory of properties in the District and in the proposed expansion area. This includes re-assessing properties in the district, including institutional uses, cemeteries, parks and open spaces (Appendix I). Other cultural heritage landscape attributes are also being assessed and documented. Buildings that have been removed as a result of natural disaster, such as fire, or through the heritage permit process, are also being documented as are major alterations including new additions, restoration and redevelopment, if applicable. Staff and the Municipal Heritage Committee are researching best practices and approaches in the field of heritage conservation. This will result in some changes in nomenclature in the district plan,; for example, changing the evaluation criteria for buildings and properties from A, B, and C to significant, contributing, noncontributing, and/or other and new. There will also be provision of clearly defined criteria for studies such as heritage impact assessments and building documentation, and when these studies are required. Policies related to archaeological resources will also be included since archaeological sites can be designated under Part V of the OHA. 19 Page

21 7.0 Physical Setting Old Town is located in the northeast corner of the Town of Niagara-on-the- Lake at the mouth of the Niagara River where it flows into Lake Ontario. It is situated directly across the Niagara River from the Village of Youngstown. The proximity of the United States had a Figure 12 - Old Town Urban Area profound effect on the life and culture of the Town. Two additional waterbodies flow through the urban area of Old Town, the One and Two Mile Creeks. Simcoe Park, at the northeast corner of Picton and King Streets, and Queen s Royal Park on Front Street, which provides public access to the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, are the major public open spaces in the Old Town. Perhaps the most significant open space in Old Town is the Commons, which borders its east side. This 2.4 hectare site and Fort George, which is adjacent to the Commons, are administered by Parks Canada as a National Historic Site. These two sites are reflective of the significant military history of the Town from its earliest days as first capital of Upper Canada, through the War of and the First and Second World Wars. Parks Canada provides interpretive signage that illustrates the history of the Commons and this vast open space is used and enjoyed by both residents and visitors. On west side Old Town is bordered by another large open space which is also the property of Parks Canada. This area is the home of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club and the site of Fort Mississauga, a star-shaped fort constructed after the War of Although the golf club is a private club, its facilities are open to the public and it provides additional views and access to Lake Ontario. A path through the course also provides public access to the Fort. 20 Page

22 7.1 Plan of the Niagara-on-the-Lake The plan for Old Town was executed in 1791 by D. W. Smith, Deputy Surveyor General and has impacted the community s character and growth over the past 225 years. Peter Stokes, in his book Old Niagara on the Lake, explained the evolution of the plan. A military reserve was set apart and a site designated near the mouth of the Niagara River for the new Fort George. A town plot was devised with generous street allowances. Some, such as King, Queen and Mississauga, were a chain and a half (99 feet) while the remainder were a chain, or 66 feet. In Mr. Stokes opinion, the layout was the work of military minds, a gridiron of four-acre blocks subdivided into one-acre lots. Subsequently, the part between Queen and the waterfront was divided into halfacre parcels and in 1794, the plot was enlarged to a plan of 412 lots including reserves. Although the interior was laid out for a Town centre, the commercial area grew up along Queen Street which was a more convenient location, closer to the fort and the waterfront. Clergy reserves were set apart for churches and to this day St. Marks, St. Vincent de Paul and St. Andrews are maintained on the original four (4) acre plots. 1 Despite continued division of the original lots, the pattern of Figure 13 - Plan of Niagara, Surveyor General's Office, 1817, Brock University four (4) acre blocks in a military grid of intersecting streets is still in evidence as an indication of the Town s early origin. 1 Peter John Stokes, Old Niagara on the Lake (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1971), Page

23 8.0 Landscape Analysis Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake is situated in a strategic location at the mouth of the Niagara River at its junction with Lake Ontario, directly across from Youngstown, New York. It is located in the middle of a unique agricultural landscape of small tender fruit farms and vineyards. As the Submission Report to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada states: Figure 14 - Queen's Royal Park A strong sense of time and place is derived from the concentration of buildings constructed over a 44 year period, from 1815 to 1859, from their siting and design, from the proportions and layout of streets, many of which lack curbs and gutters as in the past, and from the landscape features of the area, including views from within the district of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. 2 Figure 15 - Old Lawn Bowling Club - Regent The Old Town survey is based on a grid plan provided by the government in 1794, and is derived from one commonly used for new towns in the British colonies. These plans required a square or rectangular grid plan for residential and commercial spaces, an area for military uses and a commons. The Old Town grid does not follow this formal colonial plan entirely, however. It is canted to the northwest and southeast and is irregularly cut off Figure 16 - St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church 2 Rhona Goodspeed, Niagara-on-the-Lake Historic District, HSMBC Submission Report Place (2003), Page

