Raise the Hammer
The Brandon House - In Memoriam
Let's let Brandon House be not just a tragedy, but the catalyst for change.
by Shannon Kyles
Published April 16, 2020 in Special Report: Heritage (2 comments)
What All the Fuss is About: James Street Baptist Church, Round 2
The minor variance process has become a political tool that developers can use to go around the community, and even the City's bylaws, in order to work out their own arrangements behind the scenes.
by Cameron Kroetsch
Published March 05, 2019 in Special Report: Heritage (1 comment)
St. Giles Church Threatened With Demolition
New Vision Church want to demolish the historic church at Main and Holton, while City staff and the Municipal Heritage Committee recommend Heritage designation.
by Adrienne Havercroft
Published July 03, 2018 in Special Report: Heritage (26 comments)
Letter from Horwath to McMahon: Preserve Gore Buildings
The Hamilton-Centre MPP has called on Ontario's Culture Minister to intervene and protect 18-28 King Street East from a Council-approved demolition.
by Ryan McGreal
Published January 30, 2017 in Special Report: Heritage (0 comments)
Say Goodbye to the Gore
The Gore building owners, after agreeing to preserve them, have left them open to the elements and are now claiming that these solid stone buildings are no longer salvageable.
by Shannon Kyles
Published January 27, 2017 in Special Report: Heritage (2 comments)
Council Caves and Approves Demolition for Gore Heritage Buildings
The last chance to save these buildings is to appeal to the Province to step in and save us from our own short-sightedness.
by Ryan McGreal
Published January 26, 2017 in Special Report: Heritage (2 comments)
A Plea to Save the Buildings at Gore Park
It is City Council's responsibility to safeguard these architectural treasures, both as a record of the artistic achievement of this city and as an investment in the city's image that will help propel tourism.
by Taylor Sutherland
Published January 25, 2017 in Special Report: Heritage (3 comments)
Don't Miss Opportunity to Create Real, Lasting Value
At best, this proposal destroys a set of rare pre-Confederation stone buildings to make way for something new. At worst, it risks creating another void space downtown in a strategically important street wall.
by Rob Fiedler
Published January 16, 2017 in Special Report: Heritage (1 comment)
Save 18-28 King Street East from Short-Sighted Thinking
If we destroy what makes us distinct - particularly now, just as the rest of the world is discovering what we have created and sustained here - we will be sabotaging our own revival.
by Ryan McGreal
Published January 13, 2017 in Special Report: Heritage (0 comments)
Restoring Gore Vibrancy Needs Proud Stewardship, Not More Demolitions
Neglect, speculation, and lack of vision: That is what is standing in the way of a prosperous streetscape on the Gore.
by Ned Nolan
Published January 10, 2017 in Special Report: Heritage (1 comment)
Remarks to Municipal Heritage Committee on 18-28 King Street East
With Canada's sesquicentennial coming up in 2017, we have the responsibility and duty to preserve a nationally important example of pre-Confederation architecture in the heart of Hamilton.
by Nicholas Kevlahan
Published December 16, 2016 in Special Report: Heritage (4 comments)
Friends of the Gore Statement to Heritage Committee
Ownership of important buildings like these is a responsibility. That is why the Heritage Act exists - to ensure that the short-term private interests of temporary owners do not overtake the long-term value of shared community assets.
by RTH Staff
Published December 15, 2016 in Special Report: Heritage (3 comments)
Salvage a Pavillion at Parkside
That Parkside School in Dundas is being torn down is frankly ridiculous. At least we may be able to save that magnificent front entrance as a shelter for future generations.
by Shannon Kyles
Published October 18, 2016 in Special Report: Heritage (1 comment)
Act Now to Save Parkside High School From Demolition
Parkside is still standing. No contracts have yet been awarded. If enough people are against the decision to demolish Parkside, the City of Hamilton will need to reconsider.
by Shannon Kyles
Published September 27, 2016 in Special Report: Heritage (5 comments)
All Saints Church Demolition
Like the building itself, the promises of benefits from demolition - affordable housing, preserved features - are being stripped away.
by Ryan McGreal
Published August 25, 2016 in Special Report: Heritage (8 comments)
Shared Assets at Stake in Gore Building Demolition
The purpose of the Ontario Heritage Act is to bridge the gap between the public interest and a property owner without vision, who is driven to destroy for short-term gain.
