HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 46-04 REPORT TO
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Report Number: CS 46/04
Date: November 22, 2004
From:
Bruce Taylor, AMCT, CMM
City Clerk
Subject:
Ever Green Villa Designation
3970 Brock Road,
Concession 6, Lot 19
Recommendation:
1. That Report CS 46-04 regarding the designation of Ever Green Villa, 3970 Brock
Road, be received; and
2. That the Ever Green Villa be designated as a Heritage Property.
Executive Summary: Not Applicable
Financial Implications:
$300 plaque - Account 2743-5400
Background: The house is associated with both the Barclay and the Burton
families. The builder, Eli Barclay, was active in the community, including one of the
founders of the prominent Disciples' Church (along with his wife and other members of
the family). The Burtons were tradesmen in the community. Two members of that
family became prominent figures in their chosen fields, one as a business leader (CEO
of Simpson's Company), the other as a celebrated physicist at the University of Toronto
who played a leading role in the development of the electron microscope.
Ever Green Villa was built in early 1850s by Eli Barclay, a son of the Rev. George
Barclay. The property remained in Barclay hands until expropriation. Ever Green Villa
is an interestingly unique elaboration of Victorian vernacular. It is one of the few
vertical board and batten houses in Pickering. It is a two storey frame residence clad in
board and batten and V-groove siding, unusual floor plan. Built at a time of economic
Report CS 46-04
Designation of Ever Green Villa
November 22, 2004
Page 2
prosperity in Pickering, the farm's own clear white pine was the chief material of the
home. In plan, it is picturesque with many component parts, all of which would seem to
have been built at one time. The south wing has a very unique upper window or door
over a door-like opening with signs of a verandah which would appear to have
continued around the east and north facades, as do the barge boards in the gables.
The east-facing, central, projecting portion shows signs of a center entrance with
entabliture. The north wing appears to be a "groszdaddy' wing with its own entrance
off the common verandah. The very interesting north-facing drive shed with belvedere
may have been joined to the house. Original elements are still visible at the rear of the
house and all of the above-noted building elements are notable or unique enough to
support designation on architectural merit. The 1974 federal-provincial inventory
stated that this was a structure "of substantial architectural merit and cultural
importance that should be preserved."
At least two images of the house have been preserved from the early years:
· a photograph taken c1865 shows a mature landscaping and the house was
graced by one of the earliest gardens in the community, carefully developed and
tended by Mrs. Barclay and her descendants well into the 20th century (within
living memory)
· a drawing in the 1877 Beers Atlas, which gives a good representation of the
settled, well-established residence
The house and grounds should be restored to their former conditions with a proper
period window to replace the inappropriate bay window at the front, a restoration of the
porch, and a recreation of the gardens. There is significant evidence of original
elements that would make restoration and re-use of the building possible.
This house and grounds deserve designation as a heritage site for the architectural
merit, the former prominence of its show-case gardens, and for the association with the
Barclay and Burton families.
Council should be aware that the Ever Green Villa is located on the airport lands that is
owned and controlled by Transport Canada. It is the intent of Heritage Pickering to
ensure that the historical and architectural importance of this building is recognized by
Transport Canada so that in the event that this building is part of the construction
envelope for the future airport, consideration will be given to preserving this building in
some way.
Attachments:
The Barclay Houses Historical Report prepared by John Sabean, Historical Consultant.
Report CS 46-04
Designation of Ever Green Villa
November 22, 2004
Page 3
Prepared By:
~,.-/Pamela Fuselli
Chair, Heritage Pickering
Approved / Endorsed By:
[~ruce Taylor
City Clerk
Approved By:
Gillis A. Paterson,
Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer
BT:dw
Attachments
dmini/~I~~/ho. mas J. strative Officer