24 on the southwest side. Despite burning and rebuilding during the War of , and continuous subdivision of the original four (4) acre blocks and one (1) acre lots over the ensuing years, the basic grid form has been maintained and is one of the Figure 17 - Estate Lot - Gage Street unique character-defining features of the Town. Views to and from Lake Ontario and the Niagara River are still visible from Queen s Royal Park to the north and large open spaces and lots act as focal points throughout the area. Figure Prideaux Street from Front Street Landscape features that enforce the unique cultural landscape of Old Town include a series of original four (4) acres blocks which have never been subdivided. Three (3) of these blocks are occupied by early churches, with their surrounding cemeteries. These are St. Mark s Anglican to the north, St. Andrews Presbyterian to the south and St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic, Two (2) of these churches, St. Mark s and St. Andrew s are located on the same sites granted to them before the Town was burned by the retreating Americans in Simcoe Park occupies a full four (4) acre block at the east end of the commercial area. Queen s Royal Park, site of the old Queen s Royal Hotel, affords views of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. Lying just Figure 19 - Prideaux Street Streetscape outside the urban boundary are two expansive open spaces owned by the Federal government and administered by Parks Canada. These are the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club and Fort Mississauga, which provides open green space at the west end of the Old Town, and the Commons, which abuts the urban boundary to the east. 23 Page

25 Throughout the Old Town there are additional large privately owned lots, several as large as two (2) and four (4) acres. These have been identified as Estate Lots. 3 Several of those which include significant built heritage resources are the Clench property on the southeast corner of Johnson and Mississagua Streets, Peaceacres on the southeast corner of Queen and Mississagua Figure 20 - Queen Street - Early 20th Century, Niagara Historical Museum Streets, the Charles Inn on the northwest corner of Queen and Simcoe Streets, the Breakenridge-Hawley property at the northeast corner of Mississagua and William Streets, the Wilderness, located between King and Regent Streets south of Centre Street, and the Kerr property on Prideaux Street. Other large open spaces of importance include the old Lawn Bowling Club site behind the Court House at the northeast corner of Regent and Johnson Streets and the Parliament Figure 21 - Queen Street - 21st Century Oak school site, which is located on a through lot between King and Regent Streets south of Gage and north of Centre Street. The survival of a large number of spacious well-treed and landscaped lots, many of which retain their original homes, juxtaposed with smaller lots with buildings of more modest size; but which are no less significant heritage resources, contribute to the unique landscape qualities of the Old Town. Other features that contribute to Old Town s distinct cultural landscape include minimal use of curb and gutter on residential streets, wide boulevards, well-spaced houses, low picket fences, profuse gardens and varied building setbacks. As described by Nicholas Hill In the 1986 Queen-Picton Heritage Conservation District Plan, the residential areas of Old Town have a countryesque feel. Features combine to create a soft-textured streetscape that is distinct and pleasurable and of human scale. 4 In the business area, particularly along Queen and Picton Streets, the landscape is defined by the wide street, distinctive focal points such as Simcoe Park and views of the Cenotaph and the Court House, the landscaped boulevards and wide sidewalks. 3 Nicholas Hill, Niagara-on-the-Lake Estate Lots (1986) 4 Nicholas Hill, Queen-Picton Streets A Conservation District Plan (1986), Page

26 Commercial properties of varying ages and styles are, for the most part, located close to the sidewalk and are of relatively modest human scale. 25 Page

