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ATTACHMENT NO. 2

CABBAGETOWN NORTHHERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

HERITAGE CHARACTER STATEMENTAND DISTRICT PLAN

October 2003

Heritage Preservation Services

CABBAGETOWN NORTHHERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICTHERITAGE CHARACTER STATEMENT

& DISTRICT PLAN

October 2003

Prepared by:

City of TorontoHeritage Preservation Services

City Hall, 2nd FloorToronto, Ontario, M5H 2N2

With the assistance of:

The Cabbagetown Preservation Association

Based upon the Cabbagetown-Metcalfe AreaHeritage Conservation District Plan (November 2001) prepared by:

Unterman McPhail AssociatesHeritage Resource Management Consultants

540 Runnymede RoadToronto, Ontario, M6S 2Z7

In association with:Archaeological Services Inc.

L. Alan Grinham, Architect Inc., andWendy Shearer Landscape Architect Limited

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

PART A

1.0 INTRODUCTION 11.1 What is a heritage conservation district? 11.2 Background to the Plan 11.3 Purpose of the heritage character statement and plan 1

2.0 HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT STATEMENT 32.1 Heritage character statement 32.2 District boundary 112.3 Individual designations under Part IV of the

Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) 112.4 Purpose of the principles, objectives and goals

in the review of potential construction activities in the District 11

3.0 HERITAGE CONSERVATION PRINCIPLES 133.1 Introduction 133.2 Principles 13

3.2.1 Demolition 133.2.2 Heritage Buildings 133.2.3 Landscape 133.2.4 New development 143.2.5 Community 143.2.6 Cemeteries and Open Space Areas 14

4.0 GUIDELINES FOR BUILDING CONSERVATION AND CHANGE 154.1 Introduction 154.2 Cabbagetown North Heritage Conservation District Guidelines 15

4.2.1 District conservation goals 154.2.2 District conservation objectives 16

TABLE OF CONTENTS(continued)

PART B

5.0 CONSERVATION PRACTICE ADVISORY NOTES 175.1 Building conservation 175.2 Foundations and basements 185.3 Mortars and parging 195.4 Structural systems 195.5 Exterior wall cladding 21

5.5.1 Brick and stone 215.5.2 Stucco 225.5.3 Wood cladding 235.5.4 Synthetic, modern siding 24

5.6 Roofing and chimneys 245.7 Windows and entrances 265.8 Decorative wooden detailing 295.9 Exterior paint 305.10 Energy conservation 315.11 Educational and institutional structures 325.12 Outbuildings 325.13 Archaeological sites 325.14 Accessibility considerations 33

PART C

6.0 GUIDELINES: ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS ANDNEW CONSTRUCTION 346.1 Introduction 346.2 Alterations to heritage buildings and sites 35

6.2.1 Guiding principles 356.2.2 Features and spaces around buildings 366.2.3 Existing building fabric 366.2.4 Roofs 366.2.5 Foundations and walls 366.2.6 Windows 366.2.7 Entrances 37

6.3 Additions to heritage building sites 376.3.1 Location 386.3.2 Design 38

TABLE OF CONTENTS(continued)

6.4 Alterations to non-heritage buildings 396.5 New buildings construction 39

6.5.1 General principles 406.5.2 New building heights 406.5.3 Width 406.5.4 Proportion 406.5.5 Relationship to the street 406.5.6 Roofs on new buildings 406.5.7 Windows and entrances on new building 416.5.8 Exterior cladding: materials and colours 41

6.6 Public works 416.7 Corner lots 42

7.0 LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION 477.1 Introduction 477.2 Summary of existing conditions 477.3 Landscape conservation guidelines 48

7.3.1 Guidelines for private property owners 497.3.2 Public realm initiatives 50

7.4 Parking and laneways 50

8.0 CEMETERY COMPONENT 538.1 Introduction 538.2 Heritage Character Statement 538.3 Heritage Conservation Principles for Cemeteries 57

8.3.1 Demolition 588.3.2 Heritage buildings and structures 588.3.3 Landscape 588.3.4 Alterations, Additions and New development 588.3.5 Maintenance 588.3.6 Community 58

8.4 Guidelines for Conservation and Change 588.4.1 Goals 588.4.2 Objectives 59

8.5 Guidelines for Rehabilitation 598.6 Guidelines for Alterations, Additions and New developments 608.7 Landscape conservation guidelines 61

9.0 PARK COMPONENT 629.1 Introduction 629.2 Heritage Character Statement 62

9.3 Heritage Conservation Principles for Parks 649.3.1 Demolition 649.3.2 Heritage buildings, structures, furnishings and objects 659.3.3 Landscape 659.3.4 Alterations, Additions and New development 659.3.5 Maintenance 659.3.6 Community 65

9.4 Guidelines for Conservation and Change 659.4.1 Goals 669.4.2 Objectives 66

9.5 Guidelines for Rehabilitation 669.6 Guidelines for Alterations, Additions and New developments 679.6 Landscape conservation guidelines 69

10.0 PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION 7010.1 Introduction: Legislative context 7010.2 Planning policy context for heritage district designation 7010.3 Implementation 71

SOURCES 72

APPENDICES

A Case Studies: Building Conservation

B Landscape Guidelines

C Technical Notes and Tool Chest

D Properties Designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act and Listed on the City

of Toronto Inventory of Heritage Properties

E Toronto Heritage Conservation Districts: Permit Application Process

F Glossary of Architectural Terms

LIST OF FIGURES

Page

Figure 1: Map 1884 Plate 27 7

Figure 2: Map 1890 Plate 27 8

Figure 3: Cabbagetown North Heritage Conservation District 12

Figure 4: New construction – infill, front elevation and plan 44

Figure 5: New construction – infill, birdseye view 44

Figure 6: Corner lot, one storey addition to rear addition of a heritage 45building

Figure 7: Corner lot, two storey addition to ear addition of a heritage 45Building

Figure 8: Corner lot, two storey addition, birdseye view 46

Figure 9: The Necropolis Entry Gates 55

Figure 10: MacDonald Gravestone 55

Figure 11: The Necropolis 56

Figure 12: Chapel of St. James-the-Less 56

Figure 13: Gzowski Family Vault 57

Figure 14: St. James’ Cemetery 57

Figure 15: Riverdale Zoo, c. 1900. 63

Figure 16: Winter activities on the ‘Don Flats’ of Riverdale Park, 1914 63

LIST OF TABLES

Page

Table 1: New trees and shrubs for front and side yards in Heritage 51Conservation District

Table 2: Trees presently suitable for street use in Heritage Conservation 52District

Cabbagetown North Page 1Heritage Conservation District

City of Toronto October 2003Heritage Preservation Services

PART A

Section 1 provides an introduction to theheritage conservation district plan andheritage character statement. Section 2outlines the defining characteristics of thearea in a Heritage Character Statement anddiscusses Part IV Ontario Heritage Actdesignations and municipally-listedbuildings. Section 3 contains a shortstatement of conservation principles.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 What is a heritage conservationdistrict?

A heritage conservation district is comprisedof a collection of buildings, streets andlandscapes that together give an area aspecial character that distinguishes it fromother areas in a municipality. CabbagetownNorth’s character is derived from the overallquality of the architecture, the integrity ofform, the history of development, itsresidents, the aesthetic value of the publicstreetscape and the private landscapes.

Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act, RSO1980, C.337 provides the mechanism for thedesignation of heritage conservation districtsin the Province of Ontario. The legislationprovides municipalities with the ability todefine areas comprising heritage resourcesthrough study to be considered fordesignation. It also enables municipalities todevelop guidelines to encourage the care andconservation of the heritage resources withinthe district while ensuring the maintenanceof the district's character.

1.2 Background to the Plan

The Cabbagetown area, including theCabbagetown North Heritage Conservation

District (HCD), has been underconsideration by the area residents for manyyears. The Cabbagetown PreservationAssociation (CPA) - with local support andencouragement - initiated discussions withthe City of Toronto to propose theestablishment of the Cabbagetown NorthHeritage Conservation District to promotethe preservation and enhancement of thespecial character of the suggested studyarea. The CPA held a community meetingon February 20, 2003 at which it proposedto request that the City initiate an HCDstudy of the area. Strong communitysupport was expressed at this meeting.

In a letter dated February 25, 2003, the CPArequested that the City establish an HCDstudy for the area. The process has beensupported locally by a group of dedicatedvolunteers who compiled a comprehensiveinventory of properties of the study area toillustrate the significance of this Victorian-era development. The Toronto PreservationBoard, at its meeting held on April 24, 2003endorsed the study of the area. CityCouncil, at its meeting held on May 21,2003, approved the study of the area as aheritage conservation district and directedthat a study advisory committee, consistingof CPA representatives and property owners,be established.

1.3 Purpose of the heritage characterstatement and plan

The Heritage Character Statement describesthose aspects of the District that define thespecial architectural, historical, contextualand landscape characteristics of the area.The character statement supports theestablishment of a district boundary thatdelineates the area of special character. ThePlan provides a guide to the care andconservation of the architectural heritage,the public and private landscape and the



alteration of properties and streetscapeslocated in the District. It also providesguidance related to development. The intentof the Plan is to foster and encourage apublic sense of interest in the preservation ofthe area’s heritage resources. PublicInformation Sessions were conducted toassist in encouraging resident participationand input into the Plan.

The “guidelines” presented in the Plandocument are simply that. They are intendedto encourage a property owner —public orprivate— to provide a minimum level ofappropriate care and building conservationwhen further physical change is considered.It is not the intent of the Plan to prohibitchange in the Cabbagetown North HeritageConservation District. It is meant to managechange for the benefit of the present andfuture residents.



2.0 HERITAGE CONSERVATIONDISTRICT DESIGNATION

2.1 Heritage Character Statement

Introduction

The designation of the Cabbagetown NorthHeritage Conservation District follows thatof the designation of the Cabbagetown-Metcalfe Area Heritage ConservationDistrict, immediately to its south and west.

The boundaries of Cabbagetown North flownaturally from those of Cabbagetown-Metcalfe: with the continuation of itssoutherly boundary of Carlton Street, andthe Riverdale farm site, to the Don Valley;following the natural outline of BayviewAvenue and Rosedale Valley Road to theeast and northeast, up to the north boundaryof St. James Cemetery; and completed bythe lane behind Parliament Street, and byAmelia and Sackville Streets.

Like Cabbagetown-Metcalfe, the bulk ofCabbagetown North is a compact residentialarea of houses most of which survive fromthe late 19th or early 20th century.

In addition to the residential area, Cabbage-town North also enjoys the presence of fourimportant institutional uses havingsubstantial historical importance, St. JamesCemetery, Necropolis Cemetery, the River-dale Park and Farm, and Wellesley Park.

It was considered essential to include thetwo historic cemeteries, as well as theRiverdale Farm, by reason not only of theirnatural inclusion within the area generallyaccepted as Cabbagetown, but also due totheir very longstanding intrinsic value andconnection to the neighbourhood and thesignificant heritage asset which eachrepresents on its own.

Both St. James Cemetery and the Necropolisdate to the middle of the 19th century,representing the establishment in what wasthen the suburbs of Toronto of significantburial places, including those for theremains of many of the early citizens of theTown of York, moved from their previousresting places in the St. James CathedralChurchyard and Potter's Field at Bloor andYonge Streets, respectively.

In the case of Riverdale Farm, aside from itsown importance to the neighbourhood overthe last 30 years, its antecedents includeparts of Riverdale Park West and theRiverdale Zoo, some components of whichremain to this day incorporated in the Farmproperty.

Wellesley Park is the site of Cabbagetown'sonly major industrial use, which closeddown in the 1880's.

In summary, each of these four sites featuresheritage buildings and structures of greatvalue to the neighbourhood and to theToronto community at large.

A fifth major non-residential use is St.Martin's Catholic Primary School, a largeproperty which includes a heritage building,situated in the centre of the residential areain the proposed District.

The St. Martin's School site is of significantstrategic importance to the heritage andintegrity of the proposed District, and is aproperty which, should its use change, couldprovide substantial benefit to the areathrough redevelopment consistent andcompatible with the neighbourhood inaccordance with the Heritage ConservationPrinciples and Guidelines contained in thisPlan.



Like the Cabbagetown-Metcalfe area,Cabbagetown North is an area whose historyand context are well illustrated anddiscussed in Cabbagetown Remembered byGeorge Rust-D'Eye and documentedthrough the efforts of the local CabbagetownPreservation Association and theirpublication Touring Old Cabbagetown. Aswith Cabbagetown-Metcalfe, a group of theAssociation's volunteers completed aninventory of all buildings in the District. Thevolunteer group researched the date ofbuilding construction and the ownership ofthe properties, contributing to acomprehensive documented record of thesignificance of the area. The Association'sInventory includes a photograph of eachstructure and a survey of trees on privateproperty. The Inventory is the principalresource from which the collectivesignificance of the District has beendeveloped.

District Character

The City of Toronto is distinctive in havingits downtown surrounded by a number ofbeautiful residential neighbourhoods.Cabbagetown is one of them.

The history and the form and arrangement ofthe physical components of CabbagetownNorth combine to form a context whichhelps define the quality of life which itprovides.

The character of the neighbourhood isrepresented by physical features which arefor the most part consistent and intact, withthe original grid plan of the streets, and theVictorian, urban, tightly-packed density ofattractive houses on long narrow lots,providing an integrity of form andrelationships which enriches the experienceof those living in or visiting Cabbagetown.

As a result, people find Cabbagetownattractive, and this enjoyment of the physicalenvironment has allowed the area to buildon its positive attributes and produce a well-known and celebrated vibrancy and highlevel of neighbourhood activity.

Those who know Cabbagetown well areattracted to and enjoy its narrow housesstanding cheek-by-jowl in virtuallyunbroken streetscapes; the general absenceof garages, of front-yard parking and ofdriveways to the streets; the picturesqueback lanes; the small front yards andbackyards, many boasting attractive gardensand landscaping lavished upon them by theirowners; the proximity of houses to streets;the large beautiful trees which in some casesprovide a complete canopy over streets andyards; the inter-relationship of all of thevarious elements of the neighbourhood,including fencing and street furniture; andgenerally the sense of "village" produced bythe area as a whole.

Historic Character

First there were the forests of huge pines,and native encampments in the Don Valley.

Then, in 1793, Lieutenant Governor JohnGraves Simcoe established the Town ofYork as the new capital of the Province ofUpper Canada, and constructed the firstParliament Buildings in 1797 near the footof what is now Parliament Street, just southof Front Street East. Thus originated thename of the street which forms part of thewestern boundary of Cabbagetown North,and which also marks the path of JohnGraves Simcoe and Elizabeth GwillimSimcoe and their family in travellingbetween the Town and their summer cabin,Castle Frank, which stood at the top of thesugarloaf hill to the north-east across what isnow Rosedale Valley Road.



The early administration parcelled off to itsmembers 100-acre park lots, long strips ofland between Lot Street (now Queen) andthe First Concession (now Bloor). The parklots in the subject area were preserved forgovernment uses, which would haveincluded the harvesting of timber to buildships to repel the long-anticipated Americaninvasion of York, which finally occurred in1813.

By the late 1840's, the City of Toronto wasexpanding northward, the lands for thecemeteries and Riverdale Park had beenacquired, the street plan had been laid out asan extension of the grid system from theoriginal Town of York, and properties werebeing subdivided and sold for building lotsin the area.

