Melville Street Heritage Conservation District Plan

Background

MHBC Planning Ltd. was retained in December of 2022 to complete a Heritage Conservation District Study for a historic residential area along Melville Street in the community of Dundas designated as a Heritage Conservation District Study Area by City Council in September of 2022. 

The original Study Area was expanded in February of 2023 based on initial work completed for the Study and included a total of 421 properties. Following public consultation, the Study was finalized in April of 2024 which concluded that the HCD boundary met the prescribed threshold for designation under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. The selected proposed Heritage Conservation District boundary includes 331 properties which is generally bound by Sydenham Street to the east, Park Street West to the south, Brock Street South to the west and Victoria Street and Melville Street to the north.

In September of 2024, Hamilton City Council approved City Staff and Heritage Committee recommendations on the final Melville Street Heritage Conservation District Study findings, adopted the Study and directed staff to proceed with preparing a Plan for the proposed District.

Purpose

The purpose of declaring an area a heritage conservation district is to conserve and enhance the character of the neighbourhood. A heritage conservation district plan guides physical change over time so that any change contributes to the district's distinct historic character.

Process

The designation of an HCD includes two phases: the Study Phase (Phase I) and the Plan Phase (Phase II). 

• The Study Phase (Phase I) consisted of evaluating the character of the area and determining if it warrants designation under the Ontario Heritage Act, identifying potential boundary limits, outlining content of the HCD Plan and any changes to the City’s Official Plan and municipal by-laws that would be required. The Study Phase (Phase I) had been completed. 
• The Plan Phase (Phase II) consists of developing policies and guidelines to guide future changes in the District so that the area’s cultural heritage value is conserved. Public consultation is a critical part of both phases. The Plan Phase (Phase II) is now in process.

Next Steps

What’s next, and where do we go from here?

• March 2025: Notices sent about start of the HCD Plan phase.
• April 2025: Open House #1 to provide a general review of what an HCD Plan is and the process and obtain initial comments from the public.
• April to June 2025: Draft HCD Plan with City Staff and release for community review. Complete revisions based on initial feedback from City Staff and the public. 
• July 2025: Open House #2 to review draft HCD Plan and obtain input.
• August-September 2025: Update draft HCD Plan based on feedback.
• September-October 2025: Review Draft HCD Plan with the Hamilton Municipal Heritage Committee and finalize HCD Plan to be brought forth to Council at which time Council may adopt the Plan and proceed with formal designation of the HCD.