DEMOLITION APPROVED BY COUNCIL, January 25, 2017



We must STOP DEMOLITION of 18-28 King Street East, valuable pre-Confederation and Victorian commercial buildings on the south side of Historic Gore Park in downtown Hamilton by urgently requesting the Provincial Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport to intervene and offer an incentive for the City of Hamilton to preserve this significant historic site.

PROVINCIAL SIGNIFICANCE

These nineteenth century commercial buildings from the 1840's and 1870's were designated under the Ontario Heritage Act for their historic and architectural merit by Council in December 2013 and this designation is still in place. This row is integral to the historic Gore and is also of provincial importance as a very early example of town planning in Ontario.

GUTTING OF THE GORE

Wilson-Blanchard, developer, has been granted demolition permits for 24 & 28 King Street East and all but the façade of the 1840’s 18 – 22 King Street East. The new development consists of a modern, stark five storey structure. This demolition and redevelopment would destroy the historic character of Gore Park and deny present and future generations their rightful legacy - the historic architecture of this 150 year old gathering place in the City Centre.

PRESERVATION BENEFITS

Retaining, restoring and retrofitting these buildings will revitalize downtown Hamilton, boosting tourism, economic growth and the beauty and character of the city.

HOW CAN COUNCIL TEAR DOWN CONFEDERATION-ERA BUILDINGS AS HAMILTON IS TRYING TO FIND WAYS TO CELEBRATE CANADA'S SESQUICENTENNIAL?