While Cabbagetown's initial residentialdevelopment began in the 1850's, it was notuntil the 1870's and 1880's that significantnumbers of houses were built (see Figures 1and 2). Most of the houses built in thatperiod, the first ones on their sites, still existtoday. Intense development would continueto the beginning of the 20th century,establishing the late Victorian character ofthe neighbourhood.

The area features a significant number of"workers' cottages", relatively small centre-hall plan buildings, typically with onewindow on each side of a central doorsurmounted by a steep peaked gable. Someof these, centred around the intersection ofAmelia and Sumach Streets, were built tohouse workers employed by the P.R. LambGlue and Blacking Manufactory, whichstood at the end of Amelia Street, on the siteof the present Hillcrest Park, from 1848 untilits total destruction by fire in May, 1888.

Among the large number of CabbagetownNorth properties on the City of Toronto's

Inventory of Heritage Properties (listedindividually) are: the first home of BenjaminBrick, 314 Carlton Street (1874); the Witch'sHouse, 384 Sumach Street (1866); the OwlHouse, 402 Wellesley Street East (1892-3);the Thomas Harris house, 314 WellesleyStreet East; the Daniel Lamb House, 156Winchester Street (1867); the NapierSimpson Farmhouse, at Riverdale Farm(1978); the Donnybrook, at Riverdale Farm(1902); the Chapel of St. James-the-Less(1858), as well as the fence and gates and anumber of tombs, in the St. JamesCemetery; the Necropolis Chapel (1872); allof the houses on Alpha Avenue (1888),Flagler Street (1889); Laurier Avenue(1889); Wellesley Avenue (1887); andWellesley Cottages (1887); as well as asubstantial number of homes on WellesleyStreet East. The full list is contained inAppendix D.

Throughout the history of the area,occupations and income groups have variedwidely. In the early period, the mix ofoccupations of residents included storemanagers and carpenters, businessentrepreneurs, accountants, clerks,messengers, stevedores, doctors, nurses,sales-persons, cutters, church ministers,artists and butchers.

In the early period, the population ofCabbagetown included labourers employedin local businesses and industries, such asthe production of glue and blackingproducts, house wares, meat and other foodproducts, beer, whiskey, tanned hides,bicycles, pianos, boxes and corks; and therailways.

After World War I, demographic changeresulted in a decline in the condition of thebuilding stock, which lasted until the 1960's,when a new generation of residents began tomove into the District.



By the 1970's, a City-sponsored program of"urban renewal" threatened the area withdemolition of Victorian housing stock, onthe assumption that "new is better".However, the neighbourhood renewed itselfthrough the influx of new residents, and thegrowing sense of appreciation of the valueof downtown neighbourhoods and theattractiveness of the rich heritage andamenities of life which they provide.

While the area was referred to for a briefperiod as "Don Vale", ultimately "Cabbage-town" won out as the name most acceptableto the neighbourhood and most recognizableto citizens generally. This Cabbagetown areathereby celebrated a rebirth, shared withother parts of the downtown area as a whole,while, at the same time, demonstrating aunique "sense of place" derived from its pastsocial conditions, land development history,pedestrian-oriented streetscapes, and adefined architectural tradition.

Landscape Character

The overall landscape character of theCabbagetown North Heritage ConservationDistrict is the result of several individuallandscape features. These include asignificant pedestrian scale to the publicopen space created by the generally narrowsetbacks of the houses from the sidewalks,providing space for small landscaped frontyards, many defined by ornamental metal orwood fencing or hedges.

The front yards generally contain small lawnareas and planting beds with a walkway tothe front door on one side on the lot. Thereare very infrequent examples of single-widthdriveways crossing the sidewalk leading to agarage or interior laneway. In most casesparking is accommodated on the street,rather than on private property, exceptwhere back lanes are large enough to

accommodate a turning radius for abackyard garage or other parking space.

On the assumption that above-groundelectrical wiring is unavoidable, at least thearea is fortunate to have kept many of itswooden utility poles, which are morecompatible with the history of the area andthe physical context of 19th centurybuildings.

The area is also fortunate in having retainedand nurtured so many mature large canopydeciduous trees, many in the front yards ofhouses. Within the District, there are a largenumber of trees representing over 30different species. It has been of great benefitto the area that the City and many propertyowners have worked to ensure that theinevitable removal of older trees from timeto time has been accompanied by theplanting of new and replacement trees andthe encouragement of trees, bushes andother plants generally.

In the spring and early summer the area isalive with the colours of leaves and flowers,with trees, bushes and vines providing shadeand obscuring some of the houses almosttotally from view. In keeping with thetraditions of the neighbourhood, the growingof the forsythia bush, with its bright yellowflowers, especially prominent in May, hasbeen encouraged throughout the area.

The entire neighbourhood is adjacent to andidentified with the vale of the Don River.The two beautiful cemeteries, the Farmproperty, and Wellesley Park take fulladvantage of the picturesque natural featuresof their location and provide public access.



Figure 1. Map 1884 Plate 27. Page 74

Goad, Charles E. The Mapping of Victorian Toronto. 1984.



Figure 2. Map 1890 Plate 27. Page 75

Goad, Charles E. The Mapping of Victorian Toronto. 1984.



Architecture

The residential part of Cabbagetown Northboasts few architectural masterpieces, butrather a magnificent cumulative architecturalintegrity as a whole contributed to by avariety of building types, sizes and scales,forming a symphonic blend of primarily late19th century Victoriana.

The design of most of the houses came frompattern book and vernacular precedents, notfrom architects' drawings.

Some, such as the Lamb House, the Witch'sHouse, the Owl House and the ThomasHarris House, have attracted special interestand created enjoyment due to their uniqueblends of eccentricity and late Victorianbuilding forms and materials.

Much of the architecture of the area hasbeen documented and described by PatriciaMcHugh in her definitive book, TorontoArchitecture, A City Guide, Mercury Books,1985. Walk 9, Don Vale, and Walk 10, "OldCabbagetown", outlined in her book,between them include the entire area ofCabbagetown-Metcalfe and CabbagetownNorth.

The architecture of the District ispredominantly late 19th century, oftenreferred to as "Victorian", in style andinfluence. A number of Second Empireresidences with mansard roofs and Italianatedecorative features exist, along with QueenAnne style residences, the most prominentof which is the Thomas Harris House, at 314Wellesley Street East (1889-90).

Although most of the houses date from thepost-Georgian period of Torontoarchitecture, influences of the Georgian styleare still to be found.

Gothic-inspired forms include the twobeautiful and architecturally significantcemetery buildings: the Chapel of St. James-the-Less, by Cumberland and Storm (1858)in St. James Cemetery and the TorontoNecropolis Chapel, by Henry Langley(1872) in the Necropolis.

Romanesque influences are also to be found,for instance, in the row housing at 103-109Winchester Street and the DonnybrookPavilion (1902) at the Riverdale Farm.

The Italianate villa style is best representedby the James Reeve House (1883) at 397Carlton Street, the earliest house on itsblock.

In the 1870's and 80's particularly, the areafilled in with builder-designed houses, mostbuilt at or very close to their side and frontlot boundaries, many in pairs or attachedrows, each one having a similar floor plan,but a mirror image to that next door to it.

Although many of the houses appear to be ofbrick construction, in fact most are pineballoon-frame structures having a protectiveand decorative, non-supporting brick façadewall facing the street. Side and rear walls areoften stuccoed or covered with a variety ofsiding materials.

The mix of residential buildings includeslarge numbers of cottages and two and a halfstorey "bay 'n' gable" houses set back withnarrow front yards and fenced. Row housingis the principal character-defining form ofthe residential type in the District. Theintegrity of unbroken rows of Victorianhousing, emphasizing verticality, thealternate play of light and shadow, and thesteep peaked gables, define the significantfeatures of the District's architecture.Individual detached homes and a few low-rise apartment buildings are also present.



Brick along with frame buildings covered inwood and synthetic siding are found in theDistrict. Stucco-rendered properties arerepresented in both brick and framestructures.

The predominant characteristics associatedwith the "Victorian" row house buildings arerepresented by the tall, narrow houses withbay windows and gables, decorativewoodwork in the gables, stained glass, andwhere extant, decorative wooden porchesoften added on to the house in the 20th

century. The brickwork is often a mix of redand buff brick or red brick combined withshaped decorative brick, stone voussoirs or astone base course. Buff brick buildings arealso represented in the District. The small,one-storey cottages display similararchitectural attributes.

The roofing material was originally eitherslate or wooden shingle. Some slate remains,but asphalt shingle roofing is now thepredominant roofing material.

Windows vary in shape from flat head tosegmental to semi-circular. Original glazingstill exists in many residences, and manyfine stain glass windows are present. Someoriginal doors exist to complement theoriginal period of design.

The interplay between architecture and thevarious landscape elements of the District isimportant to its overall character. Manyblocks have almost unbroken rows ofclosely spaced, late 19th century/early 20th

century residential buildings of a similarheight and fenestration set back in aconsistent manner with small front yards.Street trees in the public boulevard provide atreed canopy over sidewalks and roads.

Although the area is comprised principallyof heritage buildings, more recent

architecture is also represented in theDistrict with a number of significantlyrenovated buildings that display a mixture ofold and new building approaches and styles.Some, unfortunately, display an insensitivityto the predominant character of the area.

Approximately 700 primary buildings arelocated within the delineated boundaries ofthe Cabbagetown North HeritageConservation District.

Conservation Intent

The conservation intent within theCabbagetown North Heritage ConservationDistrict is to maintain the existing stock ofresidential and institutional heritagebuildings and the scale and character of theneighbourhood. It is recognized that theheritage building stock is in various states ofrepair and maintenance. It is not the intentwithin the Cabbagetown North HeritageConservation District to force propertyowners to restore their property or preventthem from making changes, so long as thechanges are consistent with the conservationintent, which seeks to ensure, when changeis considered which may affect the externalappearance of a property, that heritagebuildings and their defining features and/ormaterials are protected as part of the processof change and development.

It is also important to the conservation of theheritage of the District as a whole, that allnew or replacement development respect theheight, scale and heritage integrity of theneighbourhood as a whole.

The heritage character of the Districtcemeteries (Chapter 8, pages 53 to 57) andthe open space areas (Chapter 9, pages 62 to64) is an integral part of the CabbagetownNorth Heritage Character Statement.



2.2 District boundary

The Cabbagetown North HeritageConservation District boundary is shown onFigure 3. The District boundary comprisesthe boundaries of St. James Cemetery,Wellesley Park, Necropolis Cemetery andRiverdale Farm, on the north and east, thesouth boundary of Riverdale Farm and therear of the houses fronting on Carlton Street,to the south, the rear of the lots on the eastside of Sackville Street up to the line of theextension of the north side of the lotsfronting on the north side of Amelia Streetfrom Sackville almost to Parliament Street,and continuing to the north behind the lotsfronting on Parliament Street until onceagain joining the boundary of St. JamesCemetery.

The boundaries of the proposed Districtform an identifiable and distinct area. Thenorth and east boundary is a prominenttopographic feature, the base of a valley atthe Rosedale Valley Road and BayviewAvenue. The west boundary generally is theCabbagetown-Metcalfe Area HeritageConservation District and, north of that, theParliament Street edge of St. JamesCemetery. The south limit, formed by theproperties fronting on Carlton Street, is thesame south limit as the Cabbagetown-Metcalfe Area.

2.3 Individual designations under PartIV of the Ontario Heritage Act

Within the District, six (6) properties aredesignated under Part IV of the OntarioHeritage Act and one hundred and fifty-seven (157) properties are listed on the Cityof Toronto's Inventory of HeritageProperties (See Appendix D). It is the intentof this Plan that those individually-designated properties be guided by the

principals stated in this document and thereasons for designation specified in themunicipal by-laws designating theindividual properties under Part IV. Copiesof these individual designation reports areavailable from the City of Toronto.

2.4 Purpose of principles, objectivesand goals in the review of potentialconstruction activities in the District

The principles, objectives and goalsconained in Section 3.0 will be used as amechanism in the review of the following:

all construction activity affecting theexterior of heritage resources whether itis repair, restoration or additions;

matters related to the City of TorontoOfficial plan and associated planningmeasures; and,

all improvements to municipalinfrastructure such as street widening,utility improvement, landscaping andtree removal.



Figure 3



3.0 HERITAGE CONSERVATION PRINCIPLES

3.1 Introduction

The designation of the Cabbagetown NorthHeritage Conservation District seeks toensure the care, conservation andmanagement of the District's heritagecharacter. In doing so, physical change andproposed development within the Districtwill be guided by the Plan with the intent toboth protect and enhance the character of itslandscape and built features.

It is the goal of the Plan to encourage asensitive approach to the conservation theCabbagetown North Heritage ConservationDistrict architecture and maintenance of thephysical, contextual landscape whichincludes grassed boulevards, street trees,front yard landscapes and associatedfencing. It is also important that any newdevelopment– including additions visiblefrom street level– and public works projectsbe encouraged not to detract from theheritage attributes of the District but tocontribute to and enhance them.

3.2 Principles

The process of heritage conservation withinthe Cabbagetown North District not onlyrequires recognition of its special characterbut also acceptance of several well-established conservation principles. Thissection establishes a context for theconservation of heritage buildings andlandscapes.

3.2.1 Demolition

Demolition of heritage buildings shouldbe discouraged and retention advocated.Every avenue should be explored andconsidered to prevent demolition.

The destruction, alteration or removal ofhistoric fabric or distinguishingarchitectural features is considered to bethe least preferred course of action.

3.2.2 Heritage buildings

To protect and enhance existing heritagebuildings.

To retain and encourage sound buildingconservation techniques for builtproperties.

To avoid the removal or alteration ofdistinguishing features and materials.

Encourage the restoration of the exteriorof heritage buildings using pictorial orphysical evidence with an understandingof period construction techniques andstyles.

Surface cleaning of the exterior ofhistoric buildings is best undertaken onlywhen accumulated dirt and relatedchemical and physical interactionsadversely affect the historic fabric of aheritage building, and undertakenonly by the gentlest means possible.Sandblasting, high-pressure waterwashing, strong chemical cleaning andother methods that may damage buildingmaterials should be avoided.

3.2.3 Landscape

To preserve the existing street patternsof streets, lanes and pathways, and torestore the heritage character ofstreetscapes by control and guidance ofnew development.

To discourage widening of the existingpavement and roadways.



To preserve the existing tree canopy bylimiting activities which impact on thegrowing conditions for the roots andreplanting with a tree.

To encourage tree preservation and theplanting of species historically planted inthe neighbourhood.

To encourage the maintenance andconservation of historic landscapeelements in both the public and privateownership.

To encourage the introduction of newfences that respect historic designinfluences while meeting contemporaryneighbourhood requirements.

To encourage public streetscape andlandscape improvements that enhancethe overall heritage character of theDistrict.

3.2.4 New Development

Where new buildings and additions arenecessary, to encourage design that issympathetic and compatible with thecharacter of the existing heritageproperties and the character of theDistrict.

For infill construction, to encourage thedesign that respects the human scale ofthe area while enhancing the area'sheritage attributes.

