HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLN 10-15 - Heritage Assessments in Support of ReportHeritage Assessments in Support of
Report No. PLN 10-15
Building Assessment Report
498 Whitevale Road
Report PLN 10-15
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Building Heritage Assessment
498 Whitevale Road, Pickering
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Parameters
For the City of Pickering
30 April 2015
Goldsmith Borgal & Co. Ltd. Architects (GBCA) was requested in early 2015
to prepare an assessment of the property listed as 498 Whitevale Road,
Pickering, Ontario. A study has been deemed to be required to determine
the heritage importance and condition of this structure and this information
will determine its recommended disposition.
The site was visited on 28 February 2015 and re-visited (interiors) on 17
April2015.
1.2 Assumptions
Assumptions for the work:
Investigations were limited to visual inspection. We did not conduct any
destructive testing nor was the examination done in detail.
Conservation mitigation work that we may propose is intended to
conform to the highest conservation standards and result in the
retention of as much historic building material as possible.
Where we suggest that some of the building elements may be removed
or significantly changed, we recommend that the general arrangement
of the features be recorded and documented in a manner that
documents the evolution of the overall structure.
2
Building Heritage Assessment
498 Whitevale Road, Pickering
3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
3.1 The Building -General Comment
For the City of Pickering
30 April 20 7 5
The building is of 1-1/2 storeys and constructed of wood frame with a stone
foundation. A small frame shed is added to the north elevation and
appears to be of a later date than the original structure.
Other research in the area reveals a number of houses constructed of wood
frame dating to at least the 1850's. Given the general proportions of the
building, and its location, it was believed that the building had a much
earlier and important history than that of a dwelling which, at first
appearances, was constructed in the late 191h Century. Evidence uncovered
during the interior inspection suggests that the structure was constructed in
at least the 1850's, and possibly in the 1840's which makes it one of the
earliest extant buildings in the area.
3.2 The Structure
The original configuration 9f the building can be characterized as a
Georgian style meeting hall with its entry door on the south gable end·
facing the major street and with three large windows on each of the east
and west elevations. As such, it is similar to meeting halls, churches, and
school buildings constructed to a similar profile and which remain at the
core of small communities and crossroads throughout the Province -many
of these are early and many have been lost to demolition, fire and neglect
over the past 40 years.
The front porch is certainly a much later addition and the cast stone piers
under the supporting columns and concrete step and stoop all suggest a
construction period of the period between 1900 and 1920. This may also
be contemporary with the asphaltic siding, sometimes known as
"insulbrick", which was a popular (albeit aesthetically unpleasing) material
of the same period. The siding covers the original clapboard siding, which
is typical of the mid-nineteenth century in Whitevale, and the vertical board
and batten siding of the rear shed-which was likely an addition dating to
the occupancy.of the dental practice from the 1860's or later. The building
is framed of timbers rather than studs, which also confirms its early age.
After the original visit, we indicated that although the building could have
been constructed in the late 19th Century, there were sufficient clues to
suggest its much earlier date. These required an interior inspection, which
was granted, and which did, indeed, prove the importance of this structure.
One of the clues was the 1877 engraving from the county atlas which
deemed the building of sufficient importance to emphasize its two
chimneys-even though the remainder of the structure was hidden behind
intervening buildings in the image. And, we did find the chimney locations,
confirmed the window patterns, and verified the trim as will be seen in the
7
Building Heritage Assessment
498 Whitevale Road, Pickering
For the City of Pickering
30 April 2015
4. DETAILED EXAMINATION
4.1 Foundations
The foundation is constructed of native fieldstone. The stones are laid
roughly fitted and bonded with lime-based mortar. Typically, the core of
these walls is composed of smaller rocks between the larger face stones.
Also typically, the inside face of the foundation in the basement, if used,
would have been painted with lime-wash to provide a better level of light
and reduced the development of mould.
The basement would have provided an area for the storage of root
vegetables and fruit during the winter months when used as a residence.
The foundation is in a poor state of repair with damage noted particularly to
the west side (photograph 16) due to water pouring through openings in the
roof structure.
4.2 Exterior Walls
As noted above, the walls of the main building are constructed of post and
beam construction. Although the posts are set onto the sill plates, they are
somewhat irregularly spaced (from 15 to 20") which is typical for a
structure constructed prior to the use of standard dimension studs. The
exterior walls are sheathed with wood clapboard on the main house (Image
11) with base trim of a single plank to finish off the wall. We did not peel
away the corner boards, but it can be assumed that they will be
approximately 1" x 3" boards with a bead on the outside edge of the wider
of the corner boards.
The small shed constructed to the north of the original north wall, which
may have originally been a privy, has vertical board and batten siding (the
battens were removed with the installation of the asphalt siding-Image 12).
This dates the shed to after the original construction, probably at least to the
late 1860's when the building was converted to a dental office.
4.3 Roof
Rafters are squared and tapered members spaced at approximately 2' on
centre. For the period of construction, these would have typically had
matching roman numerals incised into opposing faces of their top ends. The
rafter pairs would have been pre-cut on the ground and the roman numerals
incised to indicate erection sequence and to ensure that the appropriate
rafters were erected with their fabricated mates. We were unable to access
the actual attic so could not verify this.
The roof is of a fairly steep pitch, approximately 1: 1 ratio, but does not
include moulded returned eaves at the north and south elevations (Image
14) which would typically be expected for a building of this period-it is
14
Building I feritage Assessment
498 Whitevale Road, Pickering
5. Heritage Impact
5.1 General Comments
ror the City of Pickering
30 April 2015
There is sufficient information to permit, at some time in th e fLJture, a
restoration of the building 1·o its original appearance. This would be cosily,
however, due to the state of condition of the building and would exceed the
cost of a new structure if calculated on a per-sqLJare-foot basis. However,
precedents exist for the resurrection of such a public building in a
community -one of the most noted was the restoration of the 18th Ce ntury
Apothecary building in Ni.aga ra-on-the-Lake which precipitated a
renaissance of restoration i11 that community. Restored, a good and
appropriate use could be found for the structure.
5.2 Historical
We have analyzed the subject building in accordance with the matrix
required by the Ontario Heritage Act (O.Reg. 9/06) to establish
recommendations fo r its significance. In the tables below, our opinion is
followed by an analysis for each of the points flagged in the tables.
I Design or Physical Value Our
opinion
i. Rare, unique, representative or early ex amp lc of a style, type, Yes
expression, material or conlruction method I
ii. Displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit No
iii. Displays u high degree of scientific or technical achievement j No
Rare example of a style & type displaying a high degree of craftsmanship -
The structure is a very earl y example of a public building in the Whitcvale
Area, although of relatively standard design for a small public building.
However, the presence o( the early front d?or is exceptional.
Displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic meHt-The building
was constructed in a manner that exhibits a modest level of craftsmanship
for its period and is not exceptional in this regard.
Displays a high degree of scientific or technical achievement-The building
exhibits no specific technical achievements.
24
Building 1-lerilage Assessment
498 Whitevale Road, P1ckering
t-listorical or Associative Value
For the City of Pickering
30 April 2015
Our
opinion
i. Direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, Yes
organiution or institution that is significant to a community
ii. Yields, or has the potential to yield, infonnation that contributes to an Yes
understanding of a community or culture
iii. Demonstrates or reflects the work or ideas ofnn nrchitect, artist, Yes
builder, designer or theorist who is significunl to a commur1ity
Direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity,
organization or institution 1hat is significant to a community -The building
is directly associated with the earliest settlement of this area and its use for
the public realm as well as the site of early health-care (dentistry) for the
area.
Yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an
understanding of a community or culture-This building contributes to the
understanding of the culture connected with the development of the local
community.
Demonstrates or reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder,
designer or theorist who is significant to a community-The building
reflects the work or ideas of local builders who used a patlern book to
create a local public structure.
Contextual Value
I. I t . d fi . . t . . . th I t. mportan m e mmg, mam ammg, or S1.Jppor1tng e c 1aracter I of an area
ii. Physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its
surrmmdings
iii. Landmark
Our
opinion
Yes
Yes
Important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area
and Surroundings -The structure is one of several buildings that contribute
to the character of Whitevale Road which, by any measure, is an early
remaining selllement area in Ontario.
Physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its surroundings -
The building is located at th e main intersection in the community.
Landmark -By virt1,1e of its location, the bui lding is prominent in the
community.
25
Building Heritage Assessment
498 Whitevale Road, Pickering
5.2.1 Summary
For the City of Pickering
30 April 20 7 5
While only one criterion of the provincial matrix for evaluation needs to be
met to trigger the designation of a property, this building meets several. The
Provincial Policy Statement requires that "Significant built heritage
resources and significant cultural heritage landscapes shall be conserved."
In respect to this structure, it is our opinion that the building is significant
and that it should be photographed, recorded and preserved. The building
has been evaluated in previous heritage studies as not being an Important
Heritage Resource. We disagree with this statement.
5.3 Current heritage status
The building is located within the Whitevale Heritage Conservation District
but is not identified as a contributing resource.
5.4 Statement of Significance
The following can be used as a Draft Statement of Cultural Heritage Value
for 498 Whitevale Road:
The cultural heritage value of 498 Brock Road lies in its Georgian inspired
design typical of small meeting structures such found in Ontario during the
middle of the 19th .Century. It has associations with the early s€ttlers and
culture of the community including the Temperance movement and the
early development of churches, as well as the introduction of health-care
services (dentistry) to the area. The building is comprised of a structure
constructed c1850 and a small tail built c1875.
5.4.1 Design Value
The building is one of a few remaining meeting hall style structures built at
this early period of settlement of the area and includes its main door with
unusual half-round panel, classical trim and its evenly spaced original
windows on the east and west walls.
5.4.2 Historic/Associative Value
The house is associated with the occupancy of the site by the Temperance
movement, a church, and an early dentistry practice and was located at a
main intersection of the community. It is depicted in an 1877 County Atlas.
5.4.3 Character-defining Elements
Should a statement of Significance be prepared for the house, we consider
its character-defining elements to be:
-the overall massing of the structure and its height and proportions
-the heavy original romanesque (half round) panel door with
surrounding Georgian trim
-the gable ended roof with no returns which suggests a later renovation
to the original structure
26
Building Heritage Assessment
498 Whitevale Road, Pickering
For the City of Pickering
30 April 20 15
-the three original 6/6 pattern windows on the east and west walls
which are typical of
5.4.4 Contextual Value
The subject building was on a key intersection and has maintained and
supported the heritage character of Whitevale for at least 165 years.
6. Recommendations
6.1 Mitigation
The subject site exhibits interesting and unique features in terms of its
design, and particularly the its early age and associations with the original
settlers of Whitevale Road. Re-use of this structure for a future use is
possible, but at a cost due to its current condition. Properly stabilized, the
building could support municipal or commercial functions or provide, for
example, a low cost rentable site for private schooling or an NGO. It can
also be used as a residence. Therefore, designation of the site would be
appropriate to retain this important local site.
While the loss of heritage structures is regrettable, not every structure can
be retained. Should it be determined that the building is not sufficiently
valuable to retain or designate, it is our opinion that it is essential to
mitigate the heritage impact of its loss to the City of Pickering. This could
be done by recording the building by drawings in accordance with known
documentation standards, photographs keyed to the drawings, and salvage
of important structural components for display and interpretation in the
community.
6.2 Recommendations
This building is an early and interesting example of its kind and type-
particularly due to its historic associations and early date. Such a building
is increasingly rare as development spreads across the region. While some
of the key histqrical elements are missing or damaged, the building is
sufficiently intact to permit its being retained and restored as an historical
reference.
The house should be Designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
by the City of Pickering. Reference to the Standards and Guidelines for the
Conservation of Historic Places in Canada should be made for any
modifications or updates to the building. Such standards do not preclude
changes to the building-rather, the standards should guide any work done
to repurpose the building while retaining the memory of heritage features.
Work should also be done to secure the site to ensure that water, vermin
and vandals are kept out and the foundations do not continue to heave.
27
Building Assessment Report
650 Whitevale Road
Report PLN 10-15
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Al-chitects
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Report:
Building Heritage
Assesstnent
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o50 Vvhitevale Road. Pickering, Ontario
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City of Pickering
19M ty 2015
Building Heritage Assessment
650 Whitevale Road, Pickering
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Parameters
For the City of Pickering
79 May 2075
Goldsmith Borgal & Co. Ltd. Architects (GBCA) was requested in early 2015
to prepare an assessment of the property listed as 650 Whitevale Road,
Pickering, Ontario. A study has been deemed to be required to determine
the heritage importance and condition of this structure and this information
will determine its recommended disposition. ·
The site was visited on 28 February 2015 and re-visited (interiors) on 17
April 2015.
1.2 Assumptions
Assumptions for the work:
Investigations were limited to visual inspection. We did not conduct any
destructive testing nor was the examination done in detail.
Conservation mitigation work that we may propose is intended to
conform to the highest conservation standards and result in the
retention of as much historic building material as possible.
Where we suggest that some of the building elements may be removed
or significantly changed, we recommend that the general arrangement
of the features be recorded and documented in a manner that
documents the evolution of the overall structure.
2
Building Heritage Assessment
650 Whitevale Road, Pi~kering
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For the City of Pickering
79 May 2075
Image 2: By the tirne of the 1877 County Atlas, Lot 29 is owned by Wm Turner with the connection to N
Road in the hands of Jli and DS Turner (most likely relatives). On this plan, the houses arc indicated and
by this time, there are two houses on the Thmer property. Note the orientation of the west house (arrow)
which is in the proper location for the subject house. The house to the east is otiented cast/west which
matches the current horne on the property. lt is likely that the subject house was constructed by Stong.
Additional information would arise from a registry office search.
4
Building Heritage Assessment
650 Whitevale Road, Pickering
2.3 History
For the City of Pickering
79May2075
Pickering historical documents suggest that William Tumer was of U.E.L
stock and was born in 1801 in the parish of St. Patrick, New Brunswick.· In
1828 he married Abigail Henson and subsequently came with his wife to
Upper Canada in 1841 and then settled, in 1842, on Lot 29. While the
property was in the hands of "V. Stong" until at least 1867 (the Stongs figure
as early German immigrants to the Toronto area), the property may have
been rented until sufficientfunds were acquired for ownership, This
presents strong evidence to suggest that the original house was constructed
in the late 1840's. Turner was a licensed Baptist preacher in 1834 and
contributed to the organization of the Baptist Church in Whitevale.
The property has an unusual shape, as can be seen both on the original lot
plans and which remains visible in the more recent air photos (see Images
1, 2, 3 and 5 above). A "tab" of land bridged between the main lot, Lot 29,
and N road and may have been set in that manner to provide more arable
land (given the water course in the property) or as a convenient access
point. By 1877, the property was certainly in the hands ofWm. Turner.
However, at that time, the "tab" of land was in the hands of J.H. (John
Hanson Turner) and D.S. (David Sylvester) Turner-these individuals were
the sons of William. By 1895, the entire holding was owned by J.H. and
D.S. Turner jointly. There are two houses on the original property, one the
subject building and the other to the east which may date to the early to
mid 1870's-the two may have housed, first, Wm. Turner and the second
added at about the time that the property became jointly owned by,
presumably, J.H. and D.S. Turner.
The c>riginal house, which we date to approximately the late 1840's to early
1850's, was likely the second on the property and would have succeeded
an original log structure. A large addition was added in the 1870's and a
portion of the addition was set up as a residence separate from the main
house-possibly, the second house to the east housed Wm. Turner and J.H.
and D.S. were located in the older house with its paired interior stairways
(see description inthe text). Ultimately, once the property was owned by
J.H. and D.S. Turner, it is likely that the two houses were separately
occupied by the two families.
