Schomberg Heritage Conservation District
INTRODUCTION
The Township of King is considering to undertake a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study along Main Street and surrounding areas in the Village of Schomberg.
At the September 11, 2023 Council meeting, a motion was made by Council to direct staff to prepare a feasibility report outlining the costs, timelines, process and benefits associated with the preparation of a Heritage Conservation District under the Ontario Heritage Act for properties along Main Street Corridor and surrounding area in the Village of Schomberg. The preparation of this report is underway and is anticipated to return to Council on October 30, 2023 for further discussion. No decision has been determined by Council for any work to be completed for a heritage conservation district.
This project page serves as an information page for residents and those interested in understanding the process associated with the development and creation of a heritage conservation district. The page will be updated if a decision by Council is made to advance the project further.
Subscribe for updates at the top of the page to stay informed about opportunities to provide input.
BACKGROUND
The Village of Schomberg grew around the land and activities of the Brown brothers, Pennsylvania Quakers, who arrived in the 1830s. Before long there was a mill, a bank, general stores, a tannery, a blacksmith shop, a wagon shop, two shoe shops serving the 1850 population of 100. The community was first named Brownsville but the coming of the post office in 1862 saw the name change to Schomberg in honour of the Duke of Schomberg. Prosperity continued with the 1902 arrival of the Aurora & Schomberg Railway terminus.
There are currently 27 non-Designated (Listed) properties on the Township's Heritage Register and a minimum of 66 properties identified as Built Heritage Inventory.
The properties in the Village Core rests along Main Street and its surrounding area is rich in history, culture, natural attractions, and heritage. The vision is to protect these cultural heritage resources to the greatest extent possible for future generations as they reflect the unique character and identity of Schomberg. The unique character and identity of the Village Core contributes to a unique opportunity and environment for business, residents and tourists to thrive.
While individual property designation is successful at preserving individual properties, the Village of Schomberg is considering a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) designation for Main Street corridor and surrounding area to protect the historic character and landscapes of a defined community area.
Contact
Questions and/comments can be submitted anytime using the tab below or sent to cpang@king.ca
Documents
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Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors - 14 Common Heritage Myths Debunked (665 KB) (pdf)
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Insurance Bureau of Canada - Heritage Properties: Insuring the Past (446 KB) (pdf)
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Heritage Conservation District Study - Stories of Success: Phase 1 (899 KB) (pdf)
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Heritage Districts Work – More Stories of Success: Phase 2 (791 KB) (pdf)
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Heritage Designation and Property Values: Is there an Effect? (102 KB) (pdf)
Hi Ray, my comment has been edited for clarity. Thanks 👍🏼
I would also have to disagree with the content of this pamphlet stating that insurance would not be effected. I work closely with an architect who has heritage licensing and insurance among other things like the willingness of banks to re mortgage properties would definitely come into play. Quite frankly I am surprised over this pamphlet getting out with a King Township logo on it.
My family and friends are excited that King is finally looking into this. We have been waiting for action related to the built form and heritage on Main Street for many years, with not much luck: streetscaping plans, urban design guidelines, and other methods for helping this community stand out. Schomberg needs to get the recognition it deserves as a small-town destination (and occasional film set!) just north of the big city. It's an economic driver that many of us would like taken advantage of, and also helps us tell our history and define our future. I think an HCD is a great method for formalizing the story, look, and feel of this community, while providing additional support for the plans and amenities we've been asking for. Looking forward to the results of the study!
Can you confirm if the boundary of the possible HCD may change with the outcome of the study? Can you also confirm if all properties will be impacted by the HCD, or will it only affect those with potential or existing heritage value? Thank you.
I am strongly against this. The town has great charm and personality and it's getting better and better. This is likely to reduce house values as it limits possible buyers who are okay with this concept. Has an impact assessment of house values been completed? Limiting the homeowners for the betterment of the town sounds like an HOA, which are notoriously awful.
I am strongly against this concept. Schomberg is getting better all the time and we don’t need more hurdles to jump over to get it even nicer.