3.2.5 Community

To encourage community supportthrough pride of place to conserve andprotect the area's rich architectural andhistorical heritage; and,

To provide help to individual propertyowners through encouraging the use ofproper care and conservation approacheswhen new repair or restoration projectsare considered.

3.2.6 Cemeteries and Open Space Areas

The heritage conservation principles forDistrict cemeteries and open space areas areintegral to the District and are specified inChapter 8 (pages 57 to 58) and Chapter 9(pages 64 to 65).



4.0 GUIDELINES FOR BUILDINGCONSERVATION & CHANGE

4.1 Introduction

The intention of the Cabbagetown NorthHeritage Conservation District is to ensurethe wise management of physical changeand development in order to conserve theunique character of the Cabbagetown Northand its component buildings and spaces. It isanticipated that most conservation issues inthe District will be addressed through thepolicies and the guidelines of the Plandescribed in the following sections.

The following goals and guidelines form abroad framework for the consideration ofchanges to heritage buildings and theirfabric. They are based upon severalrecognized national and internationalcharters and recommendations regarding theconservation of our cultural heritage.

General guidance on alterations andadditions to heritage buildings is addressedin Section 6.0. More specific guidance iscontained in the Conservation PracticeAdvisory Notes in Section 5.0.

Where a particular conservation issue is notaddressed in Sections 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 and9.0 the goals, objectives and principles inSections 3.0 and 4.0 should provide propertyowners and the City of Toronto withdecision-making tools.

4.2 Cabbagetown North HeritageConservation District Guidelines

This section establishes a context and ageneral framework for the conservation ofheritage buildings. Any proposed changeswithin the Cabbagetown North Heritage

Conservation District will be consideredwith regard to the following goals andobjectives.

This District Plan provides more specificguidance in the management of change anddevelopment within this special setting in away that respects the heritage building stockand the quality of the streetscape.

Sound management of change includes thepromotion of a clear statement of goals andobjectives for the Heritage ConservationDistrict. Although goals and objectives aregeneral in nature, they are of importance inproviding a framework for more specificguidance and action as well as directiontowards the type of management anticipatedin a conservation district.

4.2.1 District conservation goals

To maintain the residential character ofthe Cabbagetown North HeritageConservation District.

To protect and enhance existing heritagebuildings.

To avoid the destruction of the heritagebuildings and landscape fabric in theCabbagetown North District.

To encourage only those changes thatare undertaken in a non-destructivemanner; i.e., if such alterations oradditions were removed in the future, theessential form and integrity of theheritage property would remainunimpaired.

Conservation goals for cemeteries and openspace areas in the District are contained onpages 58 and 66.



4.2.2 District conservation objectives

Heritage buildings

To encourage continuing maintenanceand repair of individual heritagebuildings by property owners.

To support the continuing care,conservation and restoration of heritagebuildings, wherever appropriate, byproviding guidance on soundconservation practice and encouragingapplications to existing funding sources,where available, for eligible work.

Landscape

To encourage the maintenance andprotection of the urban landscapecharacter of Cabbagetown North as wellas avoiding or minimizing the adverseeffects of any public undertakings.

To maintain and preserve individualtrees, treelines and boulevards within theDistrict.

To enhance public spaces, includingboulevards, with suitable landscapingand replant as the existing trees matureand die with appropriate specieshistorically planted in the area.

Land use

To encourage the maintenance of theexisting, residential environment foundwithin the Cabbagetown North HeritageConservation District.

To support existing land uses andadaptive re-uses for residential purposeswherever feasible within the existingbuilding stock.

To discourage those land uses that wouldbe out of keeping with or havedetrimental effects upon the principalland use character found within theCabbagetown North HeritageConservation District.

New development

To permit new development only whereit respects or otherwise complements theprevailing character of existing heritagebuildings and structures within theCabbagetown North HeritageConservation District.

To discourage the demolition of existingheritage buildings.

Cemeteries and Open Space Areas

Conservation objectives for DistrictCemeteries and Open Space areas arecontained on pages 59 (cemeteries) and 66(open space areas).



PART B

Section 5.0 contains conservation guidanceon heritage building fabrics and architecturalfeatures. Guidance on building elementsfollows the format of inspection andmaintenance, repairs and replacements andrestoration.

5.0 CONSERVATION PRACTICEADVISORY NOTES

5.1 Building conservation

An owner of a heritage property may beconsidered a steward or custodian with aresponsibility to transmit to futuregenerations rich, built heritage. Maintainingbuildings in good physical condition andensuring viable and satisfactory uses are thecornerstones of conserving heritagestructures as well as other buildings.

The deterioration of building materials is anatural phenomenon. Sound repair andmaintenance check natural deteriorationbefore decay occurs. Lack of attention tofactors such as water damage, paint failure,differential settlement and so onconsiderably accelerates naturaldeterioration. The process of conservationcomprises these remedial measuresnecessary to prevent decay and to promotethe longevity of building materials.

Sound maintenance practice is the singlemost important technique in the promotionof good conservation.

Repair and maintenance are the minimumconservation action required within theHeritage Conservation District.

Repair and maintenance protect originalbuilding fabric and the craftsmanship that

went into the design and construction ofdecorative elements.

Repair and maintenance are the mosteffective actions required to maintain abuilding since it often insures againstharmful and irreparable damage and costlymajor repairs.

Generally, the conservation issues within theDistrict relate principally to:

the continuing maintenance, repair andrestoration of historic building fabric;

appropriate alterations to existingheritage structures; and,

potential new construction.

For the purposes of this HeritageConservation District Plan and its use, anumber of terms are defined to aid thereader. These terms are taken, in shortenedform, from the Ontario HeritageFoundation’s Well Preserved: Manual ofPrinciples and Practice for ArchitecturalConservation (Mark Fram, 1988) and aredescribed on the following page.

Conservation: An umbrella term thatencompasses a broad range of activitiesaimed at preventing decay by wisely usingheritage resources and purposely interveningto remove or obviate threats to thoseresources.

Preservation: Preservation involvesstopping, as permanently as possible, thoseprocesses contributing to the deterioration ofa building or site and making essentialrepairs to keep it in its existing state.

Restoration: Restoration is the recovery ofthe forms and details of a property as itappeared at a particular time by removingwork of intervening periods and, where



necessary, replacing or reproducing missingelements.

Reconstruction: Reconstruction involvesthe re-creation of a vanished building orfeature on its original site based on evidencefrom historical documents.

The following sections provide advice onthe care of individual building components.The conservation of these individualcomponents will sustain the overall buildingfabric. This, in turn, will assist inmaintaining the overall streetscape fabricand, hence, conserve the area within theCabbagetown North Heritage ConservationDistrict.

Advice on individual building componentsand construction material has been generallydivided into three principal areas of concern:inspection and maintenance, repair andreplacement and the restoration of heritagebuildings.

This approach has been developed in orderto encourage property owners to choose thelevel of care that best suits their financialresources and their ideas for the proper careof their property within the District.

5.2 Foundations and basements

Foundations are designed to protect theoutside walls from deterioration by raisingthem above the underlying soil. Walls ofearly structures were often placed directlyon the ground or on mudsills set on theground. Stone walls became the mostcommon type of foundation used in the midto late nineteenth century. Poured concretefoundations became common in the latenineteenth century and were universallyused by the mid twentieth century. Concreteblock foundations, usually of the rock-facedtype, were used in the first half of the

twentieth century, but are generally a post-World War II system. Sound- and watertightbuilding foundations are essential to thecontinued longevity of the HeritageConservation District’s structures. The earlydiscovery of foundation problems canusually be corrected in an inexpensive andefficient manner. Significant damage, suchas excessive settlement, may occur if theproblems are allowed to persist untreated.

Inspection and Maintenance

The regular inspection of basements andfoundation walls is very important. Routineinspections should be carried out at differenttimes of the year and during differentweather. Conditions that should be notedinclude signs of moisture; cracks anddeflection of structural members; bulging,buckling or crumbling mortar; wood indirect contact with soil; and settlement.Generally foundation settlement takes placeduring the first years of a structure’s life.Older buildings often settle and reach a stateof equilibrium with no further movement.

The cause of foundation settlement usuallyincludes such conditions as changes inground water levels, excessive spring runoff,earth movements, new tree plantingspositioned too close to a structure anddisconnected downspouts. All of theseconditions can result in further sub-surfacedestabilization of the structure andfoundation. Basement renovations that mayinclude underpinning to gain extra ceilingheight, new additions and the constructionof new buildings on adjacent properties mayalso contribute to settlement of a foundation.

Regular maintenance should ensure properventilation and the structural integrity offoundations and basements. Poor ventilationmay contribute to fungal growth in theseareas. When undetected, fungal growth can



create structural stress through theweakening of sill plates or joist ends that arefitted into masonry pockets in thefoundation. This stress may affect, in turn,the integrity of the basement foundation andthe above structural framework. Signs oftermites or other insect infestations shouldbe looked for when inspecting thefoundations. Infestations should be closelymonitored and the proper remedial actiontaken.

Repairs and Replacement

Foundation repairs should be undertakenonly after consultation with a professionalengineer, building consultant and/orarchitect who has knowledge of heritagebuilding systems. Traditional buildingpractices and methods should be used inmaking repairs wherever possible. Soundbuilding science principles should also beapplied such as not insulating interiorbasement walls to modern design standardsin order to maintain the existingenvironment in a stable condition. Makesure proper exterior drainage is in place todirect all water away from the building. Thismay be accomplished simply by grading theground slope away from the building.Drainage tiling can be installed, if necessary,to control excessive moisture. Excavate inshort sections, repair and backfill.

Replacement stone, brick or concrete shouldbe as similar as possible to the original type,colour, size, and texture, etc. of the originalmasonry foundation.

An option available to property owners withstone rubble foundations which requirestabilization is masonry grouting. Concretegrout with small aggregate and a heavyliquid consistency is used to fill small voids.It can be poured or be applied under

pressure and cures or hardens to normalstrength. This will consolidate the masonry.

5.3 Mortars and parging

Generally masonry restoration guidelinesshould be applied to any exposed externalfoundation walls whether they are brick,stone or concrete block. In areas exposed toextreme weather conditions such as anorthwest exposure or excessive freeze-thawconditions more durable mortars should beused. Conditions may vary, some requiringexpert advice. Refrain from parging exteriorfoundation walls above grade withcementitious or bituminous materials as amethod of waterproofing. If additions oralterations are being considered, it is worthexamining methods of construction thatspread the load uniformly onto existingfoundation walls or footings. If a masonrywall needs to be consolidated by grouting,seek expert advice and a qualified contractorto undertake the project. Low sodiumgrouting mixtures should be used to preventefflorescence on brick or stone masonry.

Major restoration work on masonry shouldfollow the guidelines developed in theAnnotated Master Specification for theCleaning and Repair of Historic Masonry,available from the Ontario Ministry ofTourism Culture and Recreation.

5.4 Structural Systems

The structural system of a building is oftennot immediately evident from its exteriorappearance. Brick masonry walls may becovered with stucco or modern syntheticsiding. Wood frame buildings may becovered with brick or stone veneer, stucco orother synthetic walling materials. Structuralsystems include the framework, walls andfloors in buildings and often vary in size,shape and design. Most buildings in Ontario



are constructed with a wooden structuralframe and a light cladding. Woodenplatform framing and balloon framing thatrelied on machine sawn lumber weredeveloped in the mid to late nineteenthcentury as building technology advanced.

Solid brick and cavity wall construction wascommonly used throughout the nineteenthcentury and into the early twentieth century.The most common form of brickconstruction from the late nineteenth centuryand throughout the twentieth century is brickveneer over a wooden frame. Brick veneerconstruction allowed for larger openings andaccommodated the more complex buildingplans found in mid to late nineteenth centuryarchitecture.

Concrete block faced with brick, stone orcast stone is a twentieth century constructionmethod. Cast stone is very similar toconcrete and was commonly used for stepsand lintels in the late nineteenth century.


The structural nature of a building should bedetermined before any repairs are carriedout. The structural system is almost alwaysapparent on closer examination of thefoundations, basements and attics. Mostbrick veneer structures use a running bondin the brickwork since headers are notnecessary to tie multiple brick rows into asolid wall. Knowledge of the structuralsystem allows for the development of properstrategies for maintenance, repair andrestoration. It is also useful when designingadditions and alterations.

Inspect and record structural stabilityproblems. Note cracking, deflection, andfungal or insect attack; stabilize weakenedstructural members and systems with amethod that can be repaired and reversed if

necessary. The existing structural systemmay also be supplemented when damaged orinadequate. Wooden structural membersshould be replaced with the same dimensionand structural capacity where possible.

The effects of settlement and problems withleakage or cracks should be monitored foractivity before work is considered. Inactivecracks and/or leaning walls may be in a stateof equilibrium and no longer cause forconcern. Often the pattern of settling andself-adjusting in an older structure iscomplex and has occurred over a longperiod of time.

Joist pockets with wood or masonryconnections in masonry structures should beexamined for deterioration and fungalgrowth due to moisture and poor ventilation.


Major repairs to the structural soundness ofa building should be completed before workis undertaken on exterior cladding or whennew additions or alterations are beingconsidered. Consideration should also begiven to supplementing the existingstructural system when it is damaged orinadequate with braces, splices or flitchplates (a strengthening plate on a beam orjoist). These can be used as an interimmeasure and, if necessary, removed at a laterdate.

Restoration

When restoring, replace specialized joinerywork and unusual or rare engineering ortechnical innovations only when necessary.Specialized work will require a skilledcraftsperson, technician or a professionalengineer with heritage training orexperience. Structural repairs to masonryshould be completed with non-ferrous metal



hardware to prevent rusting. When required,grouting of masonry walls should becompleted by experienced, professionaltradespeople.

In special circumstances, metal supportcolumns or saddles connecting large postand beam construction may be vulnerable tomoisture. The moisture can cause rust thatresults in oxide jacking. This action has thepotential to weaken the structural integrityof a building. Replacement with non-ferrousmetal is recommended. Where the metalcomponent is stable, control of moisturethrough proper ventilation, removal ofobvious water sources and cleaning ofexposed surfaces is recommended.

5.5 Exterior wall cladding

Generally, the exterior wall cladding fabricof the buildings situated in the CabbagetownNorth Heritage Conservation District is ofbrick, with some stucco and wood.

5.5.1 Brick and stone

The Annotated Master Specification for theCleaning and Repair of Historic Masonryprovides an excellent source of informationon the subject of masonry conservation andrepairs and is available at the Province ofOntario Bookstore in Toronto.


Walls should be examined for cracks, brickspalling, stains, leaks, mortar erosion, localdistress, leaning or bowing, efflorescence,blisters and loose or falling building fabric.List work that must be considered for repairand future maintenance in order ofimportance and take appropriate action.

One of the more common masonry problemsis poor water drainage from downspouts.

The cleaning of eaves troughs and repair offaulty downspouts assists in the preservationof sound masonry by safeguarding it fromthe problems of the winter freeze-thawcycle. Guiding water away from the buildingis critical in preventing the saturation ofmasonry that may result in the more seriousproblem of water rising, or “wicking,” intobuilding fabric. The regular maintenance ofbrick walls will help preserve the buildingfabric and maintain the weather tightness ofthe structure.


Masonry repairs to localized areas shouldmatch the original as closely as possible insize, colour, texture, surface treatment andstrength for reasons of appearance anddurability. It is critical that the originalmortar used with the brick be examined fortexture, colour, type of jointing andcomposition. New mortar should match thequalities of the original mortar as closely aspossible.