The lot pattern appears to be consistent since at least 1867 -refer to the
images attached to this report-with the subject house located on Lot 2 9
and the adjacent Lot to the west, Lot 30, separated into three parcels of
which one is a westerly extension of Lot 29 located between the north and
south parcels of Lot 30. The pattern can be seen in 1867, in the 1877 plan,
the 1895 plan and is visible to this day in the ground pattern as seen from
the air. Of interest is that in the 1877 plan, two houses are shown on Lot
2 9. The westerly house appears to have a north/south orientation and the
easterly house has an east/west orientation. The subject house is certainly
shown in its correct orientation, and that orientation appears to confirm the
construction of its substantial rear addition prior to 1877.
8
Building Heritage Assessment
650 Whitevale Road, Pickering
3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
3.1 The Building -General Comment
For the City of Pickering
79May2075
The original building is of 1-1/2 storeys and constructed of timber frame
with a stone foundation. The original portion of the house is sheathed in
clapboarding which is typical of the 1850's for the Whitevale area.
There is a very large addition to the house extending to the north. By virtue
of the shape of the house illustrated in the 1877 County Atlas and the board
and batten siding, this addition most certainly was added in the early to
mid-1870's. The addition was, in part, used for accommodation but the
remained was unfinished and has the characteristics of a manufacturing
site, possibly for rural implements. If so, this structure could have been very
important to the local economy.
A shed-roofed dormer has been constructed on the south or front slope of
the roof of the original house-this is typical of additions dating from the
1920's through to the 1950's although this addition appears to be from the
earlier period.
Other research in the area reveals a number of houses constructed of wood
frame dating to at least the 1850's. Given the general proportions of the
building, and its location, it is certain that the building had a much earlier
history than that of a dwelling which, at first appearances, was heavily
modified and of a much later period. Evidence uncovered during the
interior inspection suggests that the structure was constructed in at least the
1850's, and possibly in the 1840's which makes it one of the earliest extant
buildings in the area.
3.2 The Structure
The original portion of the building was constructed of post and beam
which considerably pre-dates wood stud framing which. came into popular
use by the 1880's. However, the rear addition of the house is also of post
and beam construCtion which is consistent with a dating of the 1870's
period. There is evidence of a front porch, but this had been removed. We
were unable to view most of the windows on the lower floors (they were
boarded up inside and outside) but the windows on the upper floors of the
original building were 6/6 pattern which strongly suggests that the standard
pattern was 6/6 throughout. This is also consistent with a dating of the
1850's.
The original clapboard siding is typical of the mid-nineteenth century in
White'vale, and the vertical board and batten siding of the rear shed-which
certainly dates to the 1860's or 1870's as cut square nails were used to
install the siding.
After the original visit, we indicated that an interior inspection, which was
granted, would prove the importance of this structure although significant
9
Building Heritage Assessment
650 Whitevale Road, Pickering
For the City of Pickering
79 May 2075
clapboard on the original house (Image 14) with base trim of a single plank
to finish off the wall. Corner boards are atypically wide and approximately
1" x 5" boards with a bead on the outside edge of the wider of the corner
boards. The front facing boards on the main elevation of the original
building were trimmed (Image 9) to create the impression of classical posts
-a detail which gradually faded during the 1850's and which suggests an
early, potentially 1840's, vintage for the original structure.
The massive addition to the north, larger than the original house, was also
constructed of post and beam which indicates an early age, prior to the
1877 Atlas. Image 27 illustrates some of the construction.
The small shed constructed to the north of the original north wall, which
may have originally been a privy, has horizontal shiplap sheathing (Image
20). Nails remain a cut square nails and, in the Whitevale area, this
combination of materials suggests a dating of this addition to the 1880's or
1890's.
4.3 Roof
Rafters in the original structure appear to be squared and tapered members
spaced at approximately 2' on centre. For the period of construction, these
would have typically had matching roman numerals incised into opposing
faces of their top ends. The rafter pairs would have been pre-cut on the
ground and the roman numerals incised to indicate erection sequence and
to ensure that the appropriate rafters were erected with their fabricated
mates. We were unable to access the actual attic due to fire damage so
could not verify this. The rafter pairs in the original attic are nailed to a ridge
board which appears to be an earlier framing method than the rafter pairs in
the 1870's addition which are simply butted together. Refer to Images 28
and 2 9 below.
The roof is pitched at approximately a 1: 2 ratio, but does not include
moulded returned eaves at the north and south elevations (Image 9) which
would typically be expected for a building of this period-evidence suggests
that these may have been removed. Regardless, the general detailing of the
roof suggests at least a late 1840's vintage or very early 1850's which may
suggest that this is one of the earliest farmhouses in the area.
Wood planks were installed over the roofframing (rafters) and can be seen
below in the images taken from the top floor. These would be typically 1"
thick rough sawn pine of 8" to 12" in width (this type of lumber was
typically used to sheath roofs and was. also commonly used to sheath the
walls of barns-it is still called barnboard). They were installed with a small
gap between each plank to provide ventilation to the underside of the
shingles. Shingles would be locally made of eastern white cedar, typically
approximately 16" long with a minimum of three layers at each shingle
(roughly a 5-1/3" exposure resulting from the overlap). Shingles on the
existing roof are asphalt and are not original.
21
Building Heritage Assessment
650 Whiteva!e Road, Pickering
5. Heritage Impact
5.1 General Comments
For the City of Pickering
79May2075
There is sufficient information to permit, at some time in the future, a
restoration of this building to its original appearance. This would be costly,
however, due to the state of condition of the building and would exceed the
cost of a new structure if calculated on a per-square-foot basis. However,
precedents exist for the resurrection of such buildings. Restored, a good
and appropriate use could be found for the structure.
5.2 Historical
We have analyzed the subject building in accordance with the matrix
required by the Ontario Heritage Act (O.Reg. 9/06) to establish
recommendations for its significance. In the tables below, our opinion is
followed by an analysis for each of the pointsflagged in the tables.
Design or Physical Value . Our
, opinion
i. Rare, unique, representative or early example of a style, type, ' Yes
expression, material or contruction method
ii. Displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit Yes
iii. Displays a high degree of scientific or technical achievement ' Yes
Rare example of a style & type displaying a high degree of craftsmanship -
The structure is a very early example of a residential building in the
Whitevale Area, and the original structure was of relatively high level of
design.
Displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit-The building
was constructed in a manner that exhibits a good level of craftsmanship for
its period and displayed an adherence to the rules governing the design of a
Georgian revival structure including its general massing and the details
created.
Displays a high degree of scientific or technical achievement-The building
exhibits an early use of stoves in the Whitevale area which was a
considerable advancement in home comfort.
29
Building Heritage Assessment
650 Whitevale Road, Pickering
5.2.1 Summary
For the City of Pickering
79 May 2075
While only one criterion of the provincial matrix for evaluation needs to be
met to trigger the designation of a property, this building meets several. The
Provincial Pol icy Statement requires that "Significant built heritage resources
and significant cultural heritage landscapes shall be conserved." In respect
to. this structure, it is our opinion that the building is significant and that it
should be photographed, recorded and preserved. The building has been
evaluated in previous heritage studies as not being an Important Heritage
Resource. We disagree with this statement.
5.3 Current heritage status
The building is located within the Whitevale Heritage Conservation District
but is not identified as a contributing resource.
5.4 Statement of Significance
The following can be used as a Draft Statement of Cultural Heritage Value
for 650 Whitevale Road:
The cultural heritage value of 650 Whitevale Road lies in its Georgian
inspired design typical of residential structures such found in Ontario
during the middle of the 19th Century. It has associations with the early
settlers to the area. The building is comprised of a structure constructed
c1850 and a very large addition, or tail built in the 1870's.
5.4.1 Design Value
The building is one of a few remaining Georgian style three-bay front
houses in the area and is of early vintage. The original house is fully
apparent and subsequent additions can be clearly seen and interpreted.
5.4.2 Historic/Associative Value
The house is associated with the occupancy of the site by early settlers. The
rear additions were most probably added by the Turner family in the 1870's
while the main house was most likely associated with the occupancy ofV.
Stong from the 1840's to the late 1860's.
5.4.3 Character-defining Elements
Should a statement of Significance be prepared for the house, we consider
its character-defining elements to be:
-the overall massing of the structure and its height and proportions
-the clapboard siding on the main structure and board and batten
siding of the additions to the rear
-the gable roof with returns which suggests a date of the 1850's or
earlier
31
Building Heritage Assessment
650 Whitevale Road, Pickering
6. Recommendations
6.1 Mitigation
For the City of Pickering
79May2075
The subject site exhibits interesting and unique features in terms of its
design, and particularly the its early age and associations with the original
settlers of Whitevale Road. Re-use of this structure for a future use is
possible, but at a cost due to its current condition. Properly stabilized, the
building could support municipal or commercial functions or provide, for
example, a low cost rentable site for private schooling or an NGO-its
location in a conservation area could be leveraged for this purpose. It could
also be used as a residence. Therefore, designation of the site would be
appropriate to retain this important local site.
While the loss of heritage structures is regrettable, not every structure can
be retained. Should it be determined that the building is not sufficiently
valuable to retain or designate, it is our opinion that it is essential to
mitigate the heritage Impact of its loss to the City of Pickering. This could
be done by recording the building by drawings in accordance with known
documentation standards, photographs keyed to the drawings, and salvage
of important structural components for display and interpretation in the
community.
6.2 Recommendations
This building is an early and interesting example of its kind and type-
particularly due to its also early addition which can also be considered of
early vintage. Such a building is increasingly rare as development spreads
across the region. While some of the key historical elements are missing Or
damaged, the building is sufficiently intact to permit its being retained and
restored as an historical reference.
The house should be Designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
by the City of Pickering. Reference to the Standards and Guidelines for the
Conservation of Historic Places in Canada should be made for any
modifications or updates to the building. Such.standards do not preclude
changes to the building-rather, the standards should guide any work done
to repurpose the building while retaining the memory of heritage features.
Work should also be done to improve the security of the site to ensure that
water, vermin and vandals are kept out.
A use should be found for the property or a rental agreement reached to
ensure its continued use and occupancy. This is the best means of
preserving properties of historic value for the future. Incorporation of the
building within the community is one of the best means by which a
structure of this type can be preserved-this means that the planning of a
community should be done in such a manner that the subject building is
carefully considered and incorporated within proposed future development.
33
Heritage Property Evaluation
615 Whitevale Road
Report PLN 10-15
Heritage Property Evaluation Report
615 Whitevale Road, Pickerin g ON
Table of Contents
Prepared for The City of Pickering
June 18, 2015
1 Introduction to the Site .......................................................................................................................... 1
2 Methodology .............................................................................................................................................. 4
3 Policy Framework ................................................................................. , .. ,,.,, ................ ,., .. ,., .................... ,.s
4 Historical Context. ..................................... , ................................................................ , ............................... 7
5 Architecture and Design ........................................................................................................................ 12
5.1 Georgian-style. Timber-frame House .............................................................................................. 16
5.1.1 Interior ........................................................................................................................................... 16
5.2 Stone Kitchen Tail ................................................................................................................................ 21
5.2.1 Basement ............................................................................................................................. .' ....... 21
5.2.2 lnterior ............................. , ............................................................................................................. 22
5.3 Summer Kitc hen .............................................................................................. , ...... : ............................ 27
5.4 Garage ................................................................................................................................................. 28
5.5 Outbuilding .......................................................................................................................................... 30
5.6 Cultural Landscape ............................................................................................................................ 32
5.7 Archaeological Reso urces ................................................................................................................ 32
6 Contextual Background ......................................................................................................................... 34
7 Heritage Evalualion ................................................................................................................................. 35
7.1 Design or Physical Value .................................................................................................................... 35
7,2 Historic/Associative Value ................................................................................................................. 36
7.3 Contextual Valu e ................................................................................................................................ 38
7.4 Statement of Significance .............................................. , ................ , ................................................ 39
7 .4. 1 Descriplion of Property ....................................... , .............. , .............................. , ........................ 39
7.4.2 Statement of Cultural Heritage Value .................................................................................... 39
7 .4.3 Heritage Attributes ..................................................................................................................... 40
8 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. 41
9 Sources .............. , ........................................................................................................................................ 42
lAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSULTING Amy Barnes Consulting cu'leritage
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Henla!;Je Property Evaluation Report
615 Whitevale Road, Picl<ering ON
List of Figures
Prepared for The City of Pickering
June 18, 201 5
Figure 1: 615 Whitevale Road, Location and Boundary of Property Parcel (City of Pickering, 2015)
.......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Figure 2:615 Whitevale Road. Contexl (Base map source: Google Earth Pro, 2015) ........................ 3
Figure 3: Front elevation of 615 Whilevale Road, from ,WI1itevale Road facing south (CU. 2015) .... 3
Figure 4: 615 Whitevale Road, Current Conditions (Base map source: Google Earth Pro, .2015) ..... 4
Figure 5: Portrait of Henry Major from ''Pasl Years in Pickering" (Wood, 1911 ) ..................................... 9
Figwe 6: 615 Whitevale Road as shown on Detail from J.H. Beers & Co. 1877 Map of Pickering
Township (Base map source: Beers, 1877} .............................................................................................. 11
Figure 7: Detail of 1967 Souvenir Map of Century Farms in Pickering Township (Smith, 1967) ......... 12
Figure 8: View of 615 Whitevale Road, side (west) e levation showing 1820s frame building a nd
stone kitchen (CU. 201 5) ......................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 9: View of 615 Whitevale Road. side (west) elevation showing stone kitchen and later
frame summer kitchen addition (CU, 2015) ............................................................................................ 13
Rgure 10: Rear (south) elevation or 615 Whltevale Road showing summer kitchen and garage
addition (CU. 2015) ......................................................................................................................................... 14
Figure 11 : View of side (east) elevation of 615 Whitevale Road showing 1820s frame building,
stone kitchen, and garage addition (CU, 2015) ................................................................ , .................... 14
Figure 12: 615 Whitevale Road, carriage sl1ed at rear of residential building (CU, 2015) ............... 15
Figure 13: View from rear of 615 Whitevale Road, facing south (CU, 2015) ....................................... 15
Figure 14: Detail of front door showing sidelights with paneled dado below (CU, 2015) ................. 17
Figure 15: Detail of pilastered corner and returning eaves (CU, 2015) ............................................... 18
Figure 16: Deta il of front window frame with louvered shutter nxtures in place (CU, 2015) ............. 18
Figure 17: View of second storey from central closet (CU. 2015) ........................................................ 19
Figure 18: Interior, front door (CU, 2015) ................................................................................................... 19
Figure 19: Detail of flooring in front on try (CU, 2015) ................................................................................ 20
Figure 20: Example of baseboards in southwest room, frame building. Note new vents, doors and
late 19111 or early 201h century built-in c upboard (CU. 2015) ................................................................... 20
Figure 21: Detail of doorframe and plastered ceiling, front entry (CU, 2015) ..................................... 21
Figure 22: Stone kitchen and 1920s porch (CU, 2015) ............................................................................. 22
Figure 23: Rear elevation of stone kitchen showing large rectangular window, chimney encased
in concrete, a nd large quoins along corner (CU, 2015) .................................. , ...................................... 23
Figure 24: Stone kitchen, view of side (east) elevation showing windows (CU, 2015) ...................... 23
Figure 25: Exterior cellar door on west elevation, north end of the porc11 (CU. 2015) ...................... 24
Figure 26: Detail of whitewashed stone walls, basement interior (CU, 2015) ................................... 24
Figure 27: Detail of stone kitchen floor boards and log support beam along ceiling. interior
basement (CU. 2015) .................................................................................................................................. 25
Figure 28: Window frame, stone kitchen. western exterior wall (CU. 2015) ......................................... 25
Figure 29: Detail of door leading from stone kitcl1en to summer kitchen (CU. 2015) ...................... 26
Figure 30: Large stone hearth, stone kitchen (CU, 2015) .................................................................... 26
Figure 31: Summer Kitchen, west elevation (CU, 2015) ........................................................................... 27
LAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSULTING Amy Barnes Consulting cuHeritage
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Heritage Property Evaluation Report
615 Whitevale Road, Pickering ON
Prepared for The City of Pickering
June 18, 2015
Figure 32: Summer kitchen, south elevation showing garage and rear porch {CU. 2015) ............. 28
Figure 33: Detail of garage, north elevation with summer kitchen and stone kitchen visible (CU.