27 9.0 Built Form Analysis Within the National District there is a predominance of buildings designed in the British Classical tradition. Within that tradition, building styles are further classified as Georgian or Neoclassical. There are also a number of Regency structures. Gothic Revival, Italianate and Queen Anne styles are rare; but do exist and are a welcome addition to the varied streetscape. Brick, clapboard and roughcast are the predominant cladding materials. With the exception of buildings located on the larger Estate Lots, most of the older structures in the existing Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District and the larger National District are of similar scale and are one or two storeys in height. Those of a particularly early date are usually situated close to the street while later houses are set back on expansive lawns. This is particularly notable along Front Street where expansive landscaped lawns lead down to the road affording views from the Figure 22 - Kirby House, Front Street properties into Queens Royal Park and beyond to Lake Ontario, the Niagara River and Fort Niagara in Youngstown, New York. In contrast, the vast majority of early buildings along Prideaux and Johnson Streets are located at or near the sidewalk. The earlier buildings range in design from simple centre hall Georgian to more elaborate Neoclassical with elliptical fanlights and sidelights and applied classical details such as Ionic pilasters, columns and dentil mouldings. Houses with picturesque Figure 23 - Johnson Street House Regency details are dotted throughout the Old Town area. These buildings frequently have features such as low pitched hip roofs, porches with delicate posts and intricate fretwork and tall French doors or windows. Often these Regency details Figure 24 - Centre Street House have been applied to more traditional Neo Classical buildings. Infill buildings of a later date, including more contemporary 26 Page

28 designs, are generally designed to be compatible with the existing buildings in scale, mass and height. Many of the buildings in the existing heritage district and the proposed expansion area have undergone appropriate restoration that enhances the character of the area and highlights their original appearance. Buildings within the business area of the Queen Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District reflect earlier commercial design characteristics such as Figure 25 - Queen Street - Gollop House the large number of freestanding buildings and individualized shop fronts some of which have a domestic appearance. The majority are frame with clapboard exteriors. Most are located on or close to the sidewalk and, with the exception of the Court House and one or two later buildings, are of similar size and scale. Peter Stokes describes the buildings on Queen Street as the primitive stage of main street development where every man builds for himself; but where discipline reigned in the simple elements uses in the design, restricted materials, repetition of architectural features and good proportions. 5 Figure 26 - Queen Street - North Side 5 Peter John Stokes, Old Niagara on the Lake (1971),.8 27 Page

29 10.0 Boundary Considerations When evaluating an area for a heritage district boundary expansion, consideration must be given to a number of character defining features which, when taken as a whole, provide valid, defensible reasons for establishing a new boundary. The Historic Sites and Monuments Board Submission Report in assessing the commemorative integrity of the National District, rated the Old Town in relation to a number of factors in order to establish the extent of the District. These included: 1. Historic value of the place. 2. Cohesiveness and integrity in terms of: Location; Design; Setting; Materials and; Uses. The submission report provides good, defensible evidence for the existing National District boundary. In order to consider expansion beyond this boundary for the Queen-Picton Heritage Conservation District Boundary, the same high standard of value of place, cohesiveness and integrity must be achieved Historic Value of the Place The historic value of Old Town is well-documented. Niagara was first populated by Aboriginal peoples 10,000 years ago. Artefacts associated with them have been uncovered in Old Town. European settlement began in the late 18 th century when United Empire Loyalists housed in Fort Niagara after the American Revolution were given land in Niagara. Niagara experienced an impressive series of firsts. It was the first capital of Upper Canada and the first parliament was held here. Slavery was essentially abolished at the first parliament, a full 40 years before it was abolished in the rest of the British Empire. Niagara was also the location of the first library and first newspaper in the new colony. Niagara was the site of some of the heaviest fighting in the War of The small town laid out by D.W. Smith was destroyed by the retreating Americans in December Although only fragments of one or two pre-war buildings remain, during the post war rebuilding period the basic layout of the town was maintained and the majority of the most significant buildings in the Georgian, Neo Classical and Regency style from that early building period survive. They inform the unique historic 28 Page