Replacement brick should also be selectedby its similarities to the type, unit size,colour, texture and composition of theoriginal brick. Maintain decorative brickelements when replacing bricks. Salvagebrick can be used in areas where exposure toexcessive weathering is not likely to occur.It is important to evaluate the strength anddurability of “old” bricks when consideringthem for re-use. Do not use softer interiorbricks for exterior masonry repairs.

Restoration

Major restoration work on masonry shouldfollow the guidelines developed in theAnnotated Master Specification for theCleaning and Repair of Historic Masonry.



Masonry cleaning

The cleaning of masonry can be considereduseful in the prevention of deterioration andthe restoration of original appearance.However, it is critical that the “patina” bemaintained. The patina of age is part of thebuilding’s history. The “good as new”appearance predicted by contractors usuallymeans that the approach to cleaning is tooaggressive. Skilled operators experienced incleaning heritage buildings should carry outall masonry cleaning operations during afrost-free period. Test patches should becompleted on inconspicuous areas beforeany work is undertaken. Avoid sandblastingunder all circumstances and remembercaustic chemicals used improperly can bejust as harmful to the building as to theenvironment.

Mortars and repointing

Many historic masonry structures were builtusing more elastic mortars with a high limeand low cement content. Modern mortar isgenerally harder. Its use can be harmful forolder buildings when employed with soft orfriable masonry materials. Generally, mortarshould be weaker than the surroundingmasonry when repointing. It is generallyeasier and cheaper to repoint masonrywalling rather than to replace historicmasonry units such as individual bricks orstones.

Repointing is required when the mortar hassignificantly deteriorated or when waterpenetration is a problem. Do not repoint oldmortar sections in good condition. Alwaysclean out deteriorated mortar with a handchisel back to sound surfaces rather thanusing power chisels. The composition of thenew mortar must match the qualities of theold in strength, colour and texture. Avoidthe use of plasticizors or colourants.

Acceptable brick joints include: the flush;the semi-recessed; the rodded or thumbedjoint; and the regular struck joint.Unacceptable joints include: the tuckedjoint; tuck beaded joint; the bleeding joint;ribbon, deeply recessed, or keyed reversestruck; and buttered joint.

5.5.2 Stucco

Stucco or roughcast cladding is a secondarymaterial type found in the CabbagetownNorth Heritage Conservation District. It istraditionally placed on lath or directly onmasonry producing a uniform finish that isresistant to rain and which adds a decorativeeffect to the building surface with its texture,detailing and colour.

Early stucco was generally applied in two orthree coats for strength and durability. It wasoften used in conjunction with the appliedhalf-timbered detailing of the Tudor Revivalstyle in the early twentieth century. Stucco isa type of external plastering or rendering oflime, or lime and cement, mortar with asharp sand aggregate. Early stucco usedanimal hair, straw or other binders. In thelate nineteenth century and early twentiethcentury, stucco was made with increasingportions of Portland cement and lime. Sandor fine gravel was used to create surfacetexture.


Simple tapping for a hollow sound willsometimes distinguish whether the stucco isapplied to a wood frame or masonry. Areasof thin or failing stucco may also reveal theunderlying framework.

Stucco is a rigid material and susceptible tocracking and crumbling. Water may entercracks and rot the underlying lath; structuralsettlement may cause cracking; and poor



original composition may result in pooradhesion to the lath causing cracking and theloss of pieces of stucco. Common failures ofstucco include bulging, cracking anddeterioration at the ground line and at theroofline. These areas should be monitoredregularly.

Maintain eaves troughs and downspouts toeliminate water penetration and damage tothe coating and structural damage to theframe. Remove vegetation from the walls.Soil in planting beds should not be bankedagainst a stucco wall.


Traditionally, stucco was not painted. Itscolour was derived from the aggregate, oftensand, and any permanent pigment mixed inthe finish coat. Normally applied in threecoats, the finish coat received differentsurface treatments depending on thetechnique that was fashionable at the time.Repairs to stucco should seek to replicatethese traditional techniques, avoidingcontemporary processes such as blownapplications. General guidelines for therepair of stucco cladding are as follows:

Accurately record textured or decoratedstucco surfaces before repairs begin.Note the thickness of the stucco relativeto the wood trim and maintain thisdimension in order not to hide or destroythe function of detailing; i.e., sill drips,corner boards and window frames.

New stucco should never be applied overan existing surface since this can hidedamaged surfaces and destroyarchitectural detailing. Remove unsoundstucco to lath or a sound base andduplicate original formulation instrength, composition and texture.

Patching and new stucco surfaces shouldmatch the historic finish, colour, textureand any special markings found onoriginal stucco surface.

Consider repairing an entire wallsurface, particularly if a principalelevation, to maintain consistent colourand texture if most of the surface isfailing.

Duplicate original method ofapplication, i.e., build up repairs inlayers or coats, to ensure good bondingand curing. Dampen patches andsurrounding area for a couple of daysafter repair for successful adhesion ofpatched section to original stucco.

Do not paint the stucco surface if it isnot already painted.

To date, no effective method of cleaningstucco has been developed. Dirt and dustshould be rinsed off with water on ayearly basis.

5.5.3 Wood cladding

Traditionally, the cladding of wood framebuildings is of wood, either horizontal orvertical boards or shingles. Horizontalcladding types include clapboard, shiplap,tongue and groove or bevel. Vertical boardcladding includes board and batten. Whilethis is not typical cladding in the District, itis present on some cottages and manyadditions.


Wood cladding should be inspectedregularly and frequently for insectinfestation and moisture penetration. Signsof deterioration include blistering andpeeling paint. Unpainted surfaces mayappear dark in colour or look decayed. Areas



particularly vulnerable to deterioration arecorners, near eaves and downspouts and atground level. The structural stability of abuilding should be inspected and neededrepairs carried out before working on theexterior cladding.


Wood siding should be repaired whereverpossible. Small cosmetic repairs or“dutchmen” should be carried out in woodor a combination of wood and glue. Newreplacement wooden siding should matchthe original in form, style, dimension, profileand method of installation. Cornerboardsshould match the original in dimension andprofile. The use of real board lumber—notwaferboard—as a base should beencouraged. Selection of a skilledcraftsperson to complete the installation ofthe materials is always recommended.

5.5.4 Synthetic, modern siding

Synthetic or modern siding such as vinyl,aluminum siding, angelstone, and othermaterials have been used in theCabbagetown North Heritage ConservationDistrict rather than renewing the originalbuilding material. This is usually done tominimize exterior maintenance, such aspainting, and to “update” a building’sappearance. This practice can lead tosignificant changes in the exteriorappearance of heritage buildings.

Synthetic or modern siding coarsens thevisual texture of a building and destroys thearchitectural scale of a house by altering thesize and spacing of the original woodensiding or decorative detailing. Its applicationgenerally means the removal of decorativeand character-defining trim around windowand doors and other detailing such ascornerboards on frame structures.

Decorative detailing such as lintels, doorsurrounds and quoins are normally coveredover on masonry buildings as well.Synthetic siding is often nailed directly tothe original building fabric or to additionalfurring strips on top of the original wallingmaterial. This may damage the original wallmaterial. The inability of synthetic sidings tobend often leads to vertical placement inproblem areas thus spoiling the originaldesign and symmetry of a heritage building.

Repair

The application of synthetic siding canaffect the general maintenance and physicalcondition of the historic building. If appliedover a building component or fabric thatneeds repair, synthetic siding may contributeto existing moisture problems. It alsoprevents the inspection of the underlyingbuilding fabric and an analysis of itscondition. Synthetic siding tends to be proneto denting. It is not maintenance-free and itsinsulation value is not significant. Its useshould not be encouraged on heritagestructures.

5.6 Roofing and chimneys

The roof shape is one of the most dominantfeatures in determining the externalcharacter of a building. Wood frameworkssupport roofs in most buildings. Thecommon rafter roof-framing system wasalmost universally used after the midnineteenth century. Roofs within theHeritage Conservation District come in twoprincipal shapes: steep pitch cross gablesand side gable. But other roof types found inthe District include the mansard, flat andpartial hip.

Roofing materials provide the watertightcovering as well as add texture and colour tothe roof planes. Together with the roof shape



they are a dominant element of the exteriorcharacter of a building. There are four maintypes of roofing materials: wooden shingles,slate, metal and bitumen. Historically,wooden shingles were an early commonroofing material found in the HeritageConservation District, followed by slate.Slate was likely the most prominent roofingmaterial used from the 1880s onward formost buildings built before 1920. Today,asphalt shingle roofing is used throughoutthe District. Metal roofing and split cedarshakes should be avoided since they are notrepresentative of the historic roofingmaterial used in the District. Some clay tileis used decoratively in gable ends.


The roof condition should be assessedannually. Inspect for broken, loose ormissing shingles; corroded, broken or loosefasteners or seams; and the condition of thevalley flashing and ridge. Examine thesubstructure and the roof sheathing in theattic space for signs of structural stress,moisture, water penetration, insectinfestation and proper ventilation. Properventilation of the attic space helps to preventdecay from moisture.

Inspect regularly for moss on woodenshingle roofs if they are located in shadyareas with tree cover. Remove the moss andcontrol the excessive moisture conditions ifpossible. Inspect the wooden shingles forabraded surfaces and any erosion due toultraviolet light, wind and rain.

Rainwater gutters should be regularlycleaned to prevent backup and ice dams.Inspect all flashing for signs of fatigue,erosion and corrosion failure due toatmospheric or galvanic action. Flashingaround the chimney and dormers are oftenvulnerable to deterioration. Remove affected

metal and replace in kind. When a sealanthas failed due to expansion, age or improperapplication, clean all surfaces and replacesealants as directed. Anchorage for roofingshould be adequate to ensure against winddamage and moisture penetration. A leakingroof should be protected until it can berepaired.


Repairs should be made to the roof beforeconsidering the replacement of the entireroof. All repairs, even small patch repairs,should be carried out in a conscientiousmanner and match the original material.Substitute materials that do not convey thevisual appearance of the surviving parts ofthe roof or that are physically or chemicallyincompatible with the original roofing arenot recommended. Bituminous patchesshould not be used since they are atemporary remedy and cannot be removedwithout replacing the roofing materialbelow. Replacement roofing material shouldbe selected after a proper cost analysis hasbeen carried out. The selection of a modernor alternative roofing material shouldrespect the colour, dimensions and texture aswell as take into consideration the visualimpact of the original roof on thestreetscape. Asphalt shingle roofing shouldbe replaced with basic colours such as red,green or black. The use of brown asphaltshingles as a substitute for wooden shinglesshould generally be avoided since they arenot a standard colour for the area. Newwood shingle style asphalt roofing should beselected if the colour is sympathetic.

Respect the original roof configuration,roofing materials and any architecturaldetails such as dormers, vents and cresting.New roof features such as skylights, ventstacks, chimneys and dormer windowsshould be located away from the front



elevation of a building or the public right-of-way where they can be viewed. New rooffeatures are visually intrusive and adverselyaffect the heritage character of the building.New vents or other new roof elements suchas skylights should be properly flashed andsealed.

Restoration

When planning a roof restoration,investigate the roof area and/or examinehistoric photographs and other documentarysources to identify the original roofingmaterial. Colour, texture and dimensionalqualities should respect the original roofingmaterial. Property owners who considerrestoring wood shingle or slate roofs requirea contractor with expertise in installationtechniques. It is important to purchasepremium grade shingles for roofs andsidewalls. These shingles are 100%heartwood, 100% clear and 100% edge-grain. Slate should be of the highest qualityand match the colour as closely as possible.

Chimneys

Chimneys are masonry roof features. Theyshould be examined for stability andsoundness annually. This includes makingsure the flue liner is operating effectivelyand that the chimney cap is secure. Flashingoften fails around the chimney causingroofing material decay. Masonry chimneysshould be repaired with the same methodand approach discussed in section 5.4. Thepublication Annotated Master Specificationfor the Cleaning and Repair of HistoricMasonry is a useful guide for masonryrepair. Decorative chimneys or chimney potsshould be restored through repair orreplacement in style, profile and dimensionwhere possible. Chimneys should not besimplified in rebuilding. Special detail worksuch as corbelling or multiple flues

associated with the original work or laterextant work should be retained.

Unused chimneys should be capped with ametal cover and maintained. Often chimneysprovide a design balance for the structureand complement an existing chimney andare therefore character-defining features ofthe building. When rebuilding a chimneythat has been removed, consult historicphotographic material in order to design anappropriate new chimney.

Chimneys are often vulnerable because ofthe role they play in the heating of theresidence. Factors that affect the conditionof chimneys include: the warming andcooling cycle with associated moisture; thelack of flue liners that often contributes to itsdeterioration; and exposure to northwesterlywinds that takes a toll on chimneys due totheir size and exposed roof. Repair work tochimneys is often neglected until majorproblems arise.

5.7 Windows and entrances

Windows and entrances are importantcharacter-defining features of a heritagebuilding. Entrances are often the focus of theprincipal elevation of heritage buildings.Both windows and entrances reflect changesin the original design and often exhibit finequality craftsmanship. Window elementsinclude frames, sash, muntins and glazing.Elements of window and door structuralopenings include: sills; heads; decorativetrim outside the structural opening such aslabels, hoods and lintels; mouldings andexterior shutters and any associatedhardware.

Entrance door elements include: door designand any associated hardware; storm andscreen doors; transom lights; fanlights;sidelights; pilasters and engaged columns



and entablatures. The residences in theCabbagetown North Heritage ConservationDistrict exhibit a variety of window andentrance treatments.

Porches and verandahs are a functionalelement as well as an essential part of theoverall design of a building. They are builtin two principal ways: as part of theprincipal structure, inset under the main roofstructure; or under a separate roof that isrelatively independent of the main roof.Porch and verandah elements include:vestibules, railings and balustrades, floorsand ceilings, lighting fixtures, steps,columns, piers and stair type, direction andlocation. Supporting roof members andenclosures are usually wood, masonry ormetal.

Large porches or verandahs becamedistinctive features of domestic architecturein the late nineteenth century and earlytwentieth century. Some houses had morethan one verandah or extended verandahsthat covered more than one wall. This trendwas reversed in the mid twentieth centurywhen porches became smaller, lessdominant and were usually confined to thefront entrance.


The inspection and assessment of thesefeatures for structural soundness anddeterioration are of critical importance. Thewood, masonry and architectural metal ofwindows and entrances should be protectedand regularly maintained throughappropriate surface treatments such ascleaning, rust removal, limited paintremoval and renewal of protective coatingsystems. Windows should be weathertight.The overall condition of the window andentrance elements should be regularlyevaluated to determine whether repair is

necessary. Maintain operable windowshutters in working order. Repair any brokenglass and any deteriorated or missingglazing putty. Check the lead cames ofstained glass windows or leaded glass forsoundness. Check for cracks in glass orfatigue in the lead cames. Maintain andpreserve original glass that is a character-defining feature.

Inspect around posts, piers, balustrades andexternal steps of porches for water damage.Ensure that foundations, external steps andmasonry piers are well drained andstructurally sound. Wooden floorboardsshould also be inspected for soundness andproper drainage. The ends of the floorboardsare particularly susceptible to water damage.Check wooden and stucco ceilings for waterdamage, cracking and soundness. Upperbalconies on porches and verandahs shouldalso be checked for proper drainage, thesoundness of protective railings, floor andanchors.