2015) .............................................................................. , ................................................................................ 29
Figure 34: Interior of garage. showing original double door entrance along the north exterior wall
{CU. 2015) ......................................................................................................................................................... 29
Figure 35: Carriage shed, showing supports along south elevation (CU, 2015) ................................. 30
Figure 36: Interior of the carriage shed (CU, 2015) ................................................................................... 31
Figure 37: Interior of the carriage shed showing large, squa re limber supports wllh visible hatchet
marks (CU. 2015) ............................................................................................................................. : .............. 31
List of Tables
fable 1: Factors lnc;licating Archaeological Potential or Lack of Archaeological Potential ........... 33
Table 2 -Evaluation of the Cultural Heritage Value or Interest of 615 Whitevale Road as Per
O.Reg. 9/06 Criteria 1. i., ii., and iii...................................................................................... .... . .............. 35
Table 3-Evaluation of the Cultural Heritage Value or Interest of 615 Whitevale Road as Per
O.Reg. 9/06 Criteria 2. i., ii., and iii .............................................................................................................. 37
Table 4 -Evaluation of the Cultural Heritage Value or Interest of 615 Whitevale Road as Per
O.Reg. 9/06 Criteria 3. i., ii., and iii ................................................................................................................ 38
LAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSULTING Amy Barnes Consulting cuHeritage
Heritage Property Evaluation Report
615 Whitevale Road, Pickering ON
lnt1 ociuc lio n to tt1c Site
Prepared for The City o' Pickering
June 18, 2015
Laurie Smith Heritage Consulting in partnersl1ip with Amy Barnes Consulting and Chris Uc hiyama
Heritage was retained by the City of Pickering April, 2015 to undertake a Cultural Heritage
Property Evalua tion of the property at 615 Whltevale Road In Pickering, Ontario.
The property. also known as tl1e Henry MC(jor House. is located east of the hamlet of Whitevale,
on the south side or Wl1itevale Road. It is a square parcel. .5 hectares (1 .24 acres) In area,
comprising parts of Lots 29 and 30, Concession IV (Appraisal No. Con 41 ), Pickering Township, in
the City of Pickering, Ontario (Figure 1). The property is surrounded by agricultural la nds to Lhe
north and south, including 19lll-century farmsteads to the west and on the opposite side of
Whltevale Road . The Whitevale Cemetery is located approximately 500 metres to the east of the
property, on the south side of the road. separated from the property by a gricultural fields and
treelines (Rgure 2).
lhe main built resource on the property is a O'le-and-a-half storey. timber-fra me house bUilt in
the Georgian Classical style with five bays. a wide central doorcase with sidelights, a side-gable
roof, and Classical detailing (Figure 3). Three. one-storey tails are connected to the rear of the
house: a stone kitchen; a second, wood-frame kitchen; and a wood-frame garage (Figure 4).
The property also includes a separate, wooden carriage shed Both the main house and the
stone kitchen were built before 1851 : the stone kitc hen was likely built during the 1830s, and the
frame house was likely added during the 1840s., The second wood-frame kitche n and the
garage were likely added in the late 19th a nd early 20th centuries. The wooden carriage shed
includes components that date to the mid-191h century, but it has been much altered.
The built resources are surrounded by a grassy lawn a nd a number of mature coniferous and
deciduous trees; including one crab apple tree to the rear of the residential building. A gravel
Ja neway runs from the road west of the house, curving eastward behind the house towards the
carriage shed (Figure 4). The farmhouse is narrowly setback from Whitevale Road, with open
views towards the north. A small, intermittent creek, delineated by a meandering tree line, runs
east of the property a nd cultivated agric ultural land surrounds the proP.erty (Figure 2).
The. property is currently owned by the Province of Ontario and is managed by Ontario
Infrastructure and Lands Corporation. It is listed In the City of Pickering Munlcipallleritage
Register (2008) and is included in the Whitevale lleritage Conservation District. which was
designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Actin 1993 (By-law 407~·92. 1993),
, See discussion of construction dates in the History section.
LAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSULTING Amy Barnes Consulting cul-leritage
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Her,tage Property Evaluation Report
615 Whitevale Road, Pickering ON
Prepared for The City of Pickering
June 18, 2015
Appendix. Report prepared for the Seaton Interim Planning Team, Ministry of Municipal
Affairs and Housing. July 1994.
• AndrE:! Scheinman, Seaton Built Heritage Assessment. Prepared for the North Pickering
Land Exc hange Team, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and I lousing. Planning and
Development Division. November 2004.
• Content works Inc., fhemc1tic Study and Phase 1 Evaluation of ORC Properties in
Pickering. Prepared for Ontario Realty Corporation, March 2009.
• Contentworks Inc .. Phase II Evaluation of Residences on Wtiitevale Road, Pic kering.
Report prepared for th e Ontario Really Corporation, March 2009.
• Bray Heritage, Seaton Neighbourhood Planning Background Report: Whitevale Road
Heritage Corridor Review. Report prepared for the City of Pickering, May 2010.
Sources for additional historical research are noted in the ''Sources" section at the end of this
document. All legal descriptions and boundary maps were provided by the city.
An exterior and interior site visit was undertaken on May 21, 2015 by Amy Barnes. M.A. and Chris
Uchiyama, M.A. A representative of Del Management provided access, with the permission of
Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporalion.
3 Po li cy Framework
In Ontario, the Provincial Policy Statement 2014 (''PPS 20 14''), issued under s. 3 of the Planning
Act, provides policy direction on ma tters of provincial interest related Lo land use planning a nd
developmenl.z Land use planning decisions made by municipalities, planning boards, the
Province, or a commission or agency of the government must be consistent with the PPS 2014.3
The PPS 2014 provides that "significant built heritage resources and significant cultural heritage
landscapes shall be conseNed" and "development and site alteration shall not be permitted on
lands containing archaeological resources or areas of archaeological potential unless
significant archaeological resources have been conseNed".4 "Significant" means "resources
that have been determined to have c ultural heritage value or interest for the important
contrib ution they make to our understanding or the history of a place, an event, or a people. "s
These resources a nd landscapes are conseNed through their "identincation, protection,
management and use ..... in a manner lhat ensures their cuiLural heritage value or interest is
retained under the Ontario Heritage Act."G
Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act ("OHA ") permits municipalities to designate individual
properties that are of cultural heritage value or interest, based on criteria set out in Ont. Reg.
z PPS 2014, Part 1: Preamble.
3 PPS 2014, Part Ill: How to Read the Provincial Polley SLatement.
4 PPS 2014, s. 2.6.1 and 2.6.2.
s PPS 201 4. s. 6.0, Definilions. aLp. 49.
s PPS 2014, s. 6.0, Definitions, at p. 40.
LAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSULTING Amy Barnes Consulting cul-leritage
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Her.tage Property Evaluation Report
615 Whitevale Road, Pickering ON
Prepared for The City of Pickering
June 18, 2015
9/06.1 Designation is done by by-law and includes a description or the property and a statement
explaining the c ultural heritage value or interest of the property and a description of the
heritage attributes of the property. Part V of the OHA permits municipalities Lo designate
heritage conservation districts consisting or multiple properties, and adopt a district plan for
managing change.8 A property that is included in an area designated as a heritage
conservallon district may subscquenlly be Individually designated under Part IV.9 Municipalities
must keep a register of properly that is of cultural heritage value or interest. In addition to
designated properlies, the register may include oth er property that the municipality believes to
be of cultural heritage value or interest.1o The OHA provides processes for a municipality to
approve proposed alterations, demolition or removal of resources on designated properties or
within a heritage conservation district. and requires notice be given to a municipality for
proposed alterations, demolition or removal of resources on non-a esignated properties listed on
the register.,,
Part IV OHA (individual property designation by municipalities) and Part v OI IA (heritage
conservation district designation) do not ap ply to property that is owned by the provincial
government or by a prescribed public body.12 Ontario Infrastructure and La nds Corporation is a
prescribed public body.1J However, municipalities are not prevented fro m inc luding properties
owned by the provincial government or a prescri bed public body in l he municipal register of
non-designa ted properties. H
Heritage properties owned or occupied by the provinc ial government or prescribed public
bodies are subject to the Standards & Guidelines for Conservation of Provincial Heritage
Properties ("the provincial S&Gs"), a set of guidelines issued by the Minister of Tourism, Culture
and Sport in 201 0.1s T11e guidelines require provincial ministries and agenc ies to establish and
maintain a cultural heritage conservation policy and procedures to identify, manage and
conserve provincial heritage properties. 16 Decisions affecting a provincial heritage property
must consider its cultural heritage value and miligate negative impacts.171f a provincial heritage
property is to leave government ownership, best efforts should be made to ensure its cultural
heritage value is protected through designation or easement; demolition or removal should be
considered only as a last resort. Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation has followed an
internal heritage management process since 2007. The property at 615 Whltevale was
7 OHA, Part IV, s. 29.
a OIIA. ss, 41 and 41.1.
9 OHA, s. 41 (2).
IOOHA. SS.27(1.1) and (1.2).
11 OHA, ss. 27 (3), 33, 34 and 42.
12 OHAss. 25.2 (2). 26.1 (1) a nd 39.1 1(1).
13 OHA, Ont. Reg. 157/10.
1~ OHA. s. 26.1 (3).
1s The Provincial S&Gs are available online at
1 w vv • ___..lL;;__l..>L!....!J..rd!.£11lJ.Htl II ,111uL '!."'' lmds COt l~e,v;t,Jon.pcl
1s S&G, s. A.2, A.2 and A5.
n S&G. s. A.3
LAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSULTING Amy Barnes C onsulting cuHeritage
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lleritage Property Evaluation Report
615 W11itevale Road, Pickering ON
Prepared for The City of Pickering
June 1 8, 2015
heading factory. T P. White's wool factory (1867); a sash and door factory: a wagon and steam
carriage Factory; and the P R. lloover and Co. cheese factory. Commercial enterprises
included: a general store: a butcher shop; Major Holel; and a tinsmit~l shop. Anticipating tt1e
growth of the community, T.P. White registered two survey plans. one in 1857 and an amended
plan in 1860. The 1869 Ontario Gazetteer and Directory indicates that hamlet's populallon was
approximately 300 that year. John Shier's 1870 plan of subdivision was the first time thal
"Whitcvale" was used as the name of the community, in honour of T.P. White; although Lhe mills
continued Lobe called ''Majors Mills."
fhe property at 615 Whitevale Road was originally part of a much larger parceltl1al included all
of Lots 28, 29 and part of Lot 30, Concession 4, Pickering Township. It was first patented lo Sarah
Playter in 1799. Sarah (1776-1810) was the daughter of Captain George Henry Playter. a United
Empire Loyalist from Newark, New Jersey who established a farm in York East (Toronto). In 1793,
Captain Playter petitioned the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, John Simcoe, For land
grants for himself and his eight children for his services to the Crown in the American Revolution,
and received 2000 acres.23 Three of his sons, John, James and Ely, were granted land along the
Don River In 179621. Sarah Playter may or may not have received 11er land, as she petitioned
again in 1797 for her "portion of equal quantities of la nd"25, receiving Lhe Pickering parcel in
1799.26
In 181 o, Lot 29, where the farmhouse sits, was transferred From Playter to Peter Vandeburg.
Vandeburg sold parts of the property to John Reynolds and Colin Drummond. There is no
evidence that a ny of these early owners settled Lhe land. In 1832, Lot 29 was acquired by
Thomas Major. In 1839, Henry Major purchased the north half of Lot 29. Henry may have begun
to build on the property before he formally acquired title In 1839, while it was owned by Thoma<;
Major. Local histories suggest that it was Henry who donated land for the Whitevale cemetery in
1832.21 l ienry expanded his holdings In 1849, acquiring Litle to the west half of Lot 28 a nd much
of the north half of Lot 30. In 1871 he purchased all but 1 acre2s of the east half of Lot 28. By 1851,
Henry had built tl1e limber-Frame and stone house on Lot 29. The Major family would occupy Lhe
house and actively farr11 the surrounding land until1973, when it was expropriated by the
Province of Ontario. The farm was owned at that time by Walter Clark Major/9 Henry's great
grandson.
23 Upper Canada Land Book 'P', Pclilion #17, Bundle #1, Film C2488; and Upper Canada Land
Book 'P', Petition #13, Bundle#1, Film C2488.
z• The Danfortll BIA. History of the Danforth. 2014. Accessed online at
l1ltp:/ /www .theda nforth.ca/history-of-the-da nforth.
2s Upper Canada Land Book 'P', Petition 32, Bundle 3. Microfilm C2489.
2s Tweedsmuir History, [c.l960]: 20.
21 Scheinman, 2004: 11.
2s Tnis one acre likely refers to the Whltcvale Cemetery
29 Land Registry Office, Microfilm Roll E44, p. 118b.
LAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSULTING Amy Barnes Consulting cul~eritage
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Heritage Property Evaluation Report
615 Whitevale Road, Pickering ON
P1epared for The City of Pickering
June 18, 2015
contradicts the 1851 census records, which describe Henry Maj or's t1ouse as being '1one-and-a-
half-storey frame and stone".35 A pre-1851 date of construction for the stone section is supported
by the Unterman McPhail report (1989), whicll notes Lhat the stone section appears to be a pre-
1850 construction; and Lhe second Scl1einma n report (2004) whicr1 noted that the 12/8 double-
hung sash and large cooking hearth are more typical of pre-·1851 construction. The 1 BZOs date
for the timber-frame section appears to originate with a 1994 report by Andre Scheinman.
However, til e style of the timber-frame section is more typical o f the 1840s, with its transomless.
nat-arched central entrance. As well. Henry Maj or would have been a teenager in the 1820s,
and unlikely to be building a house. It is more likely that Henry Major and his Arst wife Jane. who
are credited as the builders, built the stone house around the time he acquired the property in
1839, or possibly between 1832 and 1839 when it wa'i owned by Thomas Maj or. lie may have
added Lhe more stylish timber-frame section to the front of the house for his second wife Lydia
after their marriage in 1846 and to accommodate his growing family, or it may have coincided
with Henry's acquisition of additional land in 1849.
The stone-and-frame house is shown on an 1877 map of Pickering Township in the histo rical atlas
for Ontario County (Figure 6).36 The map shows the farm11ouse located soutll of Whitevale Road ,
in Its current location. The surrounding land. comprising Lots 29. 30 and part of 28, Concession 4,
was owned by the Estate of llenry Major, who had died earlier tha t year.37 The map also shows
the hamlet of Whllcvale to the west, the Whitevale Cemetery in Lot 28, to the east, and
intermittent creek running through Lot 29 east of the farmhouse (Figure 6). After Henry's deat h,
the property '('ISS inherited by his son, Albert Edward Major; who was known locally for raising
Shelland ponies.Js The farm was inherited by Frederick Annis Maj or (b. 1896) following Albert
Edward's 1939 death. Fred was the eldest child of Walter Scolt Maj or (b.1862), grandson of
Henry Major and nephew of Albert Major. He was listed on the 1938 list of electors as a farmer.
Walter Clark Major. Fred's son, p urchased a portion of the farm in 1961 For $5000 and then
inherit~d the remainder in 1967.
The Farmstead was recognized in 1967 as a Century Farm.39 A 1967 map of Pickering Township
(Figure 6) by George Smith of Claremont, Ontario highlights Century farms and identifies 0
35 Library and Archives Canada, Census of 7857, Canada East. Canada West, New Brunswick,
and Nova Scotia; Pickering Township. Ontario County, Canada West; Schedule A: Roll C11742 .
Pages 191-192, lines 18-28.
3s "Ma p of Pickering" in J.H. Beers & Co .. 1/lustfaLed I lisLorica/ Atlas of the County of Ontario. Ont.,
(loronto: 1877). at p. 19.
a1 Archives of Ontario. Registrations o f Deaths, 1869-1938. MS 935, reel16. Archives of Ontario,
Toronto. Ontario, Canada: 647.