30 character of Old Town and, more specifically, the character and cultural heritage landscape qualities of the proposed expansion area. Another significant period in the Town s history is the growth of tourism in the late nineteenth and early 20 th centuries that resulted in the construction of large summer homes or the expansion of earlier homes on spacious lots Cohesiveness and Integrity The cohesiveness and integrity of the existing Queen-Picton Heritage Conservation District and the proposed expansion area exist on several levels and contribute to a strong sense of time and place. The grid plan, the proportion of the streets, the uniform four (4) acre size of the blocks, the general lack of curb and gutter in most of the residential area, the use of low picket fencing, the tree canopy and gardens provide a consistent and distinctive character to the area Location and Setting The grid plan of four (4) acre blocks as originally laid out in the 1794 survey and the later New Survey is still in evidence. Views to Lake Ontario have been maintained along Front Street. One Mile Creek still flows through the yards of a number of properties. Many of the earliest houses from the initial rebuilding after the War of survive. Most of these are situated close to the street. The church properties, including the surrounding cemeteries, which existed prior to 1813 are extant. Large open space features that contribute to the cultural landscape character of the proposed expansion area have been maintained. These include Queen s Royal Park with views to the lake and river; Simcoe Park; and the Lawn Bowling Club property. Many of the larger estate lots and their early houses have also survived including the Wilderness, the Clench House property, the Kerr-Wooll property, the White House and the Charles Inn. They are augmented by additional large open institutional sites such as the Parliament Oak School property, the original site of the Campbell- Plumb house, St. Mark s Anglican Church and cemetery, St. Andrew s Presbyterian Church and cemetery, St. Vincent de Paul Church and cemetery and the former Lawn Bowling Club. The survival of the Estate Lots and their significant built heritage resources and retention and enhancement of the institutional open spaces in the current district and proposed expansion area contributes to a sense of place that is as distinctive as the Oglethorpe Plan for the public squares of Savannah. 29 Page

31 Design There is a cohesiveness in the design and scale of both the earlier and later buildings within the proposed boundary. The early buildings are mainly one or two storey structures with symmetrical facades. They are predominantly Georgian, Neo Classical or Regency in style. Some incorporate elegant features such as classical columns and trim, arcades and fanlights. Smaller, more modest houses incorporate many of these early stylistic features including simple transoms and sidelights, columns, eave returns and trim details. Figure 27 - Regent Street House Although there have been a number of newer residential infill buildings over time, these newer buildings are representative of the popular styles of their era, such as Italianate, Queen Anne and Gothic and Romanesque Revival. They are compatible in scale with the earlier buildings and represent the continued evolution of Old Town as it moved away from its British roots. They also reflect the prosperous periods in Niagara s history. Along Queen Street in the business area the buildings, some of which date from the 1820 s are, for the most part, of early design and form with Neo Classical and Classical Revival details such as the Niagara Apothecary and the LCBO building. A number of the small standalone buildings such as the Gollop House, have a domestic appearance unique to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Figure 28 - LCBO Building Queen Street 30 Page

32 Materials While frame structures predominate there are a number of early red brick buildings. These include several superb examples on Prideaux Street and a number which have unique brick arcades such as the McDougall-Harrison House and the Liquor Store on Queen Street and the Stewart property on Prideaux Street. Roughcast is also a common finish, although it may sometimes be a covering for clapboard (Figure 18 Kirby House). Later infill structures are generally compatible with the early Figure 29 - Queen Street House houses in both scale and materials. Stone is rare in Old Town and is generally used for major institutional buildings such as the Court House and St. Mark s Anglican Church Uses Buildings and spaces have retained similar uses as in the past. The commercial uses are clustered along Queen and Picton Streets and along some of the adjacent side streets. Efforts to prevent commercial uses from infiltrating the adjacent residential neighbourhood have generally been successful. Public and institutional properties have Figure 31 Niagara Public School - Platoff Street maintained their uses as churches, and public buildings and spaces. While the first public school, the first high school and the customs house are no longer used for their original purposes, they have been adapted to new uses that are compatible with their cultural heritage features and surrounding properties, ensuring their survival as part of the fabric of the community. Figure 30 - Court House Queen Street 31 Page

33 11.0 District Plan Objectives and Contents 11.1 Objectives The Queen Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District is considered to be a designed district because of the military grid imposed in 1794; but also an evolved dynamic district; one that has grown over a long period of time with elements that document its evolutionary process. The process of evolution is still continuing. The physical form and attributes of the district maintain a continuum with the past to meet the needs of the present and future community. While the design of the grid plan continues to define the character of the current expanded district, the overall objective for conservation of evolving, dynamic districts such as this one is seen as the management of change, retaining what people value most about a place, including its significant heritage resources and character defining elements, while acting as a guide and catalyst for changes that will be valued by future residents of the Town. The current Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District Plan was completed 30 years ago, before the 2005 amendments to the OHA. While the Plan was innovative at the time, the approach to assessing areas for heritage district designation has changed. Districts are not only groupings of built heritage resources; they are also an amalgamation of many other significant cultural heritage features including the surrounding setting or landscape, historic values, geographic location, and commemorative integrity Content Existing Plan The existing Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District Plan consists of 10 Sections. The Plan divides the District into two distinct areas, the Business Area along Queen and Picton Streets and the Residential Area extending to Johnson and Prideaux Streets. The Plan covers such topics as: A brief history of Niagara-on-the-Lake A description of the district as it was in 1986 Purpose of the Plan Physical Environment, Social and Economic Goals Description, objectives and policies for A, B, C and New buildings in the District (For buildings in both the business and residential districts Conservation Guidelines (drawings and descriptions) 32 Page