Retention with the proper repair of originalwindow frames, sash, glass and doorpaneling is highly recommended. Badlydecayed areas in an otherwise soundwindow or door should be repaired usingcompatible filler materials or appropriatejoinery detailing. Retain existing glazingwhere possible and save door and windowhardware during repairs. Never enlargewindow or door openings or make themsmaller since this has a negative effect onthe heritage character of the building. Theone exception is when an original size of thedoor or window opening is being restored.Refer the repair of any unique stained glass,leaded glass or specialty glass such ascurved window panes to a specialist. Makesure that any replacement glass is glass, andnot a plastic derivative.



Replacement wooden windows or doorsshould be completed in kind. Aluminum,coated metal or vinyl units are notrecommended as replacements. Areplacement window or door should matchthe original in style, shape placement and bebased on the use of historic photographswhen available to meet the above criteria.Inappropriate historic doors and detailingshould not be used. Double glazed woodwindow replacements are not recommendedfor use on principal facades of existinghistoric buildings, but may be considered forrear or side facades that are not visible topublic view. (See section 5.10 for adiscussion of windows and energyconservation.)

All structural problems should be repairedbefore attending to the repair of individualelements. Porch floors should be examinedparticularly at the ends for decay. Raisedfloorboards may indicate a water problem.Paint failure at the base of porch columnsmay also indicate water penetration. Porchesand verandahs should have eaves troughsand downspouts. They may be independentof the roof drainage system. Clean debris outof the eaves troughs regularly. Whenrepairing porch floorboards, replace only therotten boards; then clean, fill and sandremaining boards. Paint or treat with awater-repellent. Exterior steps weregenerally made of wood prior to thetwentieth century and concrete after 1900.New steps should reflect the complementarymaterial for the age and architecture of thebuilding. Retain and repair upper porchesand balconies, ensuring that they areproperly fastened and flashed at wall androof junctures. When enclosing a porch orverandah, consider the historical practice ofusing screens or windows placed behind theperimeter posts, balustrades and decorativedetail. Entrance vestibules should berepaired and retained.

Restoration

When restoring a building to its originalappearance, new replacement sash shouldmaintain the muntin profile and dimensionsof the original window. This may requirecutting new shaping blades or knifes toreproduce the moulding profile. Doublehung windows should work properly.Wooden storm windows and doors are alsoheritage features and should be used whenappropriate. When new glazing is required itshould have the qualities of older, single-pane glass whenever possible. Double-glazed panes are not acceptable for purposesof restoration as original muntin and mullionbars are thin and will not accept thethickness of a sealed, double-glazed unit,usually three-quarters-of-an inch to one-inch.

The goal of any stained glass restoration isto have a finished product look as close tothe original as possible. Patience and moneyare important factors in getting the bestresults. Skilled craftspeople are necessary.

Entrances often exhibit well-executed finecraftwork and are worthy of restorationthrough proper conservation techniques. Theemployment of craftspeople well-qualifiedand experienced in restoration techniquesmay be necessary to conserve this level offine craftwork and to ensure its proper repairand retention of strength. Prepare for therestoration of entrance elements by usingoriginal moulding profiles and photographs.

Porches and verandahs should be restored byusing historic photographs and originalmoulding profiles. Often traces of theoriginal porch can be seen on the walls ofthe building, giving an outline of the roofslope, its original location, and details.Nailer boards embedded in the masonry wall



can also give clues as to the originalconstruction technique and style of a porch.

5.8 Decorative wooden detailing

In the Cabbagetown North HeritageConservation District, the homes have ahigh degree of fine quality, decorativewoodwork. The distinctive use of the GothicRevival and Queen Anne styles result in anabundance of wood decoration. Decorativewooden detailing and ornamentation can befound on porches, verandahs, dormers andgable roof peaks. Such work includesscrollwork, spindles, columns, turned posts,brackets, vergeboards, finials, pendants anddentils. These decorative details are foundon all types and sizes of historic buildings ofthe nineteenth and twentieth centuries,including even the most modest dwellings.These features can be both functional anddecorative and are considered to be anintegral part of a building’s historiccharacter. They should be retained,protected and repaired.

Porches and verandahs, as a separate wooddesign element, are the most distinguishingarchitectural feature viewed by the public.The porch also serves an important rolehistorically in energy conservation. Itprovides shelter from inclement weather andshade to assist in cooling during the heat ofthe summer.


Carved, sawn and turned details are verysusceptible to deterioration. They should bechecked regularly for signs of deteriorationdue to rot, insect infestation, fungi,mechanical damage and structural fatigue.Understanding the nature of decay willallow for a better choice of repair andmaintenance options. Blistering paint or atotal absence of a surface covering are both

signs of a potential problem. Make sure thatthe fastenings are secure, sound and freefrom rust.

Regular maintenance should includeproviding proper drainage; the repair offaulty flashing, leaking gutters, cracks andholes in the woodwork and deterioratedcaulking in the joints and seams; and theinspection and treatment of insect and fungalinfestation as well as problems of vegetationgrowing next to wood.

Porches with plank or tongue and grooveflooring should be kept clean. Look for signsof rot in end boards. Porch roof ceilings inwood or stucco should be inspected forwater damage and hairline cracks. Monitorroofing, failed metal flashing or cloggedgutters.


The maintenance of wooden elementsrequires regular inspections to ensure thereis no damage from excessive moisture.When undertaking repairs, use the gentlestmeans possible to strip or clean wood orfinishes. This will ensure that sound wood isnot removed or harmed. Small cosmeticrepairs can often be carried out withcompatible wood fillers that are then paintedto match the adjacent wood. More seriousproblems may require wood insertions orsplices. When total decay has occurred, newwood should be used to duplicate theoriginal structural or decorative element. Acompetent craftsperson should carry out thework.

Wooden porch flooring is best maintainedwhen sealed properly by painting wornsurfaces that have suffered water penetrationor abrasion caused by foot traffic.Ventilation under a porch floor is important



and open wood lattice will keep animals outand provide the opportunity for drying.

Restoration

In order to restore decorative woodworkmoulding, profiles should be taken of allelements in order to ensure that they areproperly replicated. It is important to use askilled craftsperson who has knowledge ofthe practice, tools and wood. All existingstructural and decorative elements should beexamined for failure and reused whenpossible. The type of repair required shouldbe assessed and considered in conjunctionwith historical documentation. A non-toxicwater-repellent to prevent future decayshould protect the restored elements.Regular painting is one of the best methodsto ensure the protection of exteriorwoodwork. Do not rely on caulking toprevent water absorption. Properly detailedelements should be self-draining. It isrecommended that repairs to smaller areasbe carried out with a filler that containsmaximum strength and durability for thepatching. Wood splicing should beundertaken in the same type of wood as theoriginal, ensuring the direction of grain ismatched.

Reconstructed architectural elements shouldbe based on historic photographs. Workingdrawings of the missing elements should beproduced from the documentation before thereplication of the element is commissioned.Conjectural restorations should be avoided.

In the Cabbagetown North District there arevarious examples of front porch andverandah design extant. It is very importantto understand the specific design idiom ofthe period when restoring a whole porch or afew elements. Old photographs of theneighbourhood or of your own homespecifically or pattern book examples of the

period are the best references. Duplicationof architectural features may best becompleted with the use of a good set ofdrawings. Skilled carpenters should beretained to undertake this form ofrestoration. No deck grade lumber should beused.

A helpful resource for advice on restoringand repairing porches is Preserving Porchesby R. Kahn and Ellen Meagher.

5.9 Exterior paint

Oil-based exterior paints did not becomewidely available in Ontario until the 1870s.Many historic buildings have traces ofseveral layers of paint finishes that mayindicate earlier paint schemes. The widepalette of exterior paint colours used in thelate nineteenth century were the result of thedistribution of paint manufacturers’catalogues.


Painting is the most common form ofmaintenance and decorative work completedby property owners. The renewal of paintedexterior surfaces on an eight to fifteen yearperiod is generally acceptable, dependingupon local environmental conditions. Paintrenewal should be considered only after athorough inspection of the surface. Look forsigns of mechanical wear, cracking, scaling,peeling, blistering, loss of gloss, soiling,chalking or mildew.

Repairs and replacement

Prepare surfaces properly when repainting.Recognize that new paints will bond poorlyto old paints if sanding, scraping and the useof a good primer coat do not properlyprepare the surfaces. Since paint adherespoorly to burnt wood, it is not advisable to



use a blowtorch for paint removal. Alwaystake safety and environmental precautionswhen removing toxic lead-based paints. Itshould be assumed that all paints producedprior to 1970 may have some lead content.

Choose a colour scheme that is sympatheticto the structure, its design elements and theneighbourhood. There are a number of goodsources for historic paint colour schemes forhomes. Original paint colours may beexposed when removing old paint fromhistoric buildings, making it possible tomatch the earlier colours. Attention shouldbe paid to how door and window trim willbe treated.

Restoration

Original paint colours can be determinedthrough paint analysis when carried out by aprofessional or by an informed propertyowner. If no traces of the original paintexist, representative colours for the periodcan be determined from period trademagazines and catalogues.

When restoring a period colour scheme,match the colours to dry samples.Remember not to confuse a prime coat withfinish colours. Older paint colours have atendency to turn yellow and/or darken withage.

5.10 Energy conservation

Most energy conservation measures forbuildings have been developed for newconstruction. This poses a problem for theowners of older residential buildings sinceheritage structures can be adversely affectedby some of the measures or products used inthe search for a better, more energy-efficientstructure. The booklet Heritage EnergyConservation Guidelines, published by theOntario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and

Recreation, provides useful information onhow to respect an older building’sarchitectural merits while upgrading theenergy efficiency and comfort of thestructure.

Good energy conservation principles can bepracticed successfully in older buildingswhen an appropriate approach is taken. First,the owner of a heritage building must acceptthat their building will never be as energy-efficient as a new structure. Second, ownersshould understand the inherent energyconservation measures built into our olderbuildings and make use of them where theyexist. Furthermore, consider energyconservation measures that have a minimalimpact on heritage features, yet raise thecomfort level; i.e., air sealing,weatherstripping and caulking, attic andbasement insulation and proper heating plantoperation.

One building element often considered forimproved energy conservation efficiency isthe window. Replacement of original woodwindows with double-glazed metal or metalclad wood windows should be avoided. Thepayback period is often lengthy andinexpensive metal windows seldom containthe proper thermal breaks. Making olderwindows function properly through repair,such as proper reputtying, frame and trimcaulking, weatherstripping and properpainting is considered preferable toreplacement. The same considerations applyto original wooden doors and entrances.Choose good quality wood products whenreplacing windows and doors. Vinyl-cladwindows should not be encouraged asreplacement units.

The issue of installing double-glazed woodwindows is often raised as an option whenmajor fenestration repairs are required. It isrecommended that double-glazed windows



not be installed on principal facades,especially where multi-pane window unitsare extant. Double-glazed windows have adifferent visual reflective value and tend toappear blank in daylight conditions. Themuntins in double-glazed, multi-panewindows are also generally thicker. Modern,high-quality, single-glazed units are wellsealed and can be made twice as effectivewith the use of storm windows. One overone window pane units without muntin barsare generally easier to double glaze.Replacement of window openings withsingle-glazed units where multi- pane unitswere formerly installed is not recommended.

5.11 Educational and Institutionalstructures

St. Martin's Catholic Primary School andlarge institutional structures are importantbuildings within the Cabbagetown NorthHeritage Conservation District. These largestructures present a variety of conservationissues usually not encountered in smallerresidential properties.

Although much of the foregoing advice onconservation also applies to these buildingsand structures, their size may make evenbasic tasks, such as inspection or painting,difficult and expensive projects. It isimportant therefore, to establish regularmaintenance routines on a quarterly, semi-annual, annual and five-year cycle or asrequired to maintain a sound state of repair.

Ongoing maintenance is vital to theconservation of churches and other largerbuildings. Negligence in this area maycontribute to the development of seriousproblems in the future, accompanied by highfinancial costs. Accordingly, the appropriateowners should consider the following steps:

appoint a permanent building committeeor individual responsible formaintenance review;

obtain advice from a professional,experienced in the conservation of largerstructures;

identify the building’s problems; and,

establish and implement a plan of repairsand maintenance.

As a minimum action, full reports should bemade every five years in order to revise andupdate the established maintenanceprogram.

5.12 Outbuildings

Outbuildings such as coach houses andgarages may be important heritage featuresin their own right. Every attempt should bemade to conserve and protect thesestructures following the conservationguidelines outlined previously.

5.13 Archaeological Sites

The District has the potential to revealarchaeological remains of past humanactivity. These heritage resources are fragileand non-renewable. Their location,protection and conservation require that onlytrained and licensed archaeologists maysurvey and carry out appropriate testing orexcavation of such sites.

When considering projects that involve deepsoil excavation such as waterproofing ornew water and sewage service the propertyowner may advise the contractor to stopwork and report any below ground artifactsdiscovered while excavating.



5.14 Accessibility Considerations

It is often necessary to make modificationsto a historic building so that it will be incompliance with current accessibility coderequirements. Work must be careful plannedand undertaken so that it does not result inthe loss of character-defining spaces,features, and finishes. The goal is to providethe highest level of access with the lowestlevel of impact.

Recommended:

• Identifying the historic building’scharacter-defining spaces, features, andfinishes so that accessibility code-required work will not result in theirdamage or loss.

• Complying with barrier-free accessrequirements, in such a manner thatcharacter-defining spaces, features, andfinishes are preserved.

• Providing barrier-free access thatpromotes independence for the disabledperson to the highest degree practicable,while preserving significant historicfeatures.

• Finding solutions to meet accessibilityrequirements that minimize the impacton the historic building and its site, suchas compatible ramps, paths, and lifts.



PART C

Section 6.0 contains design guidelines foralterations, additions and new constructionto new buildings. These guidelines areintended to aid in making decisionsregarding design-related issues. Section 7.0provides a description of the existinglandscape and offers landscape guidelinesfor public and private property. Section 8.0deals with the cemeteries, while Section 9.0deals with the two parks in the District.Section 10.0 addresses Planning and DistrictImplementation issues.

6.0 GUIDELINES: ALTERATIONS,ADDITIONS, AND NEWCONSTRUCTION

6.1 Introduction

The character of the Cabbagetown Northneighbourhood relies on its historicaldevelopment as a distinctive area. TheHeritage Conservation District contains avariety of building types and uses thatreflect in varying degrees the developmentof Cabbagetown North area. The buildingsin the Heritage Conservation District werebuilt over a number of years primarily afterthe 1860s up to the 1920s. TheCabbagetown North HCD is characterizedby a variety of architectural styles, lot sizes,position of buildings on the lots and buildingmaterials.

The Heritage Conservation District reflects astable stock of single family residentialbuildings. Redevelopment of the buildingstock could have a negative impact on theDistrict, whether it occurs throughunsympathetic remodeling, enlargingexisting houses or the construction of a newbuilding. There is limited potential for minorinfilling.

Architecturally and historically significantreligious and multi-residential structuresenhance the primarily residential buildingstock of the Heritage Conservation District.These buildings may be subjected topressures to meet life and safety require-ments, energy conservation and parkingdemands.