Ja Scheinman. 2004: 11.
39 The Ontario Century Farm Recognition Program was initiated as a Canadian Centennial
projecL by lhe Junior Farmers Association of Ontario ("JFAO ''). In 1967, the JFAO began to
recognize, through a formal signage program, t hose farmsteads which had been owned by
direct descendanls of the same family for more than 100, 125 or 150 years.
LAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSUL T1NG Amy Barnes Consulting cuHeritage
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Heritage Property Evaluation Report
615 Whitevale Road, Pickering ON
Prepared for The City of Pickering
June 18, 2015
Figure 8: View of 615 Whitevale Road, side (west) elevation showing 1820s frame
building and stone kitchen (CU, 2015). ·
Figure 9: View of 615 Whitevale Road, side (west) elevation showing stone kitchen
and later frame summer kitchen addition (CU, 2015).
LAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSULTING Amy Barnes Consulting cul-leritage
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Heritage Property Evalualion Report
615 Whitevale Road, Pickering ON
5.1 Georgian-style, Timber-frame House
Prepared for The City of Pickering
June 18, 2015
The Georgian-style main house is a one-and-a-half-storey, timber-Frame41 structure. with a five-
bay Facade and a cenLral main entrance. ll i:; built on a rectangular plan w ith a long facade.
The medium-pitched. ef"'d-gablc roof is shingled and 11as eave returns. The building is encircled
below wide eave::. by a plain, wide, frieze that has been painted a deep green. The deep green
colour carries down through the beaded cornerboards. The building is clad in narrow
c lapboard, painted white, and in some places the original square nail heads arc visible. There Is
no visible foundation.
A portico supported on two wooden posts wilh decorative lrim, frames the central entrance.
The profile and materials of lhe portico suggest that It is a 20th century addition.
The front door casing has sidelights with single-pane. double-sash 3/2 windows and paneled
dado below. The main ooor has six panels painted white, and a deep green centre stile.
In general, all openings are flat-arched and have louvered shutters. First-storey windows are
generally 12/8 double sash with wood lug sills. a drip mold lip along the top, a nd a wide wooden
surround. Second-storey openings, although smaller, are framed in the same manner.
Modern additions or replacements include modern hardware on the front door, aa screen
door, a two 6/3 windows on the west elevation, one 1/1 window on the second-storey, west
eleva tion a nd a large elliptical-arch window on the main floor of the west elevatlon.the two
eastern windows on the fac;ade have had the trip and sills removed.
The farmhouse a t615 Whitevale Road is one of the earlier residential bUildings included in the
Whrtevale HCD. Both its Georgian, five-bay fa~ade and the one-storey. stone tail are less
com mon, but not uncharacteristic of the HCD inventory. Which is composed of a variety of styles
and ages of comtruction. The clapboard exterior of tho farmhouse is consistent with common
cladding types found in the HCD.
Other examples of five-bay Georgian-style houses in Lhe immediate area include 750 Whitevale
Road (c. 1861 ), 940 Whilevale Road (1822) and 1130 Whltevale Road (1835-40), all of which
include a wide-central doorcase and sidelights and a medium-pitc hed roof. All three examples
are bUilt with heavily mortared, randomly coursed fieldstone and roughly squared, stone quoins.
in a manner similar to the stone tail at 615 Whitcvale. Only the fa<;ade of 9'10 Whltevale Road is
evenly coursed .. There are no olher examples of timber-frame Georgian dwellings in t11e vicinity
of Whitevale.
5. 1.1 lntwrior
The second noor Interior could not be proper'y viewed as the staircase has been removed. but it
appears to have chamfered plaster a nd latll walls. The interior on both levels appears to have
41 Scheinrnan. 2004: 11 and Hough Stansbury Woodland Naylor Dance Limited, 1994: 175.
LAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSULTING Amy Barnes Consulting cul-'eritage
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Heritage Property Evaluation Report
615 Whitevale Road, Pickerin g ON
Figure 19: Detail of flooring in front entry (CU, 2015) ..
Prepared for The City of Pickering
June 18, 2015
Figure 20: Example of baseboards in southwest room, frame building. Note new
vents, doors and late 191h or early 201h century built-in cupboard (CU, 2015).
LAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSULTING Amy Barnes Consulting cuHeritage
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615 Whitevale Road. Pickering ON
Prepared for The City of Pickering
June 18. 2015
Table 1: Factors Indicating Archaeological Potential or lack of Archaeological
Potential
Archaeological Feature 615 Whitevale Rd.?
(y/n)
Previously identified archaeoloqical sites y
Water sou rces:
Primary water sources (lakes rivers streams, creeks) N
Secondary water sources (intermittent streams, creeks, y marshes)
Features indica ling past water sources (e.g .. glacial lake N shorelines relic river or stream channels)
Accessible or inaccessible shoreline N
Elevated topoqra phy (e.q. eskers, drumlins, pla teau) y
Pockets of well-drained sandy soil, especia lly near areas of heavy Not assessed soil or rocky qround
Distincllve land formations that might have been special or
spiritual places such as waterfalls, rock outcrops, caverns, mounds N
and promontories and their bases.
Resource areas:
Food or medicinal plants Not assessed
Scarce raw materials N
Early Euro-Canadian industry (e.g., fur trade, logging, N prospecllnq, mininq)
Areas of early Euro-Canadian setllement N
Early historical transportation routes y
Property listed on a municipal register or designated under the y Ontario Heritage Act or lhat is a federal, provincial or municipal
historic landmark or site
Property that local histories or informants have identified with
possible arc haeological sites, historical events,. activities, or N
occupants
Archaeological polential can be determined not to be present if
the site has been subject to modern extensive and deep land
alt eratio ns such as: quarrying; sewage and i1frastructure N
development: building footprir~ts; or major landscaping involving
qradinq.
LAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSULTING Amy Barnes Consulting cur•eritage
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Heritage Property Evaluation Report
615 Whitevale Road, Pickering ON
Prepared for The City of Picl<ering
June 18, 2015
The rural character of Whitevale, with its narrow tree-lined streets, scenic
views over the surrounding agricultural lands and tl1e West Duffins Creek and
Its steep river valley. provides a distinctive context and setting for Its buildings.
The community has a rich and diverse character within a relatively small
area. Archaeological remains located in and around.Whitevale attest to its
enduring attractiveness as a setllement area, ~a
Together with the former Whitevale School. it reinforces the heritage character of Lhe Whitevale
Road corridor as one enters the HCD.
7 Heritage Eva luation
The properly and associated resources have been evaluated for Cultural Heritage Value or
Interest (CHVI) under Ontario Regulation 9/06 Criteria ror Determining Cultural Heritage Va lue or
Interest under the Ontario Heritage Act. A summary of_the evaluation based on Lllo crimria is
presented in Tables 2. 3 and 4 below.
7.1 Design or Physical Value
With its low-slung. five-bay form. wide central doorcase, symmetrically arranged openings and
Classical detailing, the one-and-a-half-storey. main house is a representative example of
Georgian architecture, a style wl1ich was popular in Upper Canada from 1750-1850. More
specifically, it illustrates Georgian Classicism or Pa lladlanism, (after the sixteenth century Italian
architect Andrea Pa lladia), which became the dominant form for United Empire Loyalists and
landed British gentry. In Canada, it is often re"erred to as "Loyalist" because it was so typical of
UEL residential construction along the northern shore of Lake Ontario in the 1830s and 1840s. The
style is characteriLed by symmetry, a rectangular. centre-hall plan. a low-pitched gable or
hipped roof. a wide f\ont doorcase with transom and sidelights, and classical details suc h as
friezes below the eaves, pedimented frontispieces, eave returns, and pilastered corners.
Although most houses in Whitevale HCD belong lo later styles, four comparable flve-bay
Georgian examples were encountered at 750 Whitevale Road (c.1861), 940 Whltevaie Road
(1822) and 11 30 Whitevale Road (1835-40). 615 Whitevaie Road is the only example in the
immediate area in limber-frame construction rather tl1an stone.
Aspects of the stone kitchen tail, Including Its randomly coursed granite fieldstone walls, roughly
squared stone quoining, and 12/8 windows provide a rare example of 1830s materials and
construction methods. Other properties with fieldstone constru c lion include: 750 Whitevale Road
(c.1861), 940 Whitevale Road (1822), 1130 Whitevale Road (1835-40) and 1389 Whitevale Road
(1851-61 ).
Table 2 -Evaluation of the Cultural Heritage Value or Interest of 615 Whitevale Road
as Per O.Reg. 9/06 Criteria 1. i., ii., and iii
46 City or Pickering Whitevale Heritage Conservation District Guide, 2013: 5.
LAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSULTING Amy Barnes Consulting cuPeritage
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Heritage Property Evaluation Report
615 Wl1itevale Road, Pickering ON
Prepared for The City of PicKering
June 18, 2015
O.Reg. 9/06 Criteria Criteria Met Justification
(y/n)
1. The property has design
value or physical value
because it.
fhe main house with its low-slung. five-bay
rorm, wide central doorcase, symmetrically
arranged openings and Classical detailing is
representative of the Georgian Classical style,
I. is a rare, unique, .sometimes referred to as U1e ~oyalist style for its
popularity among UEL settlers along the north representative or early shore of Lake Ontario in the 1830s and 1840s. example of a style, y Although it is one of five examples of five-bay type, expression, Georgian houses irJ Wl1iteva1e. its tirryber-frame material, or construction is rare in tlliS style in th e area. construction melhod, The stone kilc hen tall with its randomly coursed
granite fieldstone walls, roughly squared stone
quoining and 12/8 windows provides a rare
example of 1830s materials and construction
methods.
ii. displays a high degree The building does not display a high degree of of craftsmanship or N
artistic merit, or craftsmanship or artistic merit.
iii. demonstrates a high The building does not demonstrate a high degree of tecl1nical or N degree of technical or scientific achievement. scientific achievement
The property at 615 Whitevale Road meets the c riteria for design or physical value under O.Reg.
9/06.
7.2 Historic/ Associative Value
The property at 615 Whitevale Road is associated with Lhe early settlement of th e Whitevale
area and the development of local agriculture. The main l1ouse and stone kitchen were built For
Henry Maj or. an early Farmer, in the1830s and 1840s. Henry was the son of John Maj or, who buill
the first saw mill in the area and is credited with initiating settlement. Whitevale was known until
1870 as "Majors Mills'' or "Majorville". T11e property at 615 Whitevale continued to be owned and
farmed by Henry Maj or, his children and grandchildren until at least 1967, w hen it was
recognized as an Ontario Century Farm for the continuous ownership of the farrnsLead by
descendants of the same family for more than 125 years.
615 Whltevale Road also exhibits arc~aeologlcal potential. given its proximity to a number of
archaeological features oullined in the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports Standards
and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists, 47 including: a secondary water course, elevated
47 Ministry ofTourism, Culture and Sport. Standards and Guideline For Consultant Archaeologists.
2011 :17-18.
LAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSULTING Amy Barnes Consulting cul4eritage
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Heritage Property Evaluation Report
615 Whitevale Road, Pickering ON
Prepared for The City of Pickering
June 18, 2015
topography, known pre-contact and Euro.canadian archaeological sites, an early historical
transportation route, and as a property listed on t11e Municipal Heritage Register (2008) and
designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. The property has also not undergone any
recent or extensive ground disturbances which might indicate the removal of archaeological
potential. As a result. the property llas the potential to yield information that contributes to an
understanding of a community or culture.
Table 3 -Evah.,Jation of the Cultural Heritage Value or Interest of 615 Whitevale Road
as Per O.Reg. 9/06 Criteria 2. i., ii., and iii
O.Reg. 9/06 Criteria Criteria Met Justification
(y/n)
2. The property has historical
value or associative value
because it.
The property is associated With the early
i. has direct associations settlement of the area and the development
with a theme, event of local agric ulture. The house was constructed
belief, person, activity, for local farmer Henry Major in the 1830s and
organization or y was occupied by his family and direct
institution that is descendants for more than 125 years. Henry's
significant to a father John Major built the first sawmill at
community, Whitevale and is credited with initiating
settlement of the area.
li. yields, or has the Given that the property surrounding the potential to yi.eld farmhouse and carriage shed has not been information that
contributes La an y recently and significantly altered, it has the _
understanding of a potential to yield Information that contrib utes
to the understanding of the community or a community or culture, pre-contact culture. or
Iii. demonstrates or
reflects the work or
ideas of an a"rchitect,
artist, builder, designer N Designer or builder unknown
or theorist who is
sign ificant to a
community.
The pro perty at 615 Whitevale Road meets the criteria for historical or associative value under
O.Reg. 9/06.
LAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSULTING A my Barnes Consulting cul1eritage
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Heritage Property Evaluation Report
615 Whitevale Road, Pickering ON
7.3 Contextual Value
Prepared for The City of Pickering
June 18, 2015
Located at the eastern end of the Whitevale Road Corridor and the entrance to the Whitevale
HCD, til e property at 615 Whitevale Road is part of the approach or gateway from the rural
surroundings to the hamlet and helps define the scenic character of the hamlet. Its Georgian
Classical style, typical of the 1830s and 1840s, reinforces the 19lh cenlury character of the HCD.
The Henry Maj or House, has stro ng historical a nd visual associations with both lhe John Major
House. and the Whitevale Cemetery at the eastern end of the HCD and. a long with the former
Whitevale School. serve to reinforce lhe heritage character of the Whitevale Road corridor as
one enters Lhe HCD.
Table 4 -Evaluation of the Cultural Heritage Value or Interest of 615 Whitevale Road
as Per O.Reg. 9/06 Criteria 3. i., ii., and iii
O.Reg. 9/06 Criteria Criteria Met Justification
(y/n)
3. The property has
contextual value because
it.
I. is important in Because of its location at the eastern entrance
d efining, maintaining to the district, and its Georgian style typical of
or supporting tl1e y the 1830s and 1840s, the He nry Major house is
c haracter of an area, important in defining and maintaining the
character of the Whitevale Road Corridor and
the Whitevale HCD.
ii. is physically, The Henry Major house is visually and historically
functionally, visually or linked to the surrounding agric ultural fields,
historically linked to its some of which were part of Major's rarm ror
surroundings. or more than 125 years. The house is historically v linked to the hamlet of Whitevale, to the
nearby Whitevale Cemetery (w hich was
donated by Henry Major) and to the John
Major House, 940 Whftevale Road, which was
built by He nry's father.
iii. is a landmark. N 615 Whitevale Road is not a landmark.
1 he property at 615 Whitevale Road meets the c riteria for contextual value under O.Reg. 9/06.
LAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSULTING Amy Barnes Consulting cu1 · eritage
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Heritage Property Evaluation Report
615 Whitevale Road, Pickering ON
7.4 Statement of Signifi cance
1.'1 1 Descrip tio n ot fJI opt~rty
Prepared for The City of Pic kering
June 18, 2015
615 Whitevale Road, Pickering. Ontario, also known as the Henry Major I louse, is located on the
soutll side of Whitevale Road east of the hamlet of Whitevale. It is a square parcel of .5 hectares
(1.24 acres) comprising the.north part of Lots 29 and 30, Concession IV, Pickering Townshi p.
The main built resource on the property is a one-and-a-half storey, timber-frame house built in
the Georgian Classical style in tl1e 1840s. Three, one-storey tails are connected to the rear of the
house: a stone kitchen (c .1830s), a second, wood-frame kitchen (late 19u, to early 2Qth century);
and a wood-frame garage (mid·201h century). Th e property also includes a separate, wooden
carriage shed (mid-19th century). The built resources are surrounded by a grassy lawn and a
number of mature coniferous and decid uous trees. A gravel laneway runs from Lhe road west of
the house, c urving eastward behind the house towards the carriage shed. The farmhouse has a
narrow setback from Whilevale Road, with open views towards the north.