34 Building style drawings Streetscape objectives and policies Open Space objectives and policies for both the business and residential districts Land use objectives and policies in the business district Implementation objectives and policies and issuing of heritage permits A building inventory with brief architectural descriptions of the more important structure Expansion Plan The expansion plan will incorporate portions of the existing plan which are still relevant; but will update guidelines and policies to conform with the 2005 amendments to the OHA, Regulation 9/06 (Appendix II) and the Provincial Policy Statement. Updated built form and landscape and open space inventories will be included to reflect a holistic approach to heritage district designation and the growing importance of the cultural heritage landscape. Terminology will also be updated and definitions and a glossary of terms will be added. The plan will include policies and guidelines for integrating the heritage permit process into a development permit system and/or the site plan process. Generally the plan will include: A statement of the objectives to be achieved in expanding the district; A statement of the district s cultural heritage value or interest; A description of the district s overarching heritage attributes and those of individual properties; Policy statements, guidelines and procedures for achieving the plan s objectives and managing change; A description of external alterations or classes of external alterations that are minor in nature and can be carried out without obtaining a heritage permit; A description of the external alterations or classes of external alterations that can be delegated to staff for approval; and Procedures and guidelines for issuing heritage permits and requiring heritage impact assessments. 33 Page

35 12.0 Conclusion and Recommendations 12.1 Expansion Area Assessment While the grid plan imposed by D.W. Smith in 1794 was expanded over the years and is fundamental to the development and growth of Old Town, expansion of the district was not evaluated based on this plan alone. Additional factors were taken into consideration when considering an expanded district boundary. These included not only the integrity and cohesiveness of built heritage resources and cultural heritage landscape features; but also compatibility of design; authenticity, community values, and historical significance of the area. The Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District, including the proposed expansion area, has a defensible expanded boundary that includes a preponderance of significant built heritage resources constructed in the 45 year period between 1815, when reconstruction commenced after the War of and 1860, until Niagara s growth slowed and building styles changed appreciably. A preponderance of these buildings are located on their original lots and are of Georgian, Neo-classical and Regency design reflecting the Town s early British heritage. The proposed boundary expansion area also includes a number of significant and unique cultural landscape features including a large open spaces such as Queen s Royal Park and the Parliament Oak School site; religious institutions such as the St. Mark s Anglican Church and St. Andrew s Presbyterian Church properties, Estate Lot properties such as the Clench House property and the Wilderness; and views and vistas along Queen Street and out to Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. These spaces, both public and private, have survived despite continued land division. They contribute to the unique cultural heritage landscape of Old Town. Based on analyses of cultural heritage landscape attributes; evaluation of existing built heritage resources; and historic documentation, an expanded district boundary is proposed (Appendix III). This boundary is slightly larger than the National District boundary because the cultural landscape is now a major component of the proposed district and includes a number of significant and character defining opens spaces, views and vistas as well as built heritage resources and streetscapes. The proposed boundary takes into account the integrity of the built heritage resources, uses, cultural heritage landscapes, streetscapes and the original Town plan and the preponderance of significant early buildings, estate lots, public open spaces and views and vistas. 34 Page

36 12.2 Areas Not Included The proposed boundary does not include the Dock Area, Chautauqua, west Queen Street between Mississagua Street and Palatine Place; and the area south of Gage Street for the following reasons Dock Area Originally the location of swamps and wetlands, the Dock Area was the site of Butler s Barracks and the King s Wharf, a commercial shipping point. The area developed in the 1830 s as a unique part of Old Town. It was a significant centre for commercial fishing, a ship building centre, a terminus for the railway, an embarkation point for steamship passengers and a shipping point for goods leaving the Peninsula for points around Lake Ontario. With the founding of the Niagara Harbour and Dock Company in the 1830 s, the area became industrialized. An iron foundry, basket factory and steamship construction were located in the area. Later it was the location for modest summer cottages adjacent to a sandy beach. Although the area has changed dramatically and is now largely a residential neighbourhood, composed of former Dock Company workers houses and small summer cottages, the layout of the streets parallel to the river, the remaining artefacts such as the Turntable and Culvert and archaeological sites inform a different history and development from the rest of Old Town which could be the basis for a separate heritage conservation district designation in the future Chautauqua Figure 32 - Dock Area Early 20th Century, Niagara Historical Museum Figure 33 - Wilberforce Street House, Chautauqua Chautauqua also has a unique plan and history. Originally it was located outside the Old Town municipal boundary. It developed as a religious camp in the second half of the nineteenth century. At one time the area was the site of a hotel and circular amphitheatre, the remnants of which are found in the configuration of Circle Street, where religious services and lectures took place for several 35 Page