Physical change that may be expected tooccur within the Cabbagetown North HCDcan be categorized by: alterations and additions to existing

structures; new construction, either through infill or

redevelopment; and, public works.

Often exterior alterations are undertaken toupdate the appearance of a building, to addadditional space or to minimize the exteriormaintenance of the building. Each of theseactions produces a different effect on theexterior appearance of a heritage building.Cumulatively these actions can remove alltraces of the earlier building. An importantobjective in the following guidelines is toencourage change that is in keeping withand respects the existing building form.

The guidelines should be read:

in conjunction with advice on buildingconservation found in Section 5.0, theconservation advisory notes; and,

as a prerequisite for the consideration ofpermit applications under Part V,Section 43 of the Ontario Heritage Act.

While these guidelines will be used inassessing permit applications under theOntario Heritage Act for only features of abuilding visible from the street, theguidelines can also be used by property



owners for alterations and additions notvisible from the street.

The guidelines are organized to respond tothose who are directly responsible forchange in the Heritage ConservationDistrict, namely:

owners of heritage properties;

owners of non-heritage properties; and,

public officials undertaking public worksprojects.

Sub-section 6.2 and 6.3 provide specificguidance for changes to heritage buildingswith a view to retaining distinguishingfeatures and fabric.

Sub-section 6.4 is intended for the owners ofproperties within the Heritage ConservationDistrict that are not considered of heritagevalue. Non-heritage buildings are those builtwithin the past forty years. Sub-sections 6.5and 6.6 address the integration of newconstruction and public works into theHeritage Conservation District.

A note of caution is advised in using thesedesign guidelines. The guidelines areintended to provide a general framework forconsidering the minimum standard ofappropriate change within the HeritageConservation District. They must beconsidered an aid to consistent decision-making, rather than a specific formula fordesigning a new building, addition orarchitectural feature.

6.2 ALTERATIONS to heritagebuildings and sites

Within the Cabbagetown North HeritageConservation District, the majority of

properties constructed prior to 1960 areconsidered to be of heritage value andinterest. It is the intent of this plan that in theconsideration of permit applications theseexisting heritage structures should beretained and demolition of buildingsdiscouraged. Changes to heritage propertiesshould be undertaken in the context of theseguidelines.

The term “alteration” is used in acomprehensive sense to apply to any workundertaken to a property such as repairs,rehabilitation, replacements, restoration andadditions. Alteration activities can beregulated under the Ontario Building Codealthough maintenance activities are exempt.

6.2.1 Guiding principles

Design features of the building and siteand historic building materials should bemaintained and enhanced.

Any plans or actions involving a heritageproperty should be based upon a clearunderstanding of the particular problemwith the building or site. They should bebased on sound literature research andphysical evidence provided by thebuilding fabric.

Contemplated work should be truthfulboth historically and architecturally.Beware of over-enthusiasm: replacingtoo much, cleaning too well, or makingan inappropriate historic appearance.

“Quick fix” and “magic remedies”should be avoided as at best they may besimply ineffectual and at worst maycause irreparable damage to a significantbuilding.



6.2.2 Features and spaces aroundbuildings

• Maintain traditional views of propertyby avoiding the masking or hiding ofprominent building features with newadditions. Ensure that front lawns, treeplantings, hedges and fences aremaintained.

Keep parking areas, outbuildingsincluding garages and utilities such asheat pumps and satellite dishes to theside or rear in traditional service areaswhere possible.

Continue to use historic means of accessfor drives, paths and doorways. Whereexternal staircases are proposed theyshould be located at the rear.

Maintain proper site drainage in anywork so that water does not collect ordrain towards foundations.

6.2.3 Existing building fabric

Attempt to repair rather than replace.

Base all designs for replacement orrestoration of former features ondependable documentary evidence.

When undertaking repairs, replacementor restoration, use the same materials asthe original. New or repair work shouldnot confuse the historic character of anarea by creating an impression of greaterage or of a different region or country.

Signs of age or irregularities found inolder work should be respected andshould not be covered up or obscured.

Maintain the symmetry or otherimportant features of architectural

design, particularly on the mainelevation(s).

6.2.4 Roofs

Decorative roof features and originalroofing materials should be retained,conserved and, if appropriate, restored.

Ensure that vents, skylights and othernew roof elements are sympathetic inmaterial and that they are discretelyplaced out of general view from thestreet and public right-of-way.

6.2.5 Foundations and walls

Protect original wall surfaces fromcleaning methods that may permanentlyalter or damage the appearance of thesurface or give a “falsely” new look tothe building; for example, sandblasting,strong liquid chemical solutions andhigh pressure water cleaning.

Avoid application of new surfaces ornew coatings that alter the appearance ofthe original material, especially wherethey are substitutes for masonry repairs.This may include the application ofwaterproof and water-repellent coatings,paint, aluminum or vinyl siding andstucco.

6.2.6 Windows

Protect and maintain original windowopenings as well as their distinguishingfeatures such as materials, frame,surrounds, shutters, sash, muntins,glazing and paint colour.

Modifications to the size or shape ofwindow openings, removal of muntins,installation of snap-in muntins,replacement with sealed units or



covering of trim with metal or othermaterial is discouraged.

For window openings that are importantto the architectural character of thebuilding, avoid their removal or blockingup and changes in window size.

New windows should be installedsensitively, in an area that isinconspicuous. New window design thatis compatible with the original in termsof proportions, rhythm and scale isencouraged.

6.2.7 Entrances

Protect and maintain entrances andporches, especially on principalelevations where they are often keyelements in defining the character of thebuilding. Retain the historic means ofaccess.

Avoid the removal of porches. Conserveimportant features such as doors,glazing, lighting, steps, balustrades anddoor surrounds.

Restoration of a missing porch should bebased upon accurate research using bothpictorial and physical evidence. Wheredocumentation does not exist, the designand construction of a new entrance orporch compatible with the character ofthe building is preferred.

As wood is the predominant porchmaterial in the District, new porchesshould be principally designed in thismaterial. The use of deck grade lumbershould be avoided. New porch designprovides the opportunity to create asympathetic approach that understandsthe local vernacular idiom and stylisticinfluences.

Creating a new porch where noneexisted before poses two issues. Thefirst, the consideration of the reason whya porch was not built? The second, whatdesign would be compatible with theexisting house style and neighbouringproperties? The style of new porchesshould be compatible with the housestyle based on historical evidence ofhouses of similar style in the communityand, wherever possible, there should besubtle indicators in the style of the porchthat it is a new construction.

Where new entrances are required, theyshould be installed on secondaryelevations.

6.3 ADDITIONS to heritage buildingsand sites

There is evidence in the Cabbagetown NorthHeritage Conservation District that buildingshave been added to over the years. Often anaddition is needed to update a structure for aparticular, contemporary requirement. Thatneed may result from:

the opportunity to update mechanicalservices of an existing building;

the expansion of living space for agrowing family or a specialized activity;and,

economic constraints that make theacquisition costs of a new propertyimpossible, but make an addition to orre-building of an older structure feasible.

Additions, even more so than alterations,can have a profound influence on theaesthetic architectural qualities of a heritagebuilding. A key objective in the design of anaddition is to ensure that the completed



structure adds to or enhances the history ofthe building and does not devalue it

While good design is important, it will onlybe as good as the tradespeople who put it inplace. Good quality craftsmanship is vital tothe overall success of the project.

There are two important points to beconsidered when building an addition to aheritage building: try to visualize the impact of the

structure from the street or at apedestrian level; and,

design new additions from the outsidein.

Finally, new additions should be constructedin a way that:

is compatible with, but subtlydistinguishable from, the originalhistoric building fabric; and,

ensures the continued protection ofdistinguishing architectural features anddoes not radically change, damage,obscure, destroy or detract from suchfeatures.

6.3.1 Location

Exterior additions, including garages,balconies and greenhouses are encouragedto be located at the rear or on aninconspicuous side of the building, limitedin size and scale to complement theexisting building and neighbouringproperty. Additions at the rear shouldalways be visually lower than the existingroofline when viewed from the street leveland stepped in at the sides in order not tooverpower or dominate the existingheritage building and the view from thestreet. Additions so constructed will also

tend to be more neighbourly withadjoining property owners.

Multi-storey exterior additions are best setback as deeply as possible from theexisting front wall plane in order to beunobtrusive in the streetscape.

Additions to structures with symmetricalfacades should avoid creatingasymmetrical arrangements (imbalance) inbuilding form.

6.3.2 Design

New additions are best designed in amanner that, at least to the discerningeye, distinguishes between old and new.Duplicating the style of the existingheritage building or imitating aparticular historical style or period ofarchitecture should only be done in away that provides subtle indicators thatthis is new construction. This does notpreclude the imaginative use andinterpretation of historically-derivedstyles.

Contemporary design for additions isappropriate when such additions do notdestroy significant architectural,historical or cultural material and whenthe design is compatible with mass, ratioof solids to voids, i.e., window and dooropenings, colour, material, and characterof the property, neighbourhood orenvironment.

New additions should be designed insuch a manner that the essential formand integrity of the existing buildingwould be unimpaired if the additionwere removed in the future.

Additions are encouraged to be locatedat the rear or on an inconspicuous side of



the building, limited in size and scale tocomplement the existing building andneighbouring properties. Keep the heightand bulk of the new addition smallerwhere possible than the existingbuilding.

Do not add to the height or roof of anexisting historical building as changes tothe roofline alter the character of abuilding significantly. Pay closeattention to the junction of the old andnew ensuring a sound visual as well asfunctional connection.

6.4 ALTERATIONS TO NON-HERITAGE Buildings

Work undertaken to non-heritage buildingsshould respect the overall character of theCabbagetown North Area HeritageConservation District and be sensitive to theneighbouring historic buildings.

Any subsequent new construction in the areaachieved through infill or redevelopment isto be subject to these guidelines foralterations.

The following should be considered in thedesign and placement of alterationsincluding additions to existing buildings:

Non-heritage buildings should notattempt to create a sense of being “old”by using historic forms and features thatwould be inappropriate on a newbuilding.

Locate skylights, roof vents and dormersto the rear and side, away from the mainelevation.

Locate new garages and parking spacesin unobtrusive areas, normally to the rearand side yards.

Additions must be sensitive to thecharacter of their neighbours in size andheight.

Upper-storey additions should not be outof scale with neighbours. Maintain theheight of existing roof lines,predominant roof profiles andconfiguration of adjacent buildings.

6.5 NEW BUILDING Construction

The introduction of new buildings into theCabbagetown North Area HeritageConservation District is part of thecontinuing changes that may be experiencedby any community. New development, ifpermitted by the Official Plan and ZoningBy-law, will be required to be compatiblewith the character of the adjoining propertiesand the streetscape. The new building mustbe designed to look appropriate and to becompatible in the midst of the establishedneighbourhood. Its appearance should besensitive to the character of its neighbours.

The demolition of existing heritagebuildings and redevelopment of the siteswith new structures is actively discouragedwithin the Heritage Conservation District.Property owners are encouraged to workwith existing buildings, altering and addingto them in a sympathetic manner rather thandemolishing and building anew.

The following guidelines for newconstruction are intended to provide aframework for compatible development.They are not intended to be a detailedprescription for each new building. Thisshould enable property owners to design



creatively within the general context of anestablished built form.

6.5.1 General principles

As any proposed building will be a newstructure within the Heritage ConservationDistrict, it is anticipated that the structureshould, at a minimum, have subtledifferences from the heritage buildings inthe District. These would indicate it is a newbuilding, but compatible with the heritagecharacter of the District in terms of thefactors discussed above.

The general factors that govern the visualrelationships between an infill building andits neighbours - height, width, proportion,relationship to the street, roof forms,composition, proportion of openings,materials and colour - should be studiedcarefully and used as a basis for newconstruction (Figures 4 and 5).

6.5.2 New building height

One- to two-and-a-half-storey structures arethe most dominant in the HeritageConservation District, although there aresome taller structures in some areas.Building height of new structures shouldmaintain the building height of adjacentproperties and the immediate streetscape andshould be neither noticeably higher norlower. In areas of varied building height newdevelopment must respect adjacent buildingsby being neither excessively higher norlower.

6.5.3 Width

The majority of the buildings in the HeritageConservation District are semi-detacheddwellings of varying width, dependent uponthe lot size and stylistic derivation. Buildingwidth of new, infill structures shouldmaintain the building width and side yard

spaces of adjacent properties and theimmediate streetscape, thus preserving theexisting building and space rhythms withinthe streetscape.

6.5.4 Proportion

Proportion relates to the association ofheight to width. New residential infill shouldmaintain the proportions of neighbouringproperties.

6.5.5 Relationship to the street

There are a variety of residential buildingforms in various styles and arrangementswithin the Heritage Conservation District.There is a predominant building line orsetback that distinguishes the HeritageConservation District. New residential infillshould maintain the existing setbacks ofadjacent properties. In locations where thereis significant variation in setbacks, infilldevelopment should generally avoidexcessive setback from or projection in frontof a building line of adjacent buildingfacades.

The majority of the buildings in the HeritageConservation District are aligned closely tothe established street pattern. New buildingsshould therefore be located with the mainfacade parallel to the roadway. In the case ofcorner lots, orientation of the principalelevation to the more major street isgenerally preferred. Ancillary buildingsshould be located towards the rear of the lot.

6.5.6 Roofs on new buildings

Roofs are an important visual feature in theHeritage Conservation District. Flat orshallow pitch roofs are to be avoided in newconstruction.

Slate, wood or asphalt shingle would beappropriate for new construction within the



Heritage Conservation District. The use ofconcrete, clay tile, metal or composite roofsis discouraged. Roof vents, solar panels,satellite dishes and skylights are best locatedto the rear of new buildings.

6.5.7 Windows and entrances on newbuildings

As a result of the rich diversity of mid to latenineteenth and twentieth centuryarchitectural styles represented in theHeritage Conservation District, a range ofwindow and entrance types are evident.

While window openings are generous, theoverall proportion is slightly more wall thanwindows. Generally window openings are ofa vertical format and rectangular. There arealso examples of semi-circular, segmentaland round openings. The windows arearranged in a variety of ways, eitherindividually, pairs, groups or composing abay. Numerous examples of pointed archwindow openings are found in the HeritageConservation District. These window typesusually accent a particular architectural styleas decorative elements.

New window designs that generally reflectvertical and rectangular dimensions areencouraged. On facades that face the street,windows should maintain proportions ofneighbouring properties. Large, full-length,multi-storey or picture windows are bestavoided.

Entrances are usually an important elementof the principal elevation, frequentlyhighlighted with architectural detailing suchas door surrounds and porches and are oftenrecessed or projected from the wall face foremphasis. Doors are solid or partiallyglazed, single or half-leaf double doors.Avoid full size double doors and large

amounts of glazing. Maintain the importanceof the entrance way on the main elevation.

The rhythm of windows and entrances andtheir placement relative to grade should becompatible with the immediateneighbourhood.

6.5.8 Exterior cladding: materials andcolours

Brick veneer, stucco and wood cladding arethe most prevalent wall materials in theHeritage Conservation District. Wallmaterials of new construction should reflectthe predominant traditional materials andtheir respective colours: brick (red) andstucco (light). Wood (clapboard and shiplap)is also considered to be an acceptablewalling material. Use of concrete or othermasonry blocks, metal, and synthetic sidingsshould be avoided.