The property is listed on Lhe City of Pic kering Municipal Heritage Register (2008) and is witl1in the
Whitevale Heritage Conservalion District, which was designated under Part V of the Onrar/o
Heritage Act in 1993 (13y-law 4074-92). The property is owned the Province or Onlario and
managed by Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation.
7.4.2 l)tatcn Jenl of Cultuiu l Heritage Value
Th e main house, wiLh its low-slung. nve-bay form, wide central doorcase, symmetrically arranged
openings and Classical detailing is representative of the Georgian Classical style, sometimes
re ferred to as the Loyalist style for its popularity among UEL settlers along tlie north shore of Lake
Ontario in the 1830s and 1840s. Although il Is one of five examples of five-bay Georgian houses in
Whttevale, its timber-frame construction is rare In this style in this area. The stone kitchen tall. with
its ~andomly coursed granite fieldstone walls, roughly squared stone quoining and 12/8 wi11dows
provides a rare example of 1830s materia Is and construction methocls.
The property is associated with tile early settlement of the Whitevale area a nd the development
of local agriculture. The house was constructed for local farmer Henry Maj or in the 1830s and
1840s and was occ upied by his ramlly ar~d direct descendants for more than 125 years. Henry's
father John Major built the first sawmill at WhiLevale and is credited With Initiating settlement of
the area.
Given that the property surrounding the farmhouse and carriage shed has not been recently
and significantly a ltered, it has the polential Lo yield Information that contributes to the
understanding ofthe community or a pre-contact culture.
Because ofits location at the eastern entrance to the Whilevale Heritage Conservation District.
and its Georgian style typical of the 1830s a nd 1840s, the Henry Major house reinforces the
scenic· character o r Lhe district and is important in defining and maintaining the overall
c haracter of the Whitevale Road Corridor and the Wllitevale HCD.
Th e He nry Maj or house is visually and historically linked to lhe surrounding agric ultural fields, some
of which were part of Major's farm for more than 125 years. The house is historically linked to the
lAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSULTING Amy Barnes Consulting cuHeritage
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Heritage Property Evaluation Report
615 Whitevale Road, Pickering ON
Prepared for The City of Pickering
June 1 B, 2015
hamlet of Whltevale, to nearby Whitevale Cemetery (which was donated by the Major Family)
and to the John Major House at 940 Whitevale Road. whicll was built by llenry's father.
/A J Hentage /\ttrtlJutes
The heritage attributes essential to the cultural heritage value of the property are the one-and-
a-l1alf-storey, timber -frame house; and Its stone kitchen tail.
Key elements of the timber-Frame house include:
• Its Georgian Classical slyle: including: the symmetrical, five-bay facade; the simple
gable roofline with eave returns: Lhe wide plain Frieze; Lhe pilastered corners: and the
centrally placed front entrance with flat-arched opening, side lights and paneled
wooden door;
• Its form a nd proportions, including the one and half storey height and centre hall plan;
• The surviving 12/8 double hung window sash with louvered shutters;
• Its narrow, clapboard cladding; and
• Its narrow setback and orientation towards Whitevale Road.
l<ey elements of the stone kitchen tail include:
• Its stone construction of random-coursed, granite fieldstone:
• Its surviving 12/8 double-hung window sash;
• Remnants of the original hearth, now concealed behind the early-20th century
cobblestone fireplace surround; and
• Its form and proportions, including the gable roof.
Key elements of the property as a whole include:
• Its relationship to lhe surrounding agricultural fields; and
• The visibility and legibility of its heritage atlributes from Whitevale Road.
LAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSULTING Amy Barnes Consulting cu eritage
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Heritage Property Evaluation Report
615 Whitevale Road, Pickering ON
Prepared for The City of Pickering
June 18, 2015
9 Sources
Ancestry .com and Genealogical Research Llorary (Brampton, Ontario, Canada). Ontario,
Canada, Marriages, 1801-1928 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations,
Inc., 2010.
Archives of Ontario.
Registrations of Deaths, 1869-1938. MS 935, reel 16. Archives of Ontario, Toronto, Ontario,
Canada. page 647.
Select Marriages. Archives of Ontario, Toronto. Series: MS248; Reel: 2: page 262.
Bray Heritage, Seaton Neighbourhood Planning Background Report: Whitevale Road Heritage
Corridor Review, Report prepared for the City of Pickering. May 2010.
Contentworks. Phase II Evaluetion of Residences on W/1itevate Road, Pickering. Report prepared
for the Ontario Realty Corporation, March 2009.
Hough Stansbury Woodland Naylor Dance Limited-Prime Consultants, D.R. Poulton & Associates
-Archaeological Assessments and Excavations, Andr~ Scheinman -Heritage Preservation
Consultant, Seaton Cultural Heritage Resources Assessment: Technical Appendix. Report
Prepared for the Seaton Interim Planning Team (Ontario Ministry of Housing). July 1994 . Accessed
online at 1t p /i www pncn c Mbook cJr wilsl .'iti-.?OV~kc';,(wulus-.YJ IC ur1.
J.H, Beers&. Co,, Illustrated Historical Atlas of the County of Ontario, Ont., J.H., Beers & Co.:
Toronto, 1877.
Land Registry Office #40. Pickering Township, Concessions 4 and 5. Microfilm Roll E44.
Library and Archives Canada
1851, Census of 1851, Canada East, Canada West, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia;
Pickering Township, Ontario County, Canada West; Schedule A: Roll C11742. Pages 191-
192, lines 18-28.
1851 , Census of 1851, Canada East. Canada West, New Brunswick, a nd Nova Scotia;
Pickeri ng Township, Ontario County. Canada West; Schedule B: Roll C11742. Pages 277-
278, lines 5·7.
1938, Voters Lists, Federal Clections. 1 £•35-1980. R1 003-6-3-E (RG1 13-B).
Ministry ofTourism, Culture and Sport. Standards & Guidelines for ConseNation or Provincial
Heritage Properties. April, 2010,
---. Standards and Guidelin es for Consultant Archaeologlsi.s. 2011.
Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990. c.0.18.
Pickering-Ajax Digital Archives. 2003. Accessed online at llttp ://www.pada.ca/,
LAURIE SMITH HERITAGE CONSULTING Amy Barnes Consulting cuHeritage
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Building Assessment Report
1050 Whitevale Road
Report PLN 10-15
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I 050 Whitcvalc Road, Pickering, Ontario
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Building Heritage Assessment
7 050 White vale Road, Pickering
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Parameters
For the City of Pickering
30 june 207 5
Goldsmith Borgal & Co. Ltd. Architects (GBCA) was requested in early 2015
to prepare an assessment of the property list~d as 1 050 Whitevale Road,
Pickering, Ontario. A study has been deemed to be required to determine
the heritage importance and condition of this structure and this information
will determine its recommended disposition.
The site was visited on 18 March 2015 and re-visited (interiors) on 21 May
2015.
1.2 Assumptions
Assumptions for the work:
Investigations were limited to visual inspection. We did not conduct any
destructive testing nor was the examination done in detail.
Conservation mitigation work that we may propose is intended to
conform to the highest conservation standards and result in the
retention of as much historic building material as possible.
Where we suggest that some of the building elements may be removed
or significantly changed, we recommend that the general arrangement
of the features be recorded and documented in a manner that
documents the evolution of the overall structure.
2
Building Heritage Assessment
7 050 White vale Road, Pickering
2.3 History
For the City of Pickering
30 june 2075
It is reported in the history prepared for the Seaton '04 Built Heritage Assessment1
that this farmstead was received from the crown by Aaron Albright in 1852.
However, his father Uohn Albright) had applied to purchase the lot which was
originally set aside as a Clergy Reserve-of interest is that the 1877 plan in the
County Atlas illustrates the presence of a church at the nearby corner of 24 Sideline
and Whitevale Road.
John Albright is recorded as early as 1822 as having been involved in the affairs of
Pickering Twp.
It is reported that, at some time between 1822 and 1828, john Albright apparently
"squatted" on the property and built there. His will, which was dated 24 April
1838, left his house and barns to his wife.
It is also reported that Aaron Albright was living in his "log house" and farming 100
acres. The census of 1861 confirms Albright's continued occupancy of the site in a
log house.
It is then reasonable to suggest that the current house was constructed after 1861
but, based on its design, certainly within a few years of that date.
The Albright family occupied the property well into the 20th century.
1 A. Schieneman. Heritage Preservation Consultant. 2004
6
Building Heritage Assessment
7 050 White vale Road, Pickering
3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
3.1 The Building-General Comment
For the City of Pickering
30 june 207 5
The building is of 1-1/2 storeys and constructed of dichromatic (two
colours) brick with a stone foundation. A small frame shed with board and
batten siding is added to the north elevation and appears to be of a
somewhat later date than the original structure.
The house is unusual in the local context due to its ornate masonry and
detailing. It was certainly the result of a successful farming operation and
the upgrading from many decades of occupancy of a log structure. It would
have represented a profound improvement in quality of life for the Albright
family and a source of pride for the generations that followed.
Generally, by the 1860's, more elaborate house designs were coming into
architectural expression which were promulgated by architectural "pattern
books". The simpler, and elegant Georgian Revival style popular through
the first half of the century was giving way to the more stylish "Ontario
Cottage" with its typical centre gable2• In this case, the pointed window in
the centre gable would also trigger an "Ontario Gothic" designation. The
original window, now replaced and which illuminated the upper hallway,
was described as a lancet window "with bar tracery, muntins in the upper
sash" with the peak of the gable surmounted with a finial.
Traces of finials can also be seen at the peaks of the east and west ends of
the main gable roof. It was not uncommon during the high Victorian period
·to have even more elaboration of the roof edges in the form of barge-
boarding, or decorative fretwork. A more detailed examination might
uncover the fastening points of such decoration if it had been used and is
now lost.
The brick masonry, which on the front elevation was elaborated into
"English" or Flemish bond where stretcher and header bricks alternate both
vertically and horizontally, is of note as is the dichromatic band course
across the facade (also known at the time as a "diaper band"~ The buff brick
quoins, the alternating projected corners of the main facade, are also of
note. Squared stones in the front and sidewall foundations complete the
impression of quality and exuberant design which was the height of
domestic fashion for its time.
Much of the interior remains although damaged by water penetration and
renovations.
2 The centre gable can be seen in other portions of North America, and much earlier -the design seems to
have morphed from the east coast where the earlier centre gables were frequently much larger in proportion
while in Ontario thev were more delicatelv grafted onto houses of more classical proportions.
7
Building Heritage Assessment
7 050 Whitevale Road, Pickering
3.2 The Structure
For the City of Pickering
30june2075
The original structure is a departure from the earlier houses along Whitevale
Road in that it is of solid brick construction as opposed to the previously
prevailing wood clapboard construction of earlier houses. It is possible that
the design inspiration may have been taken from a church just to the east,
as depicted in the 1877 plan. However, at present, there is no evidence of
the church nor of its construction-further research is required in the form
of an archaeological assessment.
We were unable to access the basement due to standing water so could not
verify the materials for the main floor framing. However, based on earlier
examples in the community, it is probable that the main floor was framed
with saw cut joists with 5/4 pine floor boards. A similar construction would
have framed the second floor with joists spanning in a north/south direction
(front to back) thus permitting easy installation of the central stairway.
Joists and beams bear on the stone masonry foundation and brick walls of
the house. The thickness of the walls suggest that the brick walls would be
of three wythe construction, connected with headers (Flemish bond no the
front walls, common bond-rows of stretchers between single rows of
headers) on the rear.
The roof is framed with sawn lumber rafters and sheathed with pine boards.
We could not determine if the rafters were tapered, bwt this is likely due to
the probable date of construction.
Original roofing material would have been sawn eastern white cedar
shingles. Windows would most likely have been 6/6 pattern and the
paneled front door was most certainly surrounded by windowed and
paneled sidelights surmounted by a glazed transom.
Chimneys were located at the east and west ends of the ridge of the house-
given the lack of fireplaces, it appears that this house was totally "modern"
for its period and utilized stoves for heating.
, No evidence remains of an original front porch -the current porch is of
poured concrete, most certainly an early to mid twentieth century detail.
Given the lack of an original kitchen "tail", it is possible that the original
kitchen was located in the basement.
9
Building Heritage Assessment
7 050 Whiteva!e Road, Pickering
4.3 Roof
For the City of Pickering
30 june 2075
Rafters are squared and tapered members spaced at approximately 16" on
centre.
The roof is of a fairly steep pitch, approximately 1: 2 ratio, but does not
include moulded returned eaves at the north and south elevations (Image
12) which would typically be expected for a building of an earlier period A
skirt is seen below the soffit panel and drop finials can be found under the
peak of the roof at both the east and west ends.
Wood planks were installed over the roof framing (rafters) and can be seen
below in Image**. These would be typically 1" thick rough sawn pine of
8" to 12" in width (this type of lumber was typically used to sheath roofs
arid was also commonly used to sheath the walls of barns-it is still called
barnboard). They were installed with a small gap between each plank to
provide ventilation to the underside of the shingles. Shingles would be
locally made of eastern white cedar, typically approximately 16" long with
a minimum of three layers at each shingle (roughly a 5-1/3" exposure
resulting from the overlap). Shingles on the existing roof are asphalt and are
not original.
4.4 Windows
Original windows in the house, dating to the period of the trim installation,
would have been most likely 6/6 glazing pattern (6 in the upper sash and6'
in the lower)-if the house was constructed in the 1870's, they would more
likely have been of 2/2 configuration. Window panes were available in
standard sizes and the window openings could be calculated using the
standard pane size in combination with the probable dimensions of the
muntins (spacers between panes), stiles (vertical elements) and rails forming
each sash.
The gothic window in the centre gable would have originally been much
more ornate with curved muntin bars.
The sills were constructed of wood and are generally still present save for
some locations where concrete has been formed as a replacement. See
Image 19 below.
4.5 Exte-rior Doors
As noted earlier, the front door is likely the original but has been modified.
The window portions of the side lights have been inserted into the upper
panels of the door, most likely when the sidelights and transoms were
removed.
The rear door is of much later origins.
17
Building Heritage Assessment
7 050 White vale Road, Pickering
4.6 Chimneys
For the City of Pickering
30 june 207 5
Only stubs of the two original chimneys remain at the east and west ends of
the roof ridge. They were most likely quite ornate in keeping with the
overall aesthetic of the house design.
4.7 Interior
The interior of the house was reviewed in late May of 2015. While the
house was subject to many renovations, many interior features remain.
These are illustrated in the following images and captions.
The main stair is located in the central hall of the building and is typical for
a house of this configuration. Typically, four rooms were found on the
ground and upper floor, two on each side of the central hall. The lack of a
substantial kitchen tail is unusual in respect to this dwelling.
The inside face of the the exterior studs and the underside of the rafters are
sheathed with nailed plaster lath. The lath is, for the most part, mill-cut
wood lath of approximately 1" in width and 1/4 to 3/8" in thickness. This is
typical for the period during the 1860's and on.
The interior trim of a building of this era was installed once the floors were
down but prior to the installation of lath and plaster, unlike today when
drywall is installed first and the trim placed over it. Thus all window, door
and base trim was installed prior to the installation of the lath-the plaster
was then used to level out irregularities in the vertical posts to make a neat
final installation. The base trim around doors and windows in this building
consists of a beaded board onto which is placed an "ogee" shaped
backhand -the pattern of which is typical of several other houses in the
area which have already been dated to the mid-1850's. This would have
been supplied from a local mill which would have generated a standard
trim stock for the construction of buildings in the area.
Interior doors are also early, but unusual with vertical panels as can be seen
from the images.
18
Building Heritage Assessment
7 05 0 White vale Road, Pickering
5. Heritage Impact
5.1 General Comments
For the City of Pickering
30 june 2075
There is sufficient information to permit, at some time in the future, a
restoration of the building to its original appearance. This would be costly,
however, due to the state of condition of the building and would exceed the
cost of a new structure if calculated on a per-square-foot basis. Restored, a
good and appropriate use could be found for the structure.