37 thousand people. In the 1880 s, when interest in the Chautauqua gatherings began to wane, the area was the subject of a plan of subdivision with a distinctive design consisting of a central circular street, as noted above, with streets emanating from it like the spokes of a wheel. These streets were named after Protestant luminaries such as Figure 34 - Peake Inn, Chautauqua Luther, Wycliffe and Wesley. Chautauqua became a summer cottage colony distinct from Old Town in both its architecture and plan with narrow streets and an abundant tree canopy. A number of early Victorian cottages remain. These, along with the distinctive layout of streets, distinguish it from the rest of Old Town and mark it as an area which could also be designated as a separate heritage conservation district Other Areas Two other areas were also assessed for inclusion in the expanded district. These are the south side of Gage Street south to Mary Street and the south side of Queen Street between Mississagua to Palatine Place. South Side of Gage Street Analysis of the built heritage resources and the streetscape along the south side of Gage Street indicates that there have been a number of changes to the street over the years. This side of the street generally lacks landscape or visual integrity and is not recommended for inclusion in the proposed expanded district. South Side of Queen Street Between Mississagua and Palatine Place While this area includes a large number of Estate Lots and is an extension of the grid plan imposed in 1794, and while it has significant cultural heritage value, it does not share the same cultural heritage value as the proposed expansion area. The strip of spacious lots facing the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Course, is the site of a number of large summer homes constructed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries for summer visitors to the Town. Many of this lots will receive enhanced Estate Lot policy protection when the new Official Plan is approved. They would also merit individual designation under Part IV of the Ontario 36 Page

38 Heritage Act or could be considered for designation as a heritage conservation district or distinct cultural landscape in the future Recommendations Expand the boundary of the Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District in accordance with the boundary illustrated in (Appendix III); Change the name of the Queen-Picton Streets Heritage Conservation District to the Historic Old Town Heritage Conservation District to reflect the fact that it includes a significant portion of the historic Old Town. Include policies related to conservation of the cultural heritage landscapes; Identify significant views and vistas in the District and include policies for their conservation and protection; Provide references to Regulation 9/06 in the District Plan for assessment of properties in the District; Integrate the Heritage Permit process into a Development Control Permit process and/or a Site Plan Control process for all major additions and new construction in the District; Reassess the list of additional work delegated to staff and add to the list if necessary; Reassess the list of additional work not requiring a heritage permit and add to the list if necessary; Add new tree preservation policies for both publicly and privately owned property; Provide policies requiring heritage impact assessments for property development on and adjacent to properties in the District; Provide for a process for updating the property inventory on a regular basis; Integrate lighting and colour policies into Plan; Provide detailed policies for signage in the District; Provide policies for archaeological sites; and Provide policies for consultation with First Nations and Metis 37 Page

39 APPENDICES 38 Page

40 Appendix I (i) 1. Property Information Property Survey Form Property Address: 83 Gage Street (The White House) Date of Survey: April/May 2016 Current Heritage Status (listed, designated Part IV or Part V):.Listed on the Register. Not Designated. Estate Lot Current Use: Residential Significant: Yes Contributing: Other: New: 2. Historical Information Architect/Designer:. History: Date of Construction: c Builder: The house was probably constructed by The Honourable William Claus (or Klaus) or his son, John Claus, in c and in the original Neo-Classical/Regency features which are still extant. The house was rented after the American Civil War ( ) by James Murray Mason who had been a U.S. Senator before the war and was a Confederate commissioner to Great Britain during the war. While several original elements have been removed or added to, the main house still features a balanced façade three bays wide, centre-hall pattern, decorative sidelights and pilasters, and simple moulded transom. Other previous owners of the property, if not residents in the home, include William, John and Nicol Kingsmill, T. M. Rowland, Edward Hewitt, James Watson, Rev. Robert Arnold, Catharine Octavia Arnold, William Spence, C. E. Wettlaufer, Gretchen Wettlaufer-Meyer and Joy and Sherlock Herrick. 3. Architectural Information Roof Type: Hip Cladding: Roughcast with incised lines to mimic ashlar. Architectural Style: Neo Classical/Regency Height/Storeys: Two storeys Bays: Three bays. Centre Hall. Door & Window Types: Simple door with projecting entablature and sidelights with decorative cames. Lower windows 12/12. Second storey windows 8/12.