Windows and doors in the area arepredominantly painted wood. Avoid the useof synthetic or metal clad window and doorunits and unpainted wood.

Carefully selected and laid textured concreteor masonry blocks can provide aneconomical alternative for foundations. Donot parge or stucco the foundation wall.Avoid using materials that were primarilyused for wall construction such as bricks.

6.6 PUBLIC WORKS

Public works in the Heritage ConservationDistrict (such as road and utilityimprovements undertaken by a variety ofauthorities, e.g., City of Toronto, utilitycompanies and so on) have the potential tocause disruption and damage to identifiedheritage features of the neighbourhood.Every effort should be made in both day-to-



day operations and long term planning tominimize adverse effects to the HeritageConservation District and its components.

Any infrastructure service work that impactson the character of the historic streetscapesshould be presented to Heritage PreservationServices and the District AdvisoryCommittee for review and approval.

6.7 CORNER LOTS

Due to the configuration of the existingstreets and blocks, which incorporate anumber of small secondary laneways, thereare many examples of corner lot conditionsin combination with the predominant rowhouse model. As such, new construction oradditions at the rear of any existing streetend or corner lot buildings will therefore bevisible due to this secondary frontage ontoan alley or side street. New construction andadditions should be carefully considered inlight of the built precedents of the District(Figures 6, 7 and 8).

Typically the rearward extension of anyexisting corner lot buildings is in line with,or slightly set back from, the end wall of theforward portion of the house. In this way,the principal and secondary facades of thebuilding are clearly legible in the overallstreet composition. Therefore, newconstruction or additions to the rear of anexisting block should repeat this alignmentpattern if extending along a side street orlaneway. It is unlikely that an opportunityexists for a reduced street setback in anysuch existing locations, given the extremelynarrow streets and shallow yards. However,even if reduced side yard setbacks werepossible, it would be preferable to maintainor step slightly back from the existing (sidewall) building line of the original structure

in order to maintain a clear hierarchy ofprincipal and secondary street facades.

Whenever possible, new construction andadditions should attempt to maintain theexisting window proportions alreadyestablished for the building. While sidewallwindows are often found to be less elaborateor ornamental in detail in comparison tothose of the front facades, they typicallyemulate the same general height and width.Thus, whenever practical, new constructionand additions should most appropriatelyfollow this model in the interest of a moresympathetic relation to the principal façade.This approach should apply equally to newconstruction as well as the introduction ofnew windows within existing building wallsas part of interior renovation work. Thisdoes not preclude the possibility of one ormore larger, window features on a sidewall.However, such elaboration should carefullyreference proportional and detailingprecedents from the principal front façade ofthe building, if possible, in the interest ofmaintaining greater overall coherence forthe individual building and the streetscape asa whole.

Many existing corner lot buildings withmore exposed sidewall facades include somemanner of roof-level outdoor space.Typically, wooden privacy screens areprovided to limit views of this privateoutdoor space from the public streets. Suchwooden screening, as found on existingstructures, demonstrates a variety ofdetailing methods. New construction oradditions, if including a rooftop-screeningcomponent, should incorporate elementsfrom the more successful examples currentlyfound in the neighbourhood. Materialselection and colour are critical, and shouldbe chosen to complement, rather thancompete visually with the existing buildingmaterials. Particular care should be taken in



the establishment of the height of any suchscreening devices. As demonstrated bymany of the successful existing structures, arelatively low screen height can successfullyprovide visual screening from the streetbelow, given the proximity of the buildingsto the street and the generous height of theseareas above the ground.



Figure 4. New construction-infill, front elevation and plan.

Figure 5. New construction-infill, birdseye view.



Figure 6. Corner lot, one storey addition to rear elevation of a heritage building.

Figure 7. Corner lot, two storey addition to rear elevation of a heritage building.



Figure 8. Corner lot, two storey addition, birdseye view



7.0 LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION

7.1 Introduction

The Cabbagetown North HeritageConservation District contains many unique,character-defining landscape features. Theseinclude the street trees, boulevards,overhead wires on wooden utility poles, sideand front yard property line definition andfront yard landscaping of a wide variety oftreatments (See Appendix B: LandscapeGuidelines).

The purpose of the following guidelines is toprovide assistance for the care andprotection of the heritage landscapecharacter of the Heritage ConservationDistrict. The responsibility for these impor-ant landscape features is shared between thepublic realm and the private property owner.

7.2 Summary of existing conditions

Residential land use, both in single-familyand multi-unit buildings, dominates theCabbagetown North Heritage ConservationDistrict. Several individually-designatedheritage properties exist within the area andnumerous homes have won local heritageawards.

The compact nature of the CabbagetownNorth Heritage Conservation District leaveslittle space for park land or open spacewithin its boundaries. Most streets have anumber of mature, large-canopied streettrees, however the density of the canopyvaries from street to street. Many street treesare located in a boulevard located betweenthe curb and the sidewalk or are locatedclose to the sidewalk within the front yard.Front yards for the most part are well keptwith shrub and perennial borders, hedging,fencing, small lawns and coniferous ordeciduous specimen trees.

On-Street Parking and Driveways

Very few homes have driveways due to theextensive network of alleys and laneways,which provide access at the rear of theproperties. As well there is on street parkingavailable on at least one side of the street onmost streets. The majority of drivewayscrossing the boulevard or sidewalk are asingle car width and are concrete, asphalt orinterlocking brick.

Building Setbacks

Setbacks from the street are generally small,creating an intimate pedestrian environmenton the street. The setbacks of the residencesvary, ranging from five to eight metres. Thesetbacks tend to be fairly consistent byblock, throughout the Heritage ConservationDistrict.

Front Yards

Several front yard treatments exist in theCabbagetown North Heritage ConservationDistrict. Many residences have front yardsopen to the street, with no fence or hedge todelineate private from public property. Themajority of residences provide strongdefinition of this boundary with decorativeiron or wood fencing used alone or incombination with brick. The typically lowheight and design of the fencing allows for aview to the front facade of the building fromthe street. Rear yards are typically well-delineated along public and shared lanewaysthrough the use of tall wood privacy or chainlink fences. In some cases, hedges are usedalone or in combination with a fence. Themajority of the residential landscapescontain extensive planting beds with a widevariety of trees, shrubs, perennials, andornamental grasses visible from the street.



The majority of the houses are accessed bymeans of a front walk leading to steps up toa front porch. The raised elevation of theground floor allows the house to overlookthe front yard.

Boulevards

Many streets have curbed, faced sidewalksand no boulevard, the space between thecurb and the sidewalk. Where boulevardsare found, a variety of landscape treatmentshave been used. Decorative tree wells,seasonal planting beds and grass have beenadded. Some streets in the CabbagetownNorth District have granite sets orinterlocking precast concrete pavers dry laidas paving within a portion of the boulevard.The boulevard with its variety of soft andhard landscaping treatments has contributedto the large number of street trees providingspace and less compaction on the root zone.

Sidewalks

Concrete sidewalks exist throughout theHeritage Conservation District and range inwidth from one to one-and-a-half metreswide. For the most part, the concretesidewalks are in a useable condition,contributing to the active and comfortablepedestrian environment.

Utilities

The most visible utility in the study area isthe overhead power lines. Most are strungbetween wooden poles set in the boulevards.Many mature trees show signs of pruning toavoid conflicts with the overhead powerlines.

Roadways

The streets appear visually narrow due to thelarge overhead canopy of the trees and the

on-street parking. The traffic volumes in theDistrict are generally moderate andappropriate to these “local” streets.

Viewsheds

Views within the offset grid pattern of theDistrict are generally contained by the treecanopies, which determine whether the viewis wide or narrow. Cross streets oftenterminate views originating from the end ormidpoint of streets. For example, the offsetat each end of the street shortens the longview along the street.

7.3 Landscape conservation guidelines

The following guidelines are basedprimarily on the analysis of the character-defining features of the existing landscape.

The landscape within the CabbagetownNorth Heritage Conservation District,although made up of a variety ofcomponents, creates a cohesive visualquality that unifies this area. Given thesignificant variation in building forms,materials and colours, it is essential that theexisting “non-building” components of thelandscape described previously be retainedand managed in a way that continues toretain and link all component features. It isalso equally important that, where newlandscape elements are to be added to theCabbagetown North Heritage ConservationDistrict environment, they should beincorporated in a manner that enhances andcomplements the existing landscapecharacter.

Landscape conservation guidelines forcemeteries are contained in chapter 8 (page60) and for parks in chapter 9 (page 69).



7.3.1 Guidelines for private propertyowners

• Property owners are encouraged to retainand preserve existing shrubs, hedgingand low ornamental fencing along theside yards and frontages.

• New trees and shrubs added to the frontand side yards should be selected fromthe species of trees traditionally plantedin the neighbourhood (except NorwayMaple, Acer platanoides, and ManitobaMaple, Acer negundo, which are notsuitable for replanting) and listed inTable 1.

• Appropriate hedge species include yew,cedar, privet, alpine currant, and spirea.

• Where possible, historic photos shouldbe used to guide the re-establishment oflandscape features such as fences, gates,and arbours.

• The front yards should continue to beused as primarily soft landscape spacewith a narrow walkway leading to anentrance porch and parkingaccommodated on-street or, if feasible,at the rear of the property by the lane.

The landscape style appropriate for thehistoric period of many of the residences isbased upon several well-defined Victorianlandscape design principles. These include:

• Views from the front porch or windowto the street are to be open with framingof the view achieved along the frontproperty line by the careful placement ofindividual shrubs or trees.

The front walk leads the visitor directlyto a porch entrance. The transition frompublic sidewalk parallel to the street to

the private walk perpendicular to thestreet is typically defined with an arbour,vegetation trained in the form of an archor a gate in a property line fence. Newfences added to the front yard should below in height, consistent with theexisting front yard character of theDistrict.

Shrubs and vines located along thefoundation of the building arestrategically-placed to accentarchitectural elements of the façade; i.e.,a climbing vine or rose is located at eachcolumn in a porch.

Frequently the ground floor of the houseis raised 2 - 6 steps above the elevationof the surrounding grade and thefoundation of the residence isconstructed as a distinctive feature of thefaçade; i.e., rusticated stone. It is inten-ded to be viewed without continuousfoundation planting.

The sketches contained in Appendix B froma popular design manual of the latenineteenth century illustrate the designprinciples.

Other references of interest to the propertyowner are:

1. For Every House A Garden. A Guide forReproducing Period Gardens by Rudyand Joy Favretti. 1990. Hanover.University Press of New England.

2. The Heirloom Garden. Selecting &Growing Over 300 Old-FashionedOrnamentals by Jo Ann Gardner. 1992.The Book Press.

3. Period Gardens. New Life for HistoricLandscapes by Patrick Taylor. 1991.Pavilion Books Limited.



4. The Quest for the Rose, The Most HighlyIllustrated Historical Guide to Roses, byRoger Philips and Martyn Rix. 1993.BBC Books.

5. Rhetoric and Roses, A History ofCanadian Gardening, by Edwinna vonBaeyer. 1984. Fitzhenry & WhitesideLimited.

6. The Victorian Flower Garden, byJennifer Davies. 1991. BBC Books.

7.3.2 Public realm initiatives

The municipality is responsible for thepublic works within the road right-of-way.The planting and maintenance of the streettrees makes a significant contribution to theheritage landscape character of the HeritageConservation District.

The majority of street trees are mature,wide-canopy, deciduous trees - primarilySilver maple, Sugar maple, Horse chestnut,Catalpa, Ash, and Mountain Ash. Thesespecies have green foliage in the summerwith colourful reds, yellows, and golds inthe fall season.

It is recommended that: As street trees mature they should be

replanted and, where possible, the newtrees should be large-canopied, greenfoliage, deciduous trees. Suitable treesfor planting as street trees in theHeritage Conservation District areincluded in Table 2.

Existing trees should be monitored on aregular basis to ensure that they remainhealthy. Pruning of dieback andfertilization should be undertaken asrequired to preserve the existing trees.

Undertakings such as road widening andinstallation of new underground servicesor overhead utilities should be assessedprior to the start of construction todetermine if they will negatively affectthe existing street trees.

Any changes to driveway entrances onprivate property should be carefullyplanned to ensure that compaction of thestreet tree root system does not occur.Generally, an area around the base of thetrees equal in diameter to the crown ofthe tree should remain undisturbed toprotect the long-term health and survivalof the tree.

New sidewalks should be constructed tomatch the width of the existing walks.

Wherever possible, wooden utility polesshould be retained.

7.4 Parking and laneways

New driveways and front yard parkingspaces should continue to bediscouraged. On-street parking should beencouraged. Allowing parking and adriveway access typically requiresremoval of soft landscaping and reducesthe amount of on-street parkingavailable.

Existing lanes should be retained andenhanced.



TABLE 1: NEW TREES AND SHRUBS FOR FRONT AND SIDE YARDS INHERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

TREES

Deciduous

Acer saccharinum Silver Maple (including cutleaf varieties)Acer saccharum Sugar MapleAesculus hippocastanum Horse ChestnutBetula papyrifera Paper BirchCarpinus caroliniana IronwoodCercis canadensis Eastern RedbudFraxinus pennsylvanica Green AshGingko biloba Ginkgo (male only)Gleditisia triacanthos var. inermis Honey LocustJuglans spp. WalnutLarix larcinia LarchMalus spp. CrabapplePlatanus x acerifolia London Plane TreeQuercus rubra Red OakRobinia pseudoacacia Black LocustSorbus aucuparia Mountain AshTilia spp. Linden

ConiferousPicea abies Norway SprucePicea pungens ‘glauca’ Colorado Blue SprucePinus strobus White PinePinus sylvestris Scots PineThuja occidentalis White Cedar

SHRUBSBuddleja Butterfly BushForsythia x intermedia ForsythiaHibiscus syriacus Rose of SharonHydrangea spp. White flowering varieties such as ‘Annabelle’,

‘Peegee’ and ‘Snowhill’Spiraea prunifolia Bridalwreath SpireaSyringa vulgaris Common LilacViburnum spp. Viburnum



TABLE 2: TREES SUITABLE FOR STREET USE IN HERITAGE CONSERVATIONDISTRICT

TREES

Acer saccharinum Silver maple (including cutleaf varieties)Acer saccharum Sugar mapleAesculus hippocastanum Horse chestnutCarpinus caroliniana IronwoodCatalpa speciosa Northern CatalpaFraxinus americana White AshFraxinus pennsylvanica Green ashGingko biloba Ginkgo (male only)Gleditisia triacanthos var. inermis Honey locustJuglans nigra Black WalnutSorbus aucuparia European Mountain Ash



8.0 CEMETERY COMPONENT

8.1 Introduction

Cemeteries are highly valued by their localcommunities and others. First and foremost,cemeteries are places to respect andcommemorate the dead, and so areimportant to the families and friends ofpeople who are buried there. Local peoplealso use cemeteries for passive enjoymentsuch as exercise and relaxation, and for thestudy and enjoyment of nature and localhistory.

In addition to the residential area, theCabbagetown North Heritage ConservationDistrict includes four important areas ofinstitutional uses having substantialhistorical importance and heritage value - St.James Cemetery, the Toronto Necropolisand the Riverdale Farm, as well asWellesley Park. These cemeteries havevalue not only in their own rights as heritagecultural landscapes, but also in theirrelationship to the larger heritage district.The cemeteries assist in creating a sense ofthe district as a heritage area.