5.2 Historical
We have analyzed the subject building in accordance with the matrix
required by the Ontario Heritage Act (O.Reg. 9/06) to establish
recommendations for its significance. In the tables below, our opinion is
followed by an analysis for each of the points flagged in the tables.
Design or Physical Value Our
opinion
i. Rare, unique, representative or early example of a style, type, Yes
expression, material or contmctiori method
ii. Displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit Yes
iii. Displays a high degree of scientific or technical achievement No
Rare example of a style & type displaying a high degree of craftsmanship -
The structure is a carefully crafted home of the 1860's which is of a standard
that is higher than that typically seen for such a building type.
Displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit-The building
was constructed in a manner that exhibits a high level of craftsmanship for
its period.
Displays a high degree of scientific or technical achievement-The building
exhibits no specific technical achievements. However, it is representative of
a relatively early use of stoves for heating purposes.
26
Building Heritage Assessment
7 050 White vale Road, Pickering
Historical" or Associative Value
i. Direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity,
organization or institution that is significant to a community
For the City of Pickering
30 june 207 5
Our
op~nion
Yes
ii. Yields, or has the potential to yield, infonnation that contributes to an No
understanding of a community or culture
iii. Demonstrates or reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, No
builder, designer or theorist who is significant to a community
Direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity,
organization or institution that is significant to a community-The building
was occupied for an extended period by a family of early settlers to the
area, one of whom was known to be .involved in local affairs
Yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an
understanding of a community or culture-The building is of a high
standard but offers no information related to an understanding of the
community.
Demonstrates or reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder,
designer or theorist who is significant to a community-The building
reflects the work or ideas of local builders who used a pattern book to
create a local structure.
Contextual Value 011r
opinion
i. Important in defining, maintaining, or supporting the character Yes
of an area
ii. Physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its Yes
surroundings
iii. Landmark No
Important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area
and Surroundings-The structure is one of several buildings that contribute
to the character of Whitevale Road which, by any measure, is an early
remaining settlement area in Ontario.
Physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its surroundings
The building is located to the north of the road and may echo the design of
a now lost church immediately to the east.
landmark-By virtue of its location, the building is prominent in the
community.
27
Building Heritage Assessment
7 050 White vale Road, Pickering
5.2.1 Summary
For the City of Pickering
30 june 2075
While only one criterion of the provincial matrix for evaluation needs to be
met to trigger the designation of a property, this building meets several. The
Provincial Policy Statement requires that "Significant built heritage
resources and significant cultural heritage landscapes shall be conserved."
In respect to this structure, it is our opinion that the building is locally
significant and that it should be photographed and further recorded. The
building has been evaluated in previous heritage studies and has been
identified as a significant heritage resource3. Based on our assessment, we
agree with this statement. However, the condition of the building,
particularly the east wall, is problematic and will require considerable
efforts to allow the structure to be retained. However, developer plans
appear to bypass the structure can should allow retention by the community
or renovation and occupancy as a private residence.
5.3 Current heritage status
The building is located within the Municipal Heritage Register as a Property
of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest.
5.4 Statement of Significance
The following can be used as a Draft Statement of Cultural Heritage Value
for 1 050 Whitevale Road:
The cultural heritage value of 1050 Whitevale Road lies in its Ontario
Cottage inspired design with its centre gable arid Gothic window,
dichromatic brickwork including decorative quoins and patterned band,
intricate brickwork and carefully squared foundation stones. Roof finials at
the east and west peak of the gabled roof are also typical of this decorative
period in Ontario domestic architecture. The chimneys, located at each end
of the roof peak, are an important part of the overall composition. The
building has associations with early families to the area and who resided
here for over a century. The building was constructed in the mid to late
1860's.
5.4.1 Design Value
The building is one of a few remaining Ontario Gothic cottage style houses
in the area and includes excellent examples of masonry work, including the
decorative main elevation and squared stone foundation wall. The window
pattern is original although the original windows have been lost.
5.4.2 Historic/Associative Value
The house is associated with the occupancy of the site by an early settler to
the community who was active in local affairs. It is identified in the 1877
County Atlas.
3 SeatonNeighbourhood Planning, Whitevale Road Corridor Review, Bray Heritage, May 2010; Seaton Built
Heritage Assessment. A. Schein man. November 2004.
28
Building Heritage Assessment
7 050 White vale Road, Pickering
5.4.3 Character-defining Elements
For the City of Pickering
30 june 2075
Should a statement of Significance be prepared for the house, we consider
its character-defining elements to be:
-the overall massing of the structure and its height and proportions
-the centre gable with its gothic window
-the Flemish bond masonry of the front wall with its dichromatic
brickwork with yellow or marl brick quoins, window voussoirs, and
decorative band
-the gable ended roof with no returns with original decorative finials
-the pattern of the original windows on east, south and west elevations
-the position of the original chimneys at the east and west end of the
roof ridge
5.4.4 Contextual Value
The building has contextual value in the overall community along
Whitevale Road.
29
Building Heritage Assessment
7 050 White vale Road, Pickering
6. Recommendations
6.1 Mitigation
For the City of Pickering
30 june 2075
The subject site exhibits interesting and unique features in terms of its
design, and particularly the its early age and associations with the original
settlers ofWhitevaleRoad. Re-use of this structure for a future use is
possible, but at a cost due to its current condition. Properly stabilized, the
building could support municipal or commercial functions or provide, for
example, a low cost rentable site for p~ivate schooling or an NGO. It can
also be used as a residence. Therefore, designation of the site would be
appropriate to retain this important local building.
While the loss of heritage structures is regrettable, not every structure can
be retained. Should it be determined that the building is not sufficiently
valuable to retain or designate, it is our opinion that it is essential to
mitigate the heritage impact of its loss to the City of Pickering. This could
be done by recording the building by drawings in accordance with known
documentation standards, photographs keyed to the drawings, and salvage
of important structural components for display and interpretation in the
community.
6.2 Recommendations
This building is an early and interesting example of its kind and type-
particularly due to its historic associations and elaborate design. Such a
building is increasingly rare as development spreads across the region.
While some of the key historical elements are missing or damaged, the
building is sufficiently intact to permit its being retained and restored as an
historical reference.
The house should be Designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
by the City of Pickering. Reference to the Standards and Guidelines for the
Conservation of Historic Places in Canada should be made for any
modifications or updates to the building. Such standards do not preclude
changes to the building-rather, the standards should guide any work done
to repurpose the building while retaining the memory of heritage features.
Work should also be done to secure the site to ensure that water, vermin
and vandals are kept out and the foundations do not continue to heave.
A use should be found for the property or a rental agreement reached to
ensure its continued use and occupancy. This is the best means of
preserving properties of historic value for the future. Incorporation of the
building within the community is one of the best means by which a
structure of this type can be preserved-this means that the planning of a
the community should be done in such a manner that the subject building
is carefully considered and incorporated within proposed future
development.
30
Building Heritage Assessment
7 050 Whitevale Road, Pickering
7. Closure
For the City of Pickering
30 june 207 5
This report has been written by the Consultants (Goldsmith Barga! &
Company Ltd. Architects (GBCA) for the benefit of the client to whom it is
addressed. The information and data contained herein represent the
Consultants' best professional judgment in light of the knowledge and
information available to the consultants at the time of preparation. Except
as required by law, this report and the information and data contained
herein are to be treated as confidential and may be used arid relied upon
only by the client, its officers and employees. The Consultants deny any
liability whatsoever to other parties who may obtain access to this report for
any injury, loss or damage suffered by such parties arising from their use of,
or reliance upon, this report or any of its contents without the express
written consent of the Consultants and the client.
The Consultants have prepared this report in accordance with the Scope of
Services agreed with the Client. If you have any questions regarding the
information contained herein, please contact the undersigned.
Yours sincerely /l
Go/h Borgal r;Ltd. Architects
I ~-""' ~ ~~/---c.~ --
Christopher sdrga A~IC CAHP
President ) 1 ,/
31
Building Assessment Report
17 40 Fifth Concession Road
Attachment #8 to
Report PLN 10-15
Building Assessment Report
1740 Fifth Concession Road
Report PLN 10-15
Architects
• I 1 692\' (•55!l
I· llb :l2•J ~ IL•
11 \I'll .gb,·u.c t
Report:
Building Heritage
Assesstnent
at
1 740 Fifth Concession. Pickering, Ontario
City of Pickering
3 July2015
,.
Building Heritage Assessment
7 7 40 Fifth Concession/ Pickering
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Parameters
For the City of Pickering
3 july 20 75
Goldsmith Borgal & Co. Ltd. Architects (GBCA) was requested in early 2015
to prepare an assessment of the property listed as 1740 Fifth Concession,
Pickering, Ontario. A study has been deemed to be required to determine
the heritage importance and condition of this structure and this information
will determine its recommended disposition.
The site was visited on 18 March 2015 and re-visited (interiors) on 21 May
2015.
1.2 Assumptions
Assumptions for the work:
Investigations were limited to visual inspection. We did not conduct any
destructive testing nor was the examination done in detail.
Conservation mitigation work that we may propose is intended to
conform to the highest conservation standards and result in the
retention of as much historic building material as possible.
Where we suggest that some of the building elements may be removed
or significantly changed, we recommend that the general arrangement
of the features be recorded and documented in a manner that
documents the evolution of the overall structure.
2
Building Heritage Assessment
7 7 40 Fifth Concession, Pickering
3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
3.1 The Building -General Comment
For the City of Pickering
3 july 2075
The building is of 1-1/2 storeys and constructed of wood frame with a stone
foundation. The building is T shaped with the front porch facing south.
The configuration is typical of houses constructed in the 1870's.
The house is large for the area but unusual in that it is does not appear to
adhere to pattern book design typical for the period. It appears to have
been a plan modified by the builder with only a minimal nod to theories of
proportion or style.
While, by the 1870's, more elaborate house designs were coming into
architectural expression which were promulgated by architectural "pattern
books", in this case the house is simple and workmanlike.
Much of the interior remains although damaged by water penetration and
vandals.
3.2 The Structure
The structure is a typical of many other houses along Whitevale Road in that
it is of wood frame construction with a clapboard exterior. We could not
determine the nature of the framing as no destructive examination was
performed, but is likely framed as a "balloon frame" where the wall studs
extend continuously from the sills to the underside of the roof framing.1
We were unable to access the basement due to standing water so could not
verify the materials for the main floor framing. However, based on earlier
examples in the community, it is probable that the main floor was framed
with saw cut joists with 5/4 pine floor boards. A similar construction would
have framed the second floor with joists spanning in a perpendicular
direction from the direction of the roof ridges.
Joists and beams bear on the stone masonry foundation and the frame walls
of the house.
The roof is framed with sawn lumber rafters and sheathed with pine boards.
The rafters were tapered. We could not determine if they were numbered
for re-assembly at the peak, which was typical for the period and used
incised roman numerals.
Original roofing material would have been sawn eastern white cedar
shingles. Windows appear to have been 2/2 pattern save for the narrow
window at the south-facing gable which was 1/1.
1 Modern framing is constructed with each floor as a platform with studs extending onlv between the floors.
6
Building Heritage Assessment
7 7 40 Fifth Concession, Pickering
4.5 Exterior Doors
For the City of Pickering
3 july 2075
The exterior doors, both front and rear, are of 20th century origin.
4.6 Chimneys
Chimneys were not located on the building. With the use of stoves,
chimney locations tended to be informal as opposed to the previous
decades, with the brick flue generally exiting from the approximately the
centre of the structure.
4. 7 Interior
The interior of the house was reviewed in late May of 2015. The interior of
the house has not been subject to significant renovations and many original,
albeit simply detailed, interior features remain. These are illustrated in the
following images and captions.
The main stair is tucked away off the kitchen and is in no way grand in
execution-this allows for more useable floor area in the absence of a large
central hall. The rooms on the main floor and upper floor are
interconnected with minimal hall area.
The inside face of the the exterior studs and the underside of the rafters are
sheathed with nailed plaster lath. The lath is, for the most part, mill-cut
wood lath of approximately 1" in width and 1/4 to 3/8" in thickness. This is
typical for the period during the 1860's and on.
The interior trim of a building of this era was installed once the floors were
down but prior to the installation of lath and plaster, unlike today when
drywall is installed first and the trim placed over it. Thus all window, door
and base trim was installed prior to the installation of the lath-the plaster
was then used to level out irregularities in the vertical posts to make a neat
final installation. The base trim around doors and windows in this building
consists of a beaded board onto which is placed an "agee" shaped
backband -the pattern of which is a more sophisticated variant of typical
houses in the area which have already been dated to the mid-1850's. This
would have been supplied from a local mill which would have generated a
standard trim stock for the construction of buildings in the area.
Interior doors are also consistent with the 1860's to 1870's period although
some have been replaced with more modern ones.
14
Building Heritage Assessment
7 740 Fifth Concession, Pickering
5. Heritage Impact
5.1 General Comments
For the City of Pickering
3 july 2075
The building and its structure is in sufficiently good condition to permit, at
some time in the future, a restoration of the building to its original
appearance. Restored, a good and appropriate use could be found for the
structure.
5.2 Historical
We have analyzed the subject building in accordance with the matrix
required by the Ontario Heritage Act (O.Reg. 9/06) to establish
recommendations for its significance. In the tables below, our opinion is
followed by an analysis for each of the points flagged in the tables.
Design or Physical Value Our
opinion
i. Rare, unique, representative or early example of a style, type, No
expression, material or contmction method
ii. Displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit No
iii. Displays a high degree of scientific or technical. achievement No
Rare example of a style & type displaying a high degree of craftsmanship -
The structure is unusual in its simplicity but appears to be crudely designed
in a manner to provide maximum floor space with minimal design merit.
Displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit-The building is a
well constructed one, but not unusually so. It has minimal to no artistic
merit
Displays a high degree of scientific or technical achievem~nt-The building
· exhibits no specific technical achievements.
21
Building Heritage Assessment
7 740 Fifth Concession, Pickering
For the City of Pickering
3 july 2075
Historical or Associative Value Our
opinion
i. Direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, No
organization or institution that is significant to a community
ii. Yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an No
understanding of a community or culture
iii. Demonstrates or reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, No
builder, designer or theorist who is significant to a community
Direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity,
organization or institution that is significant to a community -No
associations have been identified.
'
Yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an
understanding of a community or culture-The building is of a good
standard but offers no information related to an understanding of the
community.
Demonstrates or reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder,
designer or theorist who is significant to a community-The building
reflects the work or ideas of local builders who did not use a pattern book
to create a well-designed structure.
Contextual Value Our
opinion
i. Important in defining, maintaining, or supporting the character No
of an area
ii. Physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its Yes
surroundings
iii. Landmark No
Important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area
and Surroundings-The building cannot be seen from Whitevale Road or
Brock Road and its original context has been eroded by nearby highway
construction.
Physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its surroundings-
While a part of its surroundings, much of the visual linkage has been lost.
Landmark-The building is not a landmark.
22
Building Heritage Assessment
7 7 40 Fifth Concession, Pickering
5.2.1 Summary
For the City of Pickering
3 july 20 75
We could not determine the exact date of the original construction. The
house has the pattern of an 1870's side wing design, but the design is not
refined and is an early variant of the style. The rear tail is remarkably small
while the overall height of the house, almost a full two storeys, is unusual.
The foundation is of a combination of cut fieldstone and rubble but suggests
similarities .to other buildings in the area dating to the 1860's. Clapboarding
with beaded corner boards also suggests the 1860's. The design of the
house appears to be customized and does not follow the recommendations
made in pattern books of that period but some minor details, such as the
entasis on the original porch columns, reflects influence from the earlier
classical styles of the 1850's. The house is indicated in its proper position in
the 1877 County Atlas and certainly pre-dates that period. We could not
establish the type of framing due to lack of access-but suspect it is balloon
framed stud walls. Therefore, a suggested dating is approximately the late
1860's to early 1870's.
While only one criterion of the provincial matrix for evaluation needs to be
met to trigger the designation of a property, this building meets virtually
none. The Provincial Policy Statement requires that "Significant built
heritage resources and significant cultural heritage landscapes shall be
conserved."