by Ned Nolan
Published April 25, 2016 in Special Report: Heritage (20 comments)
Continued Neglect of Gore Heritage Buildings an Embarrassment
It has been more than two years since Council voted to designate 18-28 King Street East, but the owner is still trying to delay action to save the buildings from demolition-by-neglect.
by Nicholas Kevlahan
Published January 18, 2016 in Special Report: Heritage (15 comments)
Plenty of Reasons to Protect 1 St. James Place from Demolition
Designed by William Russel Souter, built by Pigott Construction and representing the Art Moderne style, 1 St. James more than deserves its Heritage designation.
by Geoff Roche
Published November 26, 2015 in Special Report: Heritage (21 comments)
Demolition Permit for Mount St Joseph Issued During Council Recess
On November 12, 2014, the City of Hamilton informed the Municipal Heritage Committee that Vrancor's King West Crossings Inc. applied for a demolition permit to demolish the heritage interest building at 354 King Street West.
by Joey Coleman
Published November 12, 2014 in Special Report: Heritage (28 comments)
Save The Hermitage
With the motion to save the Hermitage passed, the money being raised and the community support, this historic building will be restored and built back up to the free-standing memorable structure it once was.
by Leanne Pluthero
Published September 23, 2014 in Special Report: Heritage (10 comments)
Centenary United May be Headed Toward Demolition
As Centenary Church looks toward demolition, we need to talk about the future of church buildings.
by Joey Coleman
Published August 28, 2014 in Special Report: Heritage (9 comments)
Fate of The Hermitage Hangs in the Balance
The job of the Permits Committee is to protect our designated heritage, not smooth the path toward its destruction.
by Chris Erskine
Published June 23, 2014 in Special Report: Heritage (1 comment)
James Street Baptist 'Alteration' in Pictures
Most of James Street Baptist Church is coming down. Only the eastern facade and tower will be saved.
by Ryan McGreal
Published June 06, 2014 in Special Report: Heritage (30 comments)
Balsa Wood Heart: Where Does The Hermitage Go From Here?
A Heritage Committee member suggested a public contest where people could offer suggestions as to how the Hermitage should look. Here's a suggestion: the way it looks now.
by R. William Patry
Published May 30, 2014 in Special Report: Heritage (10 comments)
Too Many Unanswered Questions About James Street Baptist Church
City staff and community volunteers have decided the fate of the James Street Baptist Church. Where is City Council in this process?
by Chris Erskine
Published May 05, 2014 in Special Report: Heritage (2 comments)
Durand Questions James Street Baptist Demolition Process
Durand Neighbourhood Association president Janice Brown questions the process the city has followed to grant a partial demolition to the iconic church.
by RTH Staff
Published March 19, 2014 in Special Report: Heritage (6 comments)
Gore Property Owner Accidentally Gets Demolition Order
Wilson-Blanchard received an Order to Comply for 18-28 King Street East instructing them either to fix the property standards violations of their vacant heritage buildings ... or apply for a demolition permit.
by Ryan McGreal
Published February 07, 2014 in Special Report: Heritage (14 comments)
Wilson-Blanchard Complies with No Parking Order on 20 Jackson Street West
The property owner has complied with an order from the City not to use the footprint of the recently-demolished office building as a surface parking lot.
by Ryan McGreal
Published January 08, 2014 in Special Report: Heritage (5 comments)
Top 9 Hamilton Heritage Events for 2013
Is 2013 the year that we finally recognized the value of our built heritage? Some of the top heritage events of might suggest this is the case.
by Chris Erskine
Published December 27, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (2 comments)
We Need Better than Demolition for the Sandbar Building
Let's make the restoration of one of downtown Hamilton's most notorious properties a showcase for adaptive reuse, for reinvigorating old buildings with new energy, and for leading by example.
by Ryan McGreal
Published December 17, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (12 comments)
Christmas Miracle: Council Votes to Designate Gore Buildings
City Council just voted unanimously to designate 18-22 King Street East and protect the buildings from demolition.
