NOTICE OF INTENTION TO DESIGNATE
Under Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Town of Pelham intends to designate the following property as being of cultural heritage value or interest pursuant to Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.18, as amended.
Property: 491 Canboro Road – Old Pelham Town Hall
Location: Concession 9, Part Lot 9.
Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest
Old Pelham Town Hall has cultural heritage value as a rare and well-preserved late nineteenth-century vernacular civic building incorporating simplified Italianate architectural influences. Constructed in 1887–1888, the building retains its original form, massing, red brick construction, stone foundation, symmetrical three-bay façade, projecting entrance porch, decorative brick detailing, and distinctive window openings.
The property has historical significance through its long-standing role as the centre of municipal government and community life in Pelham. It reflects the development of local government in Ontario and has served as a place of governance, public assembly, and civic activity for more than a century. The property also has cultural heritage value through its association with local military commemoration, including the First World War cenotaph and German trench mortar.
Old Pelham Town Hall also has contextual value as a prominent civic landmark that contributes to the understanding of Pelham's municipal history, civic identity, and sense of place through its longstanding relationship with the surrounding community.
Description of Heritage Attributes
The heritage attributes supporting the cultural heritage value of the property include:
- the scale, form, massing, and rectangular plan of the original 1887–1888 building;
- the red brick construction, stone foundation, front-gabled roof, and symmetrical three-bay front façade;
- the projecting entrance porch with its pentagonal stone arch and keystone;
- the brick pilasters, decorative brick dentils, paired cornice brackets, and angular stone detailing;
- the original window openings, historic sash windows, hexagonal upper façade window, and paired windows within the cross-gables;
- the north and south cross-gables;
- the building's location on its historic site at 491 Canboro Road;
- the building's landmark presence and visual relationship to the surrounding community; and
- the First World War cenotaph and German trench mortar located on the property.
Objections
Any person who objects to the proposed designation may serve a Notice of Objection on the Clerk of the Town of Pelham within thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this Notice in accordance with Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act. The Notice of Objection must set out the reasons for the objection and all relevant facts. Objections must be received by 4:30 p.m. on August 10, 2026.
Dated at the Town of Pelham: July 9, 2026