. In respect to this structure, it is our opinion that the building is not locally
significant. The building has not been considered worthy of evaluation in
previous heritage studies and has not been identified as a significant
heritage resource2• Based on our assessment, we agree with this. The
condition of the building is generally good and could be re-used by the
community or for renovation and occupancy as a private residence.
5.3 Current heritage status
The building is neither listed nor designated in the Municipal Heritage
Register as a Property of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest.
5.4 Statement of Significance
No Statement of Significance has been prepared for this property.
5.4.1 Design Value
The building has minimal design value beyond being representative of the
time of its construction.
5.4.2 Historic/Associative Value
No known associative values have been found.
2 SeatonNeighbourhood Planning, Whiteva/e Road Corridor Review, Bray Heritage, May 2010; Seaton Built
Heritage Assessment. A. Scheinman. November 2004.
23
Building Heritage Assessment
7 7 40 Fifth Concession, Pickering
6. Recommendations
6.1 Mitigation
For the City of Pickering
3 july 2075
The subject site does not exhibit many interesting or unique features beyond
its rather simple design. Re-use of this structure for a future use is possible.
Properly stabilized, the building could support municipal or commercial
functions or provide, for example, a low cost rentable site for private
schooling or an NGO. It can also be used as a residence. However,
designation of the site would not be appropriate.
While the loss of heritage structures is regrettable, not every structure can
be retained. Should it be determined that the building is not sufficiently
valuable to retain or designate, it is our opinion that it is essential to
mitigate the heritage impact of its loss to the City of Pickering. This could
be done by recording the building by drawings in accordance with known
documentation standards, photographs. keyed to the drawings, and salvage
of important structural components for display and interpretation in the
community.
6.2 Recommendations
This building is a simple and basic example of its kind and type. While
some of its historical elements are missing or damaged, the building is
sufficiently intact to permit its being retained.
Should the house be retained, work should also be done to secure the site
to ensure that water, vermin and vandals are kept out and the foundations
do not heave.
A use could be found for the property or a rental agreement reached to
ensure its continued use and occupancy. This is the best means of
preserving properties of historic value for the future. Incorporation of the
building within the community is one of the·best means by which a
structure of this type can be preserved-this means that the planning of a
the community should be done in such a manner that the subject building
is carefully considered and incorporated within proposed future
development.
25
Building Heritage Assessment
7 7 40 Fifth Concession, Pickering
7. Closure
For the City of Pickering
3 july 20 75
This report has been written by the Consultants (Goldsmith Borgal &
Company Ltd. Architects (GBCA) for the benefit of the client to whom it is
addressed. The information and data contained herein represent the
Consultants' best professional judgment in light of the knowledge and
information available to the consultants at the time of preparation. Except
as required by law, this report and the information and data contained
herein are to be treated as confidential and may be used and relied upon
only by the client, its officers and employees. The Consultants deny any
liability whatsoever to other parties who may obtain access to this report for
any injury, loss or damage suffered by such parties arising from their use of,
or reliance upon, this report or any of its contents without the express
written consent of the Consultants and the client.
The Consultants have prepared this report in accordance with the Scope of
Services agreed with the Client. If you have any questions regarding the
information contained herein, please contact the undersigned.
Yours sincerely
Golds.mith 1?3orgal & Cp~td. Arch.i .. tects . I I
I /I F [/~ ~~-//
Christopher BorJcy/ OAA FRAIC CAHP
President 1/
26
Building Assessment Report
3490 Brock Road
Attachment #9 to
Report PLN 10-15
Building Assessment Report
3490 Brock Road
Report PLN 10-15
~ It"
[ ..,f, I i
Architects
:: , j
T •
f~
' . (;'
~ -. ''
·, II r, <.•~<) (o~i)l·
F 11r.n9 ·ln ..
\\"\\ w.ghca.1:~1
Report= .
Building Heritage
Assesstnent
at
3490 Brock Road, PickGring, Ontario
for
City of Pickering
14 July 2015
Building Heritage Assessment
3490 Brock Road, Pickering
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Parameters
For the City of Pickering
74)uly 2075
Goldsmith Borgal & Co. Ltd. Architects (GBCA) was requested in early 2015
to prepare an assessment of the property listed as 3490 Brock Road,
Pickering, Ontario. A study has been deemed to be required to determine
the heritage importance and condition of this structure and this information
will determine its recommended disposition.
The site was visited on 18 March 2015 and re-visited (interiors) on 21 May
2015.
1.2 Assumptions
Assumptions for the work:
Investigations were limited to visual inspection. We did not conduct any
destructive testing nor was the examination done in detail.
Conservation mitigation work that we may propose is intended to
conform to the highest conservation standards and result in the
retention of as much historic building material as possible.
Where we suggest that some of the building elements may be removed
or significantly changed, we recommend that the general arrangement
of the features be recorded and documented in a manner that
documents the evolution of the overall stru.cture.
2
Building Heritage Assessment
3490 Brock Road, Pickering
3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
3.1 The Building -General Comment
For the City of Pickering
74 july 2075
The building is of 1-1/2 storeys and constructed of multiple wythe brick
with a stone foundation. The building plan is consistent with structures
constructed in roughly the 1870's, being a side wing design with the main
entrance off the front porch directly into the kitchen. The construction is of
white or "marl" brick which has a high lime content and was also popular
in the area in the 1870's.
The roof pitch, porch posts and trim also appear to be consistent with the
proposed date. The window configuration is two panes over two panes (in
the upper and lower sash) which pattern gradually replaced the earlier 6/6
pattern in the decades from the 1860's to 1870's. This too is consistent with
the dating.
The front porch roof is supported on turned posts and fretwork trim which is
also consistent with the 1870's although the concrete platform and concrete
block foundation of the porch is most certainly a replacement (presumably
of an originally rotted wood deck) sometime in the mid 20th century.
A rear addition to the west side of the east/west wing was done poorly in
frame and is not a part of the original structure (the type of sheathing used
dates it to the late 20th century). A rear tail, extending west from the north/
south wing, is framed and clad in wood then over-clad in metal, is of early
construction with clapboarding visible under the siding where the siding
had peeled away from a south door. The type of siding is early, and may
date to the construction of the main house it likely originally served as the
summer kitchen as was typical of the area and was subsequently converted
to a storage shed.
Much of the original interior remains although damaged by water
penetration, freeze/thaw cycles and vandals.
3.2 The Structure
The structure is a typical of a few houses in the area in that it is of solid
brick, multiple-wythe construction.
The basement was never finished, although bins for vegetables were found.
The main floor was framed with saw cut joists with 5/4 pine floor boards. A
similar construction would have framed the second floor with joists
spanning in a perpendicular direction from the direction of the roof ridges.
joists and beams bear on the stone masonry foundation and the brick walls
of the house.
7
Building Heritage Assessment
3490 Brock Road, Pickering
Historical or Associative Value
For the City of Pickering
74 july 20 75
Our
opinion
! i. Direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, Yes
: organization or institution that is significant to a connnunity
ii. Yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an No
understanding of a community or culh1re
, iii. Demonstrates or reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, , No
: builder, designer or theorist who is significant to a community
Direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity,
organization or institution that is significant to a community -Site is
associated with Thos. Hubbard, an early settler of the area, who was active
in local affairs.
Yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an
understanding of a community or culture-The building is of a reasonable
standard but offers no information related to an understanding of the
community.
·Demonstrates or reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder,
designer or theorist who is significant to a community-The building
reflects the work or ideas of local builders who used a pattern book to
create a house designed to its time and place.
: Contextual Value .Our
·opinion
: 1 i. Important in defining, maintaining, or supporting the character ' No
i of an area
ii. Physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its Yes
surroundings
iii. Landmark No
Important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area
and Surroundings-The building expresses the small farms that extended
south from the hamlet of Brougham.
Physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its surroundings-
While a part of its surroundings, much of the visual linkage has been lost
due to adjacent highway construction.
Landmark-The building is not a landmark.
28
Building Heritage Assessment
3490 Brock Road, Pickering
5.2.1 Summary
For the City of Pickering
14ju/y2015
The house has the typical pattern of an 1870's side wing design. Although
the design is not refined, it is an early variant of the style and the typical bay
window at the main floor of the side wing is, in this case, rendered with
square corners. The rear tail is of an appropriate size for the structure,
which is of small stature. The foundation is of uncut fieldstone and rubble
with a modest expense made to trim or improve the stones used. The marl
brick construction became popular throughout Ontario through the 1870's
and 1880's. The house is indicated in its proper position in the 1877
County Atlas and certainly pre-dates that period. A suggested dating is
approximately the late 1860's to early 1870's.
While only one criterion of the provincial matrix for evaluation needs to be
met to trigger the designation of a property, this building meets two and
may therefore be of local significance. The Provincial Policy Statement
requires that "Significant built heritage resources and significant cultural
heritage landscapes shall be conserved." The degree of significance may be
open to some debate, although there is good evidence that the house was
constructed by Thos. Hubbard.
In respect to this structure, it is therefore our opinion that the building can
be considered to be locally significant. However, the building was not
considered worthy of evaluation in previous heritage studies and was not
identified as a significant heritage resource1• The condition of the building
is generally good and could be re-used by the community or for renovation
and occupancy as a private residence provided structural issues at the west
end of the side wing are resolved.
5.3 Current heritage status
The building is neither listed nor designated in the Municipal Heritage
Register as a Property of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest.
5.4 Statement of Significance
No Statement of Significance has been prepared for this property.
5.4.1 Design Value
The building has modest design value beyond being representative of the
time of its construction.
5.4.2 Historic/Associative Value
Associative values have been found related to T.C. Hubbard.
1 SeatonNeighbourhood Planning, Whitevale Road Corridor Review, BrayHeritage, May 2010; Seaton Built
Heritage Assessment A Scbejnman November 2004
29
Building Heritage Assessment
3490 Brock Road, Pickering
6. Recommendations
6.1 Mitigation
For the City of Pickering
74 july 2075
The subject site does not exhibit many interesting or unique features beyond
its rather simple design. Re-use of this structure for a future use is possible.
Properly stabilized, the building could support municipal or commercial
functions or provide, for example, a low cost rentable site for private
schooling or an NGO. It can also be used as a residence. However,
designation of the site may not be appropriate.
While the loss of heritage structures is regrettable, not every structure can
be retained. Should it be determined that the building is not sufficiently
valuable to retain or designate, it is our opinion that it is essential to
mitigate the heritage impact of its loss to the City of Pickering. This could
be done by recording the building by drawings in accordance with known
documentation standards, photographs keyed to the drawings, and salvage
of important structural components for display and interpretation in the
community.
6.2 Recommendations
This building is a simple example of its kind and type. While some of its
historical elements are missing or damaged, the building is sufficiently
intact to permit its being retained.
Should the house be retained, work should also be done to secure the site
to ensure that water, vermin and vandals are kept out and the foundations
do not heave.
A use could be found for the property or a rental agreement reached to
ensure its continued use and occupancy. This is the best means of
preserving properties of historic value for the future. Incorporation of the
building within the community is one of the best means by which a
structure of this type can be preserved-this means that the planning of a
the community should be done in such a manner that the subject building
is carefully considered and incorporated within proposed future
development.
31
Building Heritage Assessment
3490 Brock Road, Pickering
7. Closure
For the City of Pickering
74 july 2075
This report has been written by the Consultants (Goldsmith Borgal &
· Company Ltd. Architects (GBCA) for the benefit of the client to wl1om it is
addressed. The information and data contained herein represent the
Consultants' best professional judgment in light of the knowledge and
information available to the consultants at the time of preparation. Except
as required by law, this report and the information and data contained
herein are to be treated as confidential and may be used and relied upon
only by the client, its officers and employees. The Consultants deny any
liability whatsoever to other parties who may obtain access to this report for
any injury, loss or damage suffered by such parties arising from their use of,
or rei iance upon, this report or any of its contents without the express
written consent of the Consultants and the client.
The Consultants have prepared this report in accordance with the Scope of
Services agreed with the Client. If you have any questions regarding the
information contained herein, please contact the undersigned.
Yours sincerely
Goldsmith Borgai1Co. Ltd. Architects I f; /-L//~ \; . //
Christopher B?{g;r()AA FRAIC CAHP
President /'
32
Building Assessment Report
3280 Sideline 16
Report PLN 1 0-15
.. , ,,
kl. -
Architects
• -II(> \129 (·55(!
F •llo9lfl ·1"!1:-
www.gh~.:a.ca
Report=
Bt1ilding Heritage
Assess1nent
32RO Sideline 16, Pickcri11g, o ·ntario
for
City ofPickcring
12 July 2015
Building Heritage Assessment
3280 Sideline 7 6, Pickering
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Parameters
For the City of Pickering
72 july 2075
Goldsmith Borgal &. Co. Ltd. Architects (GBCA) was requested in early 2015
to prepare an assessment of the property listed as Sideline 16, Pickering,
Ontario. A study has been deemed to be required to determine the heritage
importance and condition of this structure and this information will
determine its recommended disposition.
The site was visited on 18 March 2 015 and re-visited (interiors) on 21 May
2015.
1.2 Assumptions
Assumptions for the work:
Investigations were limited to visual inspection. We did not conduct any
destructive testing nor was the examination done in detail.
Conservation mitigation work that we may propose is intended to
conform to the highest conservation standards and result in the
retention of as much historic building material as possible.
Where we suggest that some of the building elements may be removed
or significantly changed, we recommend that the general arrangement
of the features be recorded and documented in a manner that
documents the evolution of the overall structure.
2
Building Heritage Assessment
32 80 Sideline 7 6, Pickering
3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
3.1 The Building -General Comment
For the City of Pickering
72 july 20 7 5
The building is of 1-1/2 storeys and constructed of wood frame with a stone
foundation. The building is a three bay Ontario cottage style house, with a
flat-headed window in the centre gable on the main facade. A rear tail, a
very typical arrangement of farmhouses of the period, extends to the west
while the main elevation faces east.
The house is very modest for the Whitevale Road area and is poorly sited as
drainage from the hill behind flows towards the tail and the high stone
foundation walls at the east, or main, elevation are unstable and cracking.
However, the south porch of the rear tail would have been a pleasant place
for domestic tasks in summer. While the house is based on a typical
configuration, its small size and compressed proportions appear to have
been modified by the builder with only a nod to theories of proportion or
style. However, the style-as simple as it is-does reference pattern book
principles.
Some of the original interior remains although damaged by water
penetration, renovations, and vandals.
3.2 The Structure
The structure is a typical of many other houses alorig Whitevale Road in that
it is of wood frame construction with a clapboard exterior. We could not
determine the nature of the framing as no destructive examination was
performed, but may be a timber frame rather than the later more common
and later "balloon frame" where the wall studs extend continuously from
the si lis to the underside of the roof frami ng.1
The basement was never finished, although bins for vegetables were found.
The main floor was. framed with saw cut joists with 5/4 pine floor boards. A
similar construction would have framed the second floor with joists
spanning in a perpendicular direction from the direction of the roof ridges.
Joists and beams bear Qn the stone masonry foundation and the frame walls
of the house.
The roof is framed with sawn lumber rafters and sheathed with pine boards.
The rafters were tapered. We could not determine if they were numbered
for re-assembly at the peak, which was typical for the period and used
incised roman numerals.
1 Modern framing is constructed with each floor as a platform with studs extending onlv between the floors.
8
Building Heritage Assessment
3280 Sideline 7 6, Pickering
4. 7 Interior
For the City of Pickering
72july2075
The interior of the house was reviewed in late May of 2015. The interior of
the house has not been subject to significant renovations and many original,
albeit simply detailed, interior features remain. These are illustrated below.
The main stair is tucked away and runs up the north side of the main wing
to the second floor in the manner of log house stairs rather than the more
typical, but larger, centre hall plans of Ontario Cottage designs. This allows
for more useable floor area in the absence of a large central hall.