by Ryan McGreal
Published December 12, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (37 comments)
Demolitions, Illegal Parking Lots and Danegeld
Our leaders have the power to stand up to the property speculators threatening to sack our city, if only they will have the courage to exercise it.
by Nicholas Kevlahan
Published December 09, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (15 comments)
Illegal Parking Lot at 20 Jackson Street West
Cars are parked on the site of the former office building in apparent violation of a standing moratorium on new surface parking downtown.
by Ryan McGreal
Published December 06, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (43 comments)
Stinson Lofts Another Great Example of Adaptive Reuse
Hamilton's finite stock of heritage and historic buildings offers a powerful draw to thousands of individuals who are looking for history and uniqueness.
by Chris Erskine
Published November 22, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (8 comments)
Interview with James Street Baptist Church Owner
Louie Santaguida, President of Stanton Renaissance, answers questions about the plan to demolish most of James Street Baptist Church and incorporate the east facade and tower into a new structure.
by Ryan McGreal
Published October 28, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (7 comments)
Still Not Clear Whether James Baptist Structural Problems are Solvable
All old buildings have problems, so the only real question before the Heritage Permits Sub-Committee is whether the James Street Baptist Church is beyond salvation.
by Chris Erskine
Published October 21, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (2 comments)
Heritage Committee Tables James Baptist Demolition Request Again
Committee members were not prepared to take a leap of faith and trust that they will do the right thing in the absence of any legally-binding commitment to do so, or even a plan for what that might look like.
by Ryan McGreal
Published October 10, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (32 comments)
Decision Day: Where Does the James Street Baptist Church Demolition Permit Stand?
Today, the Municipal Heritage Permit Review Subcommittee will meet to decide the fate of the 130-year-old James Street Baptist Church.
by Joey Coleman
Published October 09, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (4 comments)
Surprise Demolition Permit Request for James Street Baptist Church
The City's Heritage Permit Review Committee has tabled a report requesting a demolition permit for most of James Street Baptist Church.
by Joey Coleman
Published September 26, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (54 comments)
Built Heritage: Our Priorities Reflect Our Values
We must step up our game if we are to make any progress in saving our built heritage.
by Chris Erskine
Published September 13, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (2 comments)
Lack of Heritage Designations Not Reasonable or Understandable
The problem is not the complexity of the task, but a lack of political will.
by Nicholas Kevlahan
Published September 06, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (10 comments)
Hamilton's Historical Beacon: A Lighthouse Well Worth Saving
The Beach Canal Lighthouse has languished for decades. We need to act now to save this unique waterfront structure before it falls down.
by Margaret Lindsay Holton
Published August 26, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (30 comments)
Adaptive Reuse Sometimes More Expensive But Delivers Strong Return on Investment
Research into adaptive reuse supports the conclusion that developers and property owners can profit from restoring heritage properties.
by Chris Erskine
Published August 23, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (4 comments)
Gore Property Owner Refuses to Share Engineering Report
If the engineering report on 18-28 King Street East showed the buildings are structurally unsound, wouldn't the property owner want to show it off?
by Ryan McGreal
Published August 15, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (11 comments)
Gore Park: Our Piazza Under Attack
A recent trip to Italy highlighted the importance of public squares known as 'piazzas' and the built heritage within.
by Dave Serafini
Published August 15, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (6 comments)
Waiting for the Gap to Appear
Who is responsible for the mess we're making of the Gore? Where is the Mayor? Where is the Premier? Where is the leader rallying support to save the heart of the city?
by Chris Erskine
Published August 13, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (12 comments)
Negotiation with Gore Property Owner Should Have Started With Designation
Councillor Farr says it would be 'disingenuous' for Council to change course on its negotiations over the Gore buildings, but that doesn't explain Farr's position of weakness in the first place.
by Ryan McGreal
Published August 13, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (7 comments)
Update from Councillor Farr on Gore Properties
In consideration of everything that has played out to date, to turn the tables and stray from the commitments made by both sides would be disingenuous at this stage.
by Jason Farr
Published August 11, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (17 comments)
Council Refuses to Exercise its Power to Save Gore Buildings from Demolition
Do Minister Chan and City Council members really want to be remembered as the elected officials who stood by and allowed an irreplaceable part of Ontario's built heritage to be destroyed?