41 Foundation/Basement: Porch/Balcony: Features of Special Note: Estate Lot. 4. Landscape Features Sidewalk & Driveway Paving: Trees & Plantings: Mature trees and extensive landscaping including new brick walls and a pergola. Description of Property Landscape: The property is a large, square lot of approximately one acre on the northeast corner of Gage and Victoria Streets. The house is located east of the centre of the lot facing Gage Street and is approximately 60 ft. from the front lot line and 70 ft. from the rear lot line. A garage is located on the north side of the property with a driveway entrance from Victoria Street. Walls & Fences: White picket fence and hedge replaced with natural hedge in New brick entrance pillars. Water Elements: Front & Side Yard Setbacks: Furniture & Landscape Structures: Special Features:. Images 2010

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44 Appendix I (ii) 1. General Information Cultural Heritage Landscape Survey Form Street or Open Space Name: Queen s Royal Park Northwest corner of King and Front Streets. Date of Survey: April/May 2016 Current Heritage Status (listed, or Part V): Listed on Register. Not Designated Current Use of Property (s): Park (Open Space) Significant: Yes Contributing: Other: 2. Historical Information for Parks & Open Spaces Landscape Architect/Designer: Unkown Public Art, Monuments & Commemorative Plaques: The Provincial plaque commemorating the First Library was moved to the park in 2005 because the library was located near the park. The plaque has since been moved to the current public library on Anderson Lane. History: Date of Construction: N/A Water Elements: Lake Ontario and the mouth of the Niagara River Builder: N/A Tree Canopy: Mature canopy of various trees planted throughout the park. Queen s Royal Park is considered to be a significant cultural heritage landscape because of its association with the Queen s Royal Hotel. The evolution to its present use along with the neighbouring natural elements (Lake Ontario and the Niagara River) further enhances the appeal of this landscape. The park was the site of the Queen s Royal Hotel, which opened in Known then as the Royal Niagara, the hotel was constructed with money provided by the County after the County Court House was relocated to St. Catharines. The hotel was built on a superb site and offered those who could afford it, a peaceful and enjoyable time by the lake. It was built with well-ventilated and handsomely furnished rooms. Corridors, parlours and drawing rooms were also finely decorated. The hotel even had its own private dock for those making use of the lake. Newspaper articles dating as far back as 1893 suggest that the Queen s Royal Hotel was also using electricity to light the hotel. In 1901, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, the future King George V and Queen Mary stayed at the Queen s Royal Hotel when they visited Niagara-on-the-Lake.

45 The hotel fell victim to a transitioning economy that was unable to sustain a high level of tourism. Advancements in cars and roads also affected business at the Queen s Royal and the hotel was no longer in business by The building was demolished in The site has evolved into a favourite picnic spot for the many tourists that come to Old Town. The park also has views of Lake Ontario and Fort Niagara in New York. Special Features: Gazebo erected for a movie shoot. Recently replaced with a new gazebo. 3. Streetscape Information Pedestrian Realm: Sidewalks on both King and Front Street. Steps leading up from the parking lot to picnic tables on the lawn. Street Parking: Small parking lot available in the park with adjacent public washrooms. Street Profile (Curb, Gutter etc.): No curb & gutter on King Street. Boulevards: None Tree Canopy: Various mature trees. Sidewalk Paving: Concrete sidewalks Views and Vistas View of Lake Ontario, the mouth of the Niagara River, Fort Niagara and Youngstown, New York and Toronto, across the lake. Public Art, Monuments and Commemorative Plaques: Furniture & Landscape Structures: Gazebo and public washroom building. Special Features: Photographs of Streetscape

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48 Niagara Historical Museum Image

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