The inside face of the the exterior studs and the underside of the rafters are
sheathed with nailed plaster lath. The lath is, for the most part, mill-cut
wood lath of approximately 1" in width and 1/4 to 3/8" in thickness. This is
typical for the period during the 1860's and on.
The interior trim of a building of this era was installed once the floors were
down but prior to the installation of lath and plaster, unlike today when
drywall is installed first and the trim placed over it. Thus all window, door
and base trim was installed prior to the installation of the lath-the plaster
was then used to level out irregularities in the vertical posts to make a neat
final installation. The base trim around doors and windows in this building
is left plain with no backband -a means of reducing the cost of the original
construction.
Interior doors have all been replaced.
19
Building Heritage Assessment
3280 Sicjeline 7 6, Pickering
5e Heritage Impact
5.1 General Comments
For the City of Pickering
7 2 july 20 75
The building and its structure is in sufficiently good condition to permit a
restoration of the building to its original appearance. Restored, a good and
appropriate use could be found for the structure.
5.2 Historical
We have analyzed the subject building in accordance with the matrix
required by the Ontario Heritage Act (O.Reg. 9/06) to establish
recommendations for its significance. In the tables below, our opinion is
followed by an analysis for each of the points flagged in the tables.
Design or Physical Value Our
opinion
i. Rare, unique, representative or early example of a style, type, No
expression, material or contruction method
ii. Displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit No
iii. Displays a high degree of scientific or technical achievement No
Rare example of a style & type displaying a high degree of craftsmanship -
The structure is unusual in its simplicity and is a relatively standard Ontario
Cottage configuration which has been somewhat crudely executed.
Displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit-The building is
competently constructed, but not unusually so. It has minimal artistic
merit.
Displays a high degree of scientific or technical achievement-The building
exhibits no specific technical achievements.
23
Building Heritage Assessment
3280 Sideline 7 6, Pickering
Historical or Associative Value
i. Direct associations with·a theme, event, belief, person, activity,
organization or institution that is significant to a commlmity
For the City of Pickering
7 2 july 2075
Our
opinion
No
ii. Yields, or has the potential to yield, information. that contributes to an No
understanding of a community or culture
iii. Demonstrates or reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, No
builder, designer or theorist who is significant to a community
Direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity,
organization or institution that is significant to a community -No
associations have been identified.
Yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an
understanding of a community or culture-The building is of a reasonable
standard but offers no information related to an understanding of the
community.
Demonstrates or reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder,
designer or theorist who is significant to a community-The building
reflects the work or ideas of local builders who used a pattern book to
create a simple house.
Contextual Value Our
opinion
i. Important in defining, maintaining, or supporting the character No
of an area
ii. Physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its Yes
surroundings
iii. Landmark No
Important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area
and Surroundings-The building cannot be seen from Whitevale Road or
Brock Road and its original context has been eroded by nearby highway
construction.
Physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its surroundings-
While a part of its surroundings, much of the visual linkage has been lost.
·landmark-The building is not a landmark.
24
Building Heritage Assessment
3280 Sideline 7 6, Pickering
5.2.1 Summary
For the City of Pickering
72 july 2075
We could not determine the exact date of the original construction. The
house has the pattern of an Ontario Cottage design, but the design is not
refined and is an early variant of the style. The rear tail is of an appropriate
size for the structure, which is of small stature. The foundation is of uncut
fieldstone and rubble with no expense made to trim or improve the stones
used. Clapboarding with beaded corner boards suggests the 1860's. The
house is indicated in its proper position in the 1877 County Atlas and
certainly pre-dates that period. We could not establish the type of framing
due to lack of access-but suspect it is timber framed rather than.balloon
framed walls. A suggested dating is approximately the late 1860's to early
1870's.
While only one criterion of the provincial matrix for evaluation needs to be
met to trigger the designation of a property, this building meets virtually
none. The Provincial Policy Statement requires that "Significant built
·heritage resources and significant cultural heritage landscapes shall be
conserved."
In respect to this structure, it is our opinion that the building is not locally
significant. The building has not been considered worthy of evaluation in
previous heritage studies and has not been identified as a significant
heritage resource2• Based on our assessment, we agree with this. The
condition of the building is generally good and could be re-used by the
community or for renovation and occupancy as a private residence.
5.3 Current heritage status
The building is neither listed nor designated in the Municipal Heritage
Register as a Property of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest.
5.4 Statement of Significance
No Statement of Significance has been prepared for this property.
5.4.1 Design Value
The building has minimal design value beyond being representative of the
time of its construction.
5.4.2 Historic/Associative Value
No known associative values have been found.
2 SeatonNeighbourhood Planning, Whitevale Road Corridor Review, Bray Heritage, May 2010; Seaton Built
Heritage Assessment. A. Schein man. November 2004.
25
Building Heritage Assessment
32 80 Sideline 7 6, Pickering
5.4.3 Character-defming Elements
For the City of Pickering
72 july 2075
Character-defining elements of the house are its mass, 2/2 windows, sloped
roofs and front porch.
5.4.4 Contextual Value
The building has modest contextual value in the overall community along
Whitevale Road but much of this has been lost with the development of
local highways. The building is not visible from Whitevale Road.
26
Building Heritage Assessment
3280 Sideline 16, Pickering
6. Recommendations
6.1 Mitigation
For the City of Pickering
12}uly2015
The subject site does not exhibit many interesting or unique features beyond
its rather simple design. Re-use of this structure for a future use is possible.
Properly stabilized, the building could support municipal or commercial
functions or provide, for example, a low cost rentable site for private
schooling or an NGO. It can also be used as a residence. However,
designation of the site would not be appropriate.
While the loss of heritage structures is regrettable, not every structure can
be retained. Should it be determined that the building is not sufficiently
valuable to retain or designate, it is our opinion that it is essential to·
mitigate the heritage impact of its loss to the City of Pickering. This could
be done by recording the building by drawings in accordance with known
documentation standards, photographs keyed to the drawings, and salvage
of important structural components for display and interpretation in the
community.
6.2 Recommendations
This building is a simple and basic example ofits kind and type. While
some of its historical elements are missing or damaged, the building is
sufficiently intact to permit its being retained.
Should the house be retained, work should also be done to secure the site
to ensure that water, vermin and vandals are kept out and the foundations
do not heave.
A use could be found for the property or a rental agreement reached to
ensure its continued use and occupancy. This is the best means of
preserving properties of historic value for the future. Incorporation of the
building within the community is one of the best means by which a
structure of this type can be preserved -this means that the planning of a
the community should be done in such a manner that the subject building
is carefully considered and incorporated within proposed future
development.
27
Building Heritage Assessment
3280 Sideline 16, Pickering
7. Closure
For the City of Pickering
12 july 2075
This report has been written by the Consultants (Goldsmith Borgal &
Company Ltd. Architects (GBCA) for the benefit of the client to whom it is
addressed. The information and data contained herein represent the
Consultants' best professional judgment in light of the knowledge and
information available to the consultants at the time of preparation. Except
as required by law, this report and the information and data contained
herein are to be treated as confidential and may be used and relied upon
only by the client, itS officers and employees. The Consultants deny any
liability whatsoever to other parties who may obtain access to this report for
any injury, loss or damage suffered by such parties arising from their use of,
or reliance upon, this report or any of its contents without the express
written consent of the Consultants and the client.
The Consultants have prepared this report in accordance with the Scope of
Services agreed with the Client. If you have any questions regarding the
information contained herein, please contact the undersigned.
Yours sincerely
Goldsmith1Borgal & G6lLtd. Architects
I I '
;· / 1 ~~ru'
Christopher BoJg~( OAA FRAIC CAHP
President {I
28
Report PLN 1 0-15
Brief Evaluation
1469 Taunton Road, 170 Highway 7, 2750 Whites Road and 2900 Brock Road
GBC
' .,
17 August 2015
City of Pickering
Development Review and Heritage
City Development Department
O ne The Esplanade
Pickering ON L 1 V 6K7
Preparation of brief eva luations: 1469 Taunton Road
1 70 Highway 7
. 2750 Whites Road
2 900 Brock Road
Attention: Cristina 'Celebre MCIP RPP, Senior Planner
Dear Cristina:
"' Jl,lll F. ~ I
ru~o .... r ... ~r,tt.f.l•
N "li;>
You requesled a set of brief evaluations for the above captioned properti es. Each site was visually
examined and photographed on 17 July and on 14 August 2015 and reported on in the attached sheets-
several per site.
1 trust th is is the information you require at this time.
Borgal & Company Ltd., Architects
G 0 L D S 1·1 I 1 H G 0 R G A l & C: Cl H P A N 'f l ~ [1 A f1 C II I r r:: T S
GBCA -Review Properties, Pickering, Ontario 2
1469 Taunton Road
This site is a former industrial plant which has been abandoned. The site contains three structures, #1 is
the main building, #2 is a silo style structure, and #3 is a large shed. It appears that the buildings were
constructed in a series of phases from roughly the midd le of the 20th century to ro ughly the late 1970's.
The buildings are in poor condition. The site may contribute to a bit of the history of industry in the area,
but none of the buildings have significant architectural merit. The buildings are set back from the road and
are not lan dmarks. The site is not recommended as a candidate for I isting or designation as an historica l
resource. It is recommended that photographs of the site be placed in the City's Database for the benefit
of fu ture researchers.
Location to the SOllth of
Taunton Road is illustrated at
left, view looking from the
northeast of the main
building is below.
G 0 L D S 1-1 I T H 8 0 I~ G A I. t. C () 1•1 P 6. N Y L T D A R C H I T E. C 1 S
GI3CA -Review Properties, Pickering, Onlnrio
170 Highway 7
This site is a horse ranch located to the north of Highway 7 to the east of the Hamlet of Green River.
There are several buildings of interest on the site, two sheds, a barn and two houses.
Shed #1 is of modern frame construction with sheet metal siding and has no heritage value.
4
#2,. the barn, appears to be a reconstructed side-hill barn. The foundation is of poured concrete in
combinalion with mid-twentieth century concrete block construction. While early pine logs and hewn
timber framing is found, it has been reconfigured with its reconstruction. Being not original, this structure
is only of limited heritage value.
#3, the small shed, is of wood frame construction but this is crude and of mid-twentieth century vintage.
The siding is early, but has been re-claimed from another structure. This bu ilding has limited heritage
value.
#4, the house, is of early (1920's to '1940's) twentieth century construction, and is not remarkable from a
heritage or des ign standpoint. ·
#5, a house, is of 1960's vintage and whi le of modernist design is poorly executed and designed.
The site may contribute to a bit of the history of industry in the area, but has no significant architectural
merit. It is not recommended as a candidate for listi ng or designation as an historical resource. It is
recommended that photographs of the site be placed in the City's Database for the benefit of future
researchers.
Overview of site and
its location is
illustrated above.
The anow points to a
house at the NE
corner of the site.
G 0 L D S l-1 I T H 6 0 R G A L S. C 0 1'1 n P, N Y L T D. A P. C II I T E C T S
G BCA -Review Properties, Pickering, Ontnrio
Detail of overview from previous page is shown above. #I is a shed, #2 is a bam, #3 is a wood-clad shed, #4 is
the house. The building at right is a relatively modem stable.
A fifth bt1ilding is located at the northeast corner of the racetrack and its location can be seen in the previous
image.
GOL05HITH BORGAI_ & COI"'PANY I.TO ARCHITECTS
5
GBCA ·Review Properties, Pickering, Ontario
Building# 1 -Shed is of
modern construction as can
be seen in the in1age at right
which illustrates ''gang-
nailed" trusses which most
likely date to the 1970's or
1980's.
G 0 L D $ M I T H B 0 R G A l. & C 0 M P A N Y L T D . ·A R C H I T f~ C T S
6
GBC \ -Review Properties, Pickering. Omario
Building #2, the
bam, is illustrated
below on this page
and the next. A
detail of the poured
concrete comer is
seen at right.
G 0 L 0 S 1"1 I T H C 0 R G A L f!.. C 0 M P I\ N Y I. T 0 A R C H I l E C T S
7
OBCA-Review Properties, Pickering, Ontario
Interior lower (stable)
floor. While the rafters
arc old-growth
unbarked pine logs, the
support walls are of
concrete block
(imperial dimensions -
they were fabricated
prior to 1 974).
Interior of bam and
threshing area. The
major uprights are
early but arc mixed
with modem framing -
many ofthe old timbers
have exposed mo1tices
that were used for
original framing.
Siding is metal rather
than original wood and
roof framing is all 20th
century.
G 0 l 0 S I~ I T H B 0 R G A I. fl. C 0 M P f, t-1 Y 1.. T D . A R C H I T 1: C T S
8
Building #4 -House-the arts and crafts style,' brick
masonry, the style of windows and the overall plan
suggest a 1920's to 1940's vintage. While originatfy well
constructed, the house has structural cracks and has been
exposed to the weather. The house has only limited
architectural interest but could be restored for usc.
G 0 L D S 1'1 I T H C 0 R G A L S. C 0 1'1 P /, N ( I. T D. A R C H I 1 f' C 1 S
GBC,'\-Review Properties, Pickering, Ontorio
Building #5-House. This house is located to the northeast of the race track and is
designed in the "modemist" style. It likely dates to approximately the 1960's. It is poorly
executed as a design, appears to be poorly constructed and is oflimited architectural or
heritage interest.
G 0 L D S 1•1 I T H B 0 R G ;. L 1!. C () H P ,; I~ ~· L T D A R C 11 I 1. C C 1 S
11
GBCA -Review Properties, Pickering, Ontario 12
2750 Whites Road
This building is a cottage set into a wooded glade on the old alignment of Whites Road. It appears that the
building was constructed in approximately the 1950's to 1960's period. The building is in good condition.
The site has no significant architectural merit. It is not recommended as a candidate for listing or
designation as an historical resou rce. It is recommended that photographs of the site be placed in the
City's Database for the benefiL of future researchers.
Location in relation to Taunton Road
(above) and Whites Road to bottom left is
illustrated at right.
East elevation is shown above and west
e levation is at right.
c, 0 l. D S 11 I T H B 0 G ,:. L & C 0 M P A N Y L T D . A R C H I T ~ C T S
G HC \ -Review Properties, Pickering, Ontario 13
2900 Brock Road
This building is a small square bungalow set back from the east side of Brock Road j ust north ofTaunton
Road. Based on its style, the building was likely constructed in approximately the 1920's to 1940's period
and sits on a concrete foundation. The building appears to be in good condition. The site has no
significant architectural merit. It· is not recommended as a candidate for listing or designation as an
historica l resource. It is recommended that photographs of the site be placed in the City's Database for the
benefit of future researchers.
Image at tight shows the relative
location of the subject structure in
relation to the intersection of Brock
Road (n.mning north/south) and
Taunton Road. The red arrow points to
the shed, the green arrow points to the
house.
Image below is the east and ·south
elevations of the subject building.
Basic fotm and visible construction
components suggested the probable
date.
G 0 l 0 S t~ I T H I:) 0 R G •' l-& C 0 11 P A I~ Y L T 0 . A R C 11 I T !;. C T S
GBCA -Review Properties, Pickering, Ontario 14
A lso at this location is found a work shed/garage. This structure is framed w ith dimensional lumber (full
size, rather than nominal dimension, w ith squ are edges) which, like the house, suggests a date from the
early .to mid twentieth century. The shed is clad in ashlar-style metal siding which was popular in the early
twentieth century. The material may have been re-claimed from another site or may have been installed at
a time when the material was disappearing from the market. Regardless, the general impression of the
shed is that it is roughly contemporary w ith the house whose lot it shares. The shed has no significant
historical merit.
Shed at 2900 Brock Road is illustrated
at right.
The two small structures are seen at
right with the shed at left and the
outhouse in the trees at right.
At the west border, or rear of the lot, are found a couple of small structures -one of these an outhouse.
These are rudely constructed and have no heritage merit
G ~~ L D S I"' I T H E.; 0 R G A L & . C 0 M P ,; N Y L T D. A R C H I 1 E C T S