by Ryan McGreal
Published August 09, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (9 comments)
We Cannot Afford Another Chapter in the Vanished Hamilton Series
Residents brought new life to the streets of Hamilton by rolling up their sleeves, taking back vacant spaces on streets once thought too difficult to revitalize. They did it without grants or the financial support developers are receiving.
by Stephanie Trendocher
Published August 08, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (10 comments)
Update From Councillor McHattie on Gore Properties
Under the current deal with Wilson-Blanchard, they will demolish 18-28 King Street East, construct a new building and re-attach heritage elements from the current facades.
by Brian McHattie
Published August 06, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (16 comments)
Council, Province Have an Obligation to Protect Heritage
At both the municipal and provincial level, there is a clear process for determining whether and when to intervene to protect a heritage building from demolition.
by Kieran C. Dickson
Published August 05, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (5 comments)
Trading Real Value for a Pipe Dream
Thanks to decades of block-busting demolitions, downtown Hamilton is already oversupplied with vacant, paved and gravel-filled lots. We don't need any more.
by Ryan McGreal
Published July 29, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (13 comments)
Hamilton Continues to Destroy its Heritage and Kill its Downtown
Hamilton has so much promise, so much going for it, and never misses an opportunity to screw it up.
by Lloyd Alter
Published July 28, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (14 comments)
Enough is Enough: Designate the Gore Now
When heritage is destroyed, its value to the community is destroyed as well, and so the community has a legitimate interest in its preservation.
by Ryan McGreal
Published July 24, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (7 comments)
Gore Demolition Forestalled, Province Reluctant to Intervene
Heritage advocates argue that the latest crisis for the Gore buildings highlights the need to designate them under the Ontario Heritage Act.
by Ryan McGreal
Published July 22, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (20 comments)
Update From Councillor Farr on Gore Demolition
Councillor Jason Farr explains the "confusion" over Friday's initiated demolition on 18-28 King Street East.
by RTH Staff
Published July 22, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (2 comments)
Wilson-Blanchard Starts Gore Demolition Despite Promise to Wait - Updated
It is past time for Council to stop this demolition and start exercising its legitimate civic powers before yet another property speculator destroys yet another irreplaceable part of the City's built fabric.
by Ryan McGreal
Published July 19, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (22 comments)
Stay of Execution for Gore Buildings
Blanchard has the opportunity to incorporate the streetwall and lend the new development an instant, tangible connection to the community history. It will have more support, more buy-in, and ultimately, more economic success.
by Ryan McGreal
Published July 10, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (39 comments)
Proposal: Three-Way Partnership to Save Gore Facades
Wilson-Blanchard, the City of Hamilton and the citizens of Hamilton could enter a three-way partnership to finance the preservation of the King Street East facades that are threatened by demolition.
by Graham Crawford
Published July 08, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (46 comments)
Stop Trading Our City's Future for Napkin Sketches
We can't afford a vacant lot at our most important corner, on our civic square. This affects every Hamiltonian.
by Sean Burak
Published July 08, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (20 comments)
Downtown Property and Business Owners on Gore Demolitions
We will come to regret deeply the narrow short-sightedness that led a developer to decide the buildings aren't worth saving and that led a Council to decide they aren't worth protecting.
by Ryan McGreal
Published July 08, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (12 comments)
Does the Downtown Hamilton Secondary Plan Matter?
Allowing such a gross departure from the Plan as the Gore streetwall demolition will discourage investors (and others) from trusting Hamilton to abide by its own planning directions, in terms of both downtown redevelopment and other initiatives.
by Sean Burak
Published July 06, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (20 comments)
There are Better Solutions Than Demolition
City Council needs to call a halt to the planned demolitions on Gore Park, at least until the developer can present a real plan for the site and get input from the public.
by Connie Kidd
Published June 25, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (12 comments)
Demolition Permit for 18-22 King Street East Still in Effect
Wilson-Blanchard has submitted a letter of intent to revoke the demolition permit for 18-22 King East, but as of today the permit is still valid.
by Ryan McGreal
Published June 21, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (5 comments)
City Has Power to Save Gore Buildings - If Council Chooses to Act
If this demolition occurs on the most important block in the city, the message to property owners will be clear: neglect and demolition is rewarded.
