Notice of intention to designate 131 Chisholm Street

On September 24, 2024, Oakville Town Council resolved to pass a Notice of Intention to Designate the following property under Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.18, as amended, as a property of cultural heritage value and interest:

Lewis House
131 Chisholm Street
Part Lot 5, Block 57, Plan 1, Part Lot 6, Block 57, Plan 1, as in 635897; Oakville

Description of Property

The property at 131 Chisholm Street is located on the east side of Chisholm Street between Rebecca Street and John Street west of downtown Oakville. The property contains a one-and-a-half storey frame house known as the Lewis House.

Statement of cultural heritage value or interest

Design and physical value

The Lewis House has design and physical value as a representative example of a vernacular Oakville frame house with Queen Anne influences. The Queen Anne style was developed by English architect Richard Shaw, mixing Medieval asymmetrical form with the Elizabethan country house, along with Classical elements of the English Renaissance era. The result is an eclectic and whimsical style with highly decorated surfaces and a multitude of decorative features. The historic c.1907 house is a one-and-a-half storey frame structure that has its own unique whimsical appearance. Queen Anne style elements include its: asymmetrical façade; mix of roof styles; upper storey balcony with circular arch in the gable roof; decorative brackets holding up the balcony; 1/1 wood windows with wood trim; flared second storey indicating an original mix of cladding materials; and original front porch.

Historical and associative value

The Lewis House is associated with the theme of development of this area west of Sixteen Mile Creek, historically referred to as ‘West Harbour’. First developed in the mid- to late-1800s, the local houses were originally built to support the rise in industrial development along this side of the harbour, including the Tannery complex and the shipbuilding industry. While the earlier houses were modest in size and design, the subject house represents a shift in the neighbourhood in the early 20th century when local residents had access to more income. Instead of the simple gable-roofed structures built up until that time, houses like the subject one, influenced by the whimsical and eclectic Queen Anne style, were constructed. The building’s presence on the street helps to support this important historical theme.

Contextual value

The Lewis House is important in defining, supporting, and maintaining the character of the local area, a historic residential neighbourhood that developed in the mid- to late-1800s to support the local industries along the harbour and lakefront. The house is one of the older houses in the neighbourhood and is physically, functionally, visually, and historically linked to its surroundings. The house remains in its original location and its presence is a reminder of the residential and working-class history of the neighbourhood. 

Description of heritage attributes

Key attributes of the property at 131 Chisholm Street that exemplify its cultural heritage value as a vernacular house frame house with Queen Anne influences, as they relate to the original one-and-a-half storey portion, include: 

• The massing and asymmetrical design of the original one-and-a-half storey structure with sloped gable roof on the south portion and hip roof on the north portion;
• Flared second storey;
• Second storey balcony with gable roof with half-circular arch, round wooden columns, wooden trim and large supporting brackets;
• Fenestration of the windows on the north, west and south elevations (excluding the vestibule and enclosed porch);
• The presence of diamond-patterned windows on the second storey of the front elevation;
• The presence of one-over-one wooden windows throughout the house; and
• The presence of a front porch where the original front porch is located.

For the purpose of clarity, the cultural heritage value and heritage attributes of the property do not include:

• The one-storey rear wing of the house constructed in the 1980s; and
• The one-storey front vestibule constructed in 1998.

Any objection to this designation must be filed no later than October 28, 2024.  Objections must be directed to the Town Clerk at townclerk@oakville.ca or 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, Ontario L6H 0H3. The objection must include the reasons for the objection and all relevant facts.

Further information respecting this proposed designation is available from the Town of Oakville. Any inquiries may be directed to Carolyn Van Sligtenhorst, Supervisor of Heritage Conservation at 905-845-6601, ext.3875 (TTY 905-338-4200), or by email at carolyn.van@oakville.ca. 

Issued at the Town of Oakville on September 27, 2024.