Notice of Intent to Designate - Fonthill Cemetery Mausoleum as a Heritage Property

TAKE NOTICE THAT the Council of the Town of Pelham intends to designate the subject property to be of cultural heritage value or interest under Part lV of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990.

Location: 25 Highland Avenue – Fonthill Cemetery Mausoleum

The Mausoleum stands on land originally owned by the Brown Family, who began using it for burials in 1802 and is an excellent example of the classic Revival style in Pelham. The Town of Pelham assumed ownership of the cemetery in 1923, establishing the Fonthill Cemetery in tandem with plans to establish the mausoleum.

The mausoleum was constructed between 1923 and 1925 and is an excellent example of a mid-20th century memorial structure exhibiting refined craftsmanship and thoughtful architectural composition. Its cruciform layout, centered around a central chapel flanked by symmetrical wings, reflects a deliberate and symbolic spatial arrangement commonly associated with spiritual and commemorative architecture.

Based on the information presented in the preceding sections of this report, the Fonthill Cemetery Mausoleum meets the criteria for designation under Ontario Regulation 9/06 of the Ontario Heritage Act in the following categories:

• Design or Physical Value
  • The mausoleum is a rare and representative example of its type. It is one of only 19 community mausoleums constructed by Canada Mausoleums Ltd., a fact that underscores its architectural and typological significance.

• Historical or Associative Value
  • The property is directly associated with several individuals who have played a significant role in the history and development of the local community, reflecting its longstanding social and commemorative importance.

• Contextual Value
  • Situated within Fonthill Cemetery, the mausoleum contributes meaningfully to the character of its surroundings. It forms an integral part of the cemetery landscape and reinforces the area's historic context and identity.

• Description of Heritage Attributes
  • Key exterior elements that contribute to the heritage value as an excellent example of the Classical Revival style in Pelham include its:
    • Siting within the cemetery
    • Cruciform layout with a central chapel and wings on each side
    • Indiana Limestone exterior
    • Ornate brass and glass doors
    • Entranceway framed by two pillars supporting a lintel, as well as its stairway
    • Decorative stonework, most evidently seen on the pillars’ capitals and the detailing around the entranceway
    • 70 columbaria with granite exteriors and aluminum niche cores
  • Key interior elements that contribute to the heritage value as an excellent example of the Classical Revival style in Pelham include its:
    • 275 crypts with personalized engravings
    • Stained-glass panels of coniferous trees with the inscriptions “The Morning Breaks and the Shadows Flee” on the north side and “Fast Falls the Eventide” on the south
    • Geometric tiled floor

The full statement of significance for the property can be found at:

Further information regarding the proposed designation is available from the municipality by contacting the Planning Department at Planning-info@pelham.ca or 905-892-2607

A person who objects to the proposed designation shall, within thirty (30) days after the date of publication of the Notice of Intention to Designate, serve on the Clerk of the Town of Pelham, a Notice of Objection setting out the reason(s) for the Objection and all relevant facts per Section 29(5) of the Ontario Heritage Act.  Such Objection shall be received no later than 4:00 pm on Friday, October 7th, 2025.  If such Notice of Objection is received, the matter will be referred to Council for Consideration. 

Dated at the Town of Pelham, this 8th day of September, 2025.

Sara Leach – Acting Town Clerk

The Corporation of the Town of Pelham

P.O. Box 400, 20 Pelham Town Square

Fonthill Ontario, L0S 1E0

Location

The Fonthill Cemetery, formerly known as Brown’s Burying Ground, is situated at 25 Highland Avenue in a residential neighbourhood in Fonthill. The Mausoleum is located on the west side of the property, near Moote Lane and Daleview Crescent, but access by vehicle is available from Highland Avenue on the north side of the cemetery and Brock Street on the east side. The legal description is CON 8 PT LOT 1 PT LOT 2 PLAN 25 PT. The property is owned by the Town of Pelham.