by Sean Burak
Published June 20, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (40 comments)
A Place Called Home
A home is more than a box. It is a place filled with history and memories. Hamilton's rich architecture and landscape should be a compelling asset for any developer with a sense of imagination.
by Chris Erskine
Published June 20, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (3 comments)
Working Hard at Nothing All Day: A Sanatorium Scrapbook
The San was the work of the whole city, the collective effort of Hamiltonians of all classes. Surely this place is worthy of designation as a national historic site.
by Shawn Selway
Published May 04, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (3 comments)
Development and Degradation: Making Adaptive Re-Use the Default Option, Part 3
Our buildings are not garbage. 'Development' which leaves us poorer than before, culturally or financially, is not development. It is degradation.
by Shawn Selway
Published February 10, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (6 comments)
Bold Plans for James Street Baptist Church
The Toronto-based buyer is committed to preserving the building's heritage and marrying it with high quality modern design to create a valuable space that enriches the community.
by Ryan McGreal
Published February 08, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (31 comments)
Development and Degradation: Making Adaptive Re-Use the Default Option, Part 2
As a citizen and member of the larger community, the meddlesome pundit does have a legitimate interest in the fate of heritage buildings.
by Shawn Selway
Published February 07, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (16 comments)
Development and Degradation: Making Adaptive Re-Use the Default Option, Part 1
I am not arguing against public expenditure but against environmentally and culturally damaging expenditure which further impoverishes the lives of those who are paying for it.
by Shawn Selway
Published February 04, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (8 comments)
Architecture Conservancy Calls on Province to Protect Gore Buildings
The Architecture Conservancy of Ontario has formally asked the Province to stop the demolition of 24 and 28 King Street East and to designate the buildings under the Ontario Heritage Act.
by Ryan McGreal
Published January 21, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (73 comments)
I Want to Believe
Advocates for downtown revitalization may be forgiven for feeling at times like Charlie Brown trying to kick the perennial field goal, our hopes raised again and again, only to be dashed by disappointment and betrayal.
by Ryan McGreal
Published January 18, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (31 comments)
Scant Heritage Protection in Gore Plan
The back of 18-22 King Street East is not the only thing getting ripped off in this so-called preservation victory.
by Ryan McGreal
Published January 16, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (14 comments)
Wilson Blanchard to Preserve Part of Gore Streetwall
Wilson Blanchard has just announced that they will withdraw their demolition permit application and instead preserve the existing facade of its buildings at 18-28 King Street East.
by Ryan McGreal
Published January 15, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (23 comments)
Heritage Preservation Bonds Could Save Hamilton's Historic Buildings
Why not float a 'Heritage Preservation Bond' in Hamilton so that those who are passionate about preserving Hamilton's architectural heritage can invest at a competitive rate of interest payable upon the bond's maturity?
by Jason Allen
Published January 09, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage (14 comments)
A Call to Action to Save the Gore Park Streetwall
Call on the Province to stop the demolition of 18-28 King Street East and designate these buildings as heritage properties that help define Gore Park as the city's geographic and civic heart.
by Kieran C. Dickson
Published December 29, 2012 in Special Report: Heritage (104 comments)
Reasons to Designate 18-28 King East as Heritage Buildings
The buildings were constructed between 1840 and 1876 are regarded as 'integral components to the King Street East streetscape and the character of the Gore area'.
by Ryan McGreal
Published December 28, 2012 in Special Report: Heritage (31 comments)
Why Doesn't the Heritage Committee Designate More Buildings?
The Heritage Committee knows that without Council support, they are wasting their time trying to save heritage buildings from demolition.
by Ryan McGreal
Published December 21, 2012 in Special Report: Heritage (55 comments)
Surprise Demolition Permit for Gore Park Buildings
There is no way to stop the demolition permit for 18-28 King Street East unless Council convenes an emergency meeting before January 9 to designate the buildings.
by Ryan McGreal
Published December 20, 2012 in Special Report: Heritage (135 comments)
Demolishing the Future
If we keep making decisions that turn young people away, we will ultimately empty the city of everyone who promises to be a productive contributor to our culture and our economy.
by Sean Burak
Published October 25, 2012 in Special Report: Heritage (146 comments)
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