Cemeteries have great historic andeducational value, revealing details aboutthe lives of people and the surroundingcommunity, both past and present. Eachcemetery has its own history of creation,development, and growth, which forms partof the city’s cultural heritage.

Cemeteries provide a resource with a diverseand rich character created by the interactionof many elements. Cemeteries usuallycomprise a number of components:- Graves;- monuments and inscriptions;- structures and amenities; andlandscape: design, layout and vegetation

Despite changes and transformations madeto the cemeteries over the years, TorontoNecropolis and St. James Cemetery havepreserved their heritage integrity. Bothcemeteries are operating businesses thathave assisted the public in appreciating thesites.


Cemeteries - General

Significance of cemeteries as landscapes ofhistoric interest and/or wildlife value

In cemeteries, designed and natural featurescombine to create unique and importantlandscapes. The cemetery design includesthe layout of the site with avenues, roadsand footpaths, boundaries, and burial plots;the building of impressive gateways andspecial buildings such as chapels andshelters; the introduction of monuments; andplanting with trees, shrubs and herbaceousplants. In time, this artificial environment issoftened, overlaid and sometimes obliteratedby the growth of the original planting, andby the natural arrival of other plants.Wildlife colonises these quiet, green spaces,which quickly become important habitats forplants and animals.

As an important record of the social historyof the area, a cemetery contains thebiography of a community. Its design andlayout may reflect the fashions of the timewhen it was first created; different religionsand denominations are characterised bydifferent styles of commemoration; theinscriptions on the monuments containimportant information about the people whoare buried there. As general interest ingenealogy and family history grows, so doesthe importance of cemeteries to the wider



community as repositories of biographicalinformation.

Monuments and buildings

The inscriptions on memorials, the design ofmonuments, the architecture of buildingsand the landscape design shed light on pastsocial customs and events and combine tomake a cemetery an irreplaceable historicalresource. Some exceptional monuments areindividually listed for their historic orsculptural importance, but all memorialspossess some value as tributes to past livesand as visual components in the cemeterylandscape.

Landscape Design and Plantings

Landscape elements help to define thecharacter of older cemeteries. Landscape inthis context includes land patterns andtopography; vegetation; circulation systemssuch as walks, paths, roads, and parking;water features; structures, furnishings, andobjects such as lights, fences, benches, orstatuary; and views or visual relationships.

Urban cemeteries have typically functionedas arboretums, displaying a wide variety ofnative and non-native species. Here, treesprovide food and shelter for wildlife. Theyprotect the soil from erosion.

Natural heritage

Cemeteries were often developed fromgreen field sites, and many now haveremnant habitats and features. As pockets ofcountryside locked within urban areas and asinherently quiet places, cemeteries canprovide a range of habitats that can support adiversity of wildlife.

Cemeteries can also form an important partof the ‘green corridor’ networks of parks,

gardens, and other open spaces that enablewildlife to move from site to site.

Local amenity

Cemeteries are not just communities of thedead; they are thoughtful places, reflectingthe impact of time, of humankind, and of ourefforts to escape oblivion. They make animportant contribution to the localenvironment and to the quality of life of thelocal community. Cemeteries provide greenoases within built-up areas for rest andcontemplation, opportunities for fresh airand exercise, or simply a place for quietcommunion with Nature. The coexistence ofNature and Art, sometimes an uneasyalliance, accounts for much of the charm ofsuch places.

Cemeteries also provide a background to thecommunity within which they are locatedand may be part of a streetscape or aterminus for a vista.

Archaeological Significance

Cemeteries have archaeological significanceas changes to their fabric over time providephysical evidence of past attitudes to deathand the evolution of cultural landscapes.Funerary monuments record communitytastes, fashions and customs about death atcertain times, and changes in taste, fashionand attitude over time.



Cemeteries – Specific

The Necropolis200 Winchester Street

Figure 9. The Necropolis Entry Gates

Necropolis is a Greek word meaning “city ofthe dead”. The Necropolis was founded in1855; the second non-sectarian burialground and the first of a series of semi-ruralcemeteries developed by the Trustees of theToronto General Burying Ground. It wasintended to replace Potter’s field at Bay andBloor, which was Toronto’s first non-sectarian cemetery. At the time of itsfounding, the 15-acre site was distant fromurban development. This and the adjacentcemetery of St. James are situated on theedge of the Don River Valley.

Figure 10. MacDonald Gravestone

The following are the identified heritagestructures: Chapel, gate and lodge. Thesouth gateway, chapel and superintendent’slodge were built in 1872 to the designs ofHenry Langley (alt. 1933, J.F. Brown &Son). A crematorium was added to thechapel in 1933.

The artistry of stone masonry from the pastcan be witnessed at any cemetery, butparticularly at the Necropolis where suchdesigns as tablet, block, obelisk, scroll andpulpit are seen. And along with design, thematerial of the headstones tells a story.Granite is used for more recent stones, whilelimestone-dolomite was used for the olderwhite stones.

Monuments of important person interred inthis cemetery, include: 1837 rebellion leaderWilliam Lyon Mackenzie; hanged rebelsPeter Matthews and Samuel Lount; JamesBeatty Jr., James Bousted, Father ofConfederation George Brown, worldchampion oarsman Edward Hanlan, TorontoTelegram founder John Ross Robertson,Professor George Paxton Young, the lastChancellor of Ontario Sir John AlexanderBoyd, John Macdonald, one of the survivorsof Batoche Shirley Herbert Dye, one of thefounding Trustees of the Toronto GeneralBurial Grounds ( (now the Mount PleasantGroup of Cemteries) Thomas Carfrae Jr.,former Mayor of Toronto William HolmesHowland, founder of Primitive Methodismin Canada, Robert Walker, “Cicero ofCouncil” William Peyton Hubbard andJoseph Burr Tyrrel.

Important landscape features essential to themaintenance of the heritage character of thedistrict are the lawn in front of the buildings(Chapel and lodge), the fence, the gate,plantings, grave markers and smallstructures less than 15 m3 to a depth of 30metres from the property line where it abuts



Winchester, Sumach, Amelia Streets andHillcrest Park, and also the view through theporte-cochere.

Figure 11.

St. James Cemetery (St. James the Less)635 Parliament Street

Figure 12. Chapel of St. James-the-Less

Its history began in 1797 when the city wasfour years old and a small group of Anglicansettlers banded together to from acongregation. By 1807, they had foundedToronto’s first public cemetery and firstchurch at the corner of King and ChurchStreets where St. James Cathedral nowstands.

By the mid-1840s, this cemetery in StJames’ churchyard had become soovercrowded that it was moved to a new andlarger site at the northern outskirts of the

city at the corner of today’s Parliament andBloor Streets. The congregation of St. JamesCathedral (Anglican) purchased land for thisnew rural cemetery. Architect John Howardwas given the commission to lay out thegrounds, and did so following picturesqueprinciples. The 65-acre property rises gentlyfrom Parliament Street and then falls awayabruptly to the Rosedale ravine, with a viewtowards the site of Simcoe’s Castle Frank.Howard laid out a series of carriage drives –each originally named after a different saint– that followed the contours of the property,and site for family plots were planned totake advantage of the rise and fall of theland.

A few years later, authorities at the churchdecided that a small chapel should be built atthe cemetery’s entrance. In 1857, FrederickWilliam Cumberland and William Stormwere commissioned to design a smallcemetery chapel, with a basement that couldbe used as a dead house and service area(and is now used as a crematorium). Theydesigned the Chapel of St-James-the-Less,as well as a number of the funerarymonuments.

By the time it was completed in 1860, manygraves in the original cemetery on KingStreet had been moved to the grounds of thenew cemetery. In the years that followed,great tombs and memorials were built tohonor many famous Toronto figures whonow lied buried there,

The following are the identified heritagestructures: the Chapel (1858, Cumberland &Storm); fence and gate (1905, Darling &Pearson); Austin Tomb; Brock Tomb;Gooderham Tomb; Gzowski Tomb;Howland Tomb; Jarvis Tomb; ManningTomb; Severs Tomb.



Figure 13. Gzowski Family Vault

Important landscape features essential to themaintenance of the heritage character of thedistrict are the fence, the plantings, gravemarkers and structures less than 15 m3 to adepth of 30 metres from the property linewhere it abuts Parliament Street, the view ofthe Chapel especially from Parliament Streetand also the views of the terminus of Laurierand Parkview Avenues and Sackville Street.

Figure 14.

Conservation Intent

It is the intent to ensure that when change isconsidered to identified heritage buildingsand structures, their defining features and/ormaterials are protected as part of the processof change and development. New buildingsshould be compatible with the identifiedheritage buildings.

In addition, the intent is to conservelandscape features essential to the heritagecharacter of the district.

8.3 Heritage Conservation Principlesfor Cemeteries

The designation of the two cemeteries underPart V of the Ontario Heritage Act seeks to:

- encourage cemetery operators to care,conserve and manage the cemeteries in amanner that preserves the heritagecharacter of the site;

- require that alterations and additions tothe exterior of identified buildings andstructures be in keeping with the heritagecharacter of those structures and thattheir demolition be discouraged;

- require that new buildings and structuresgreater than 15 m3 be sympathetic to theheritage character of the site; and

- encourage cemetery operators topreserve the landscape features essentialto the maintenance of the heritagecharacter of the district.

It is the goal of the Plan to encourage asensitive approach to the conservation of thesites’ architecture and landscape. It is alsoimportant that any new development notdetract from the heritage attributes of thecemeteries but to contribute and enhancethem.

The following well-established conservationprinciples are intended to apply tocemeteries in the District.



8.3.1 Demolition

• Demolition of identified heritagebuildings and structures is discouragedand retention advocated.

• The destruction, alteration or removal ofhistorical fabric, historic materials ordistinguishing features on identifiedheritage buildings and structures isconsidered to be the least preferredcourse of action.

8.3.2 Heritage buildings and Structures

• To protect and maintain heritagebuildings and structures by using non-destructive methods in daily, seasonal,and cyclical tasks.

• To retain and encourage soundconservation techniques for builtfeatures.

• To avoid the removal or alteration ofdistinguishing features and materials.

• Encourage the restoration of the exteriorof heritage buildings using pictorial orphysical evidence with an understandingof period construction techniques andstyles.

• Surface cleaning of the features is bestundertaken only when dirt hasaccumulated and undertaken only by thegentlest means possible.

8.3.3 Landscape

• To encourage the conservation oflandscape features essential to themaintenance of the heritage character ofthe District.

• To encourage landscape improvementsthat enhances the overall heritagecharacter of the sites.

8.3.4 Alterations, Additions and NewDevelopment

• Where new buildings and additions arenecessary, to encourage design that issympathetic and compatible with thecharacter of the existing heritagefeatures, while enhancing the area’sheritage attributes.

• Alterations should not radically change,obscure, or destroy character-definingfeatures.

8.3.5 Maintenance

• Encourage the high level ofmaintenance.

8.3.6 Community

• To encourage the continuity ofcommunity appreciation of thecemeteries’ rich architectural, landscapeand historical heritage.

8.4 Guidelines for Conservation andChange

These Guidelines are designed to protect andenhance those elements in the area thatcontribute to the definition of heritagecharacter and that collectively support thereasons for designation outlined in theHeritage Character Statement.

8.4.1 Goals

• To maintain the heritage character ofthese cemeteries while recognizing theirunique public service.



• To protect and enhance existingbuildings, structures and landscape.

• To avoid the destruction of the identifiedheritage buildings and structures.

• To encourage only those changes thatare undertaken in a non-destructivemanner, i.e., if such alterations oradditions were removed in the future, theessential form and integrity of theheritage property would remainunimpaired.

8.4.2 Objectives

• To encourage continuing maintenanceand repair of the heritage buildings,structures and landscape by propertyowners.

• To support the continuing care, andconservation of the cemeteries whereverappropriate.

• To permit new buildings and structurescompatible with the identified heritagebuildings and structures and theimportant landscape features essential tothe maintenance of the heritage characterof the District .

8.5 Guidelines for rehabilitation

The following contains a summary ofgeneral guidelines for protection,stabilization, conservation, restorationand/or maintenance.

These guidelines are provided for generalinformation and are presented on a varietyof levels. Most of these techniques andmaterials should not be used withoutappropriate training and in most cases aprofessional should be consulted before

attempting anything. Inappropriate use ofthese techniques and/or materials can causeirreparable damage. Cemetery operators areencouraged to use appropriately qualifiedprofessional in caring out conservationwork.

More specific guidance on heritage buildingfabrics and architectural features iscontained in the Conservation PracticeAdvisory Notes in Section 5.0 (HeritageCharacter Statement & District Plan).

Guidelines for rehabilitation – Buildings andStructures only

• A property should be used for its historicpurpose or be placed in a new use thatrequires minimal change to the definingcharacteristics of the building and its siteand environment.

• The historic character of a propertyshould be retained and preserved. Theremoval of historic materials oralterations of features and spaces thatcharacterize a property should beavoided.

• Each property should be recognized as aphysical record of its time, place anduse. Changes that create a false sense ofhistorical development, such as addingconjectural features or architecturalelements from other buildings, shouldnot be undertaken.

• Most properties change over time; thosechanges that have acquired historicsignificance in their own right should beretained and preserved.

• Distinctive features, finishes andconstruction techniques or examples ofcraftsmanship that characterize aproperty should be preserved.



• Where possible, deteriorated historicfeatures should be repaired rather thanreplaced. Where the severity ofdeterioration requires replacement of adistinctive feature, the new featureshould match the old in design, colour,texture and other visual qualities andwhere possible materials. Placement ofmissing features should be substantiatedby documentary, physical, or pictorialevidence.

• The surface cleaning of structures, ifappropriate, should be undertaken usingthe gentlest means possible.

• Significant archaeological resourcesaffected by a project should be protectedand preserved. If such resources must bedisturbed, mitigation measures should beundertaken.

When changes are made to any historicproperty they should respect the characterdefining features, those essential qualitiesthat give a property a sense of time andplace.

8.6 Guidelines for Alterations,Additions and New developments –Buildings and Structures only

This section contains design guidelines foralterations, additions and new developments.

Physical change that may be expected tooccur within the cemeteries can becategorized by:

- alterations and additions to existingstructures; and,

- new construction.

Changes should be consistent with theapproach in Section 6.0 (from item 6.1 to6.5) (Heritage Character Statement &District Plan).

Alterations to outbuildings and other builtfeatures should follow the guidelines foralterations to buildings.

The following general principles areapplicable to alterations:

• Reversible processes are always tobe preferred to allow the widestoptions for the future.

• All work should be based on, andpreceded by, sufficient historicalresearch, site analysis anddocumentation to identify andsafeguard the heritage values beingconserved.

• Wherever feasible, original com-ponents and materials should beretained rather than replaced, andenhanced as necessary to meetcontemporary structural and coderequirements.

• Alterations must be conducted usingproperly trained personnel, usuallycontractors who have provenexperience with historic structures,and the proper equipment for the job.This not only ensures the safety ofthe workers, but also minimizes therisk of damage to the historic fabric.

• The replacement of components inkind should be based on sounddocumentary evidence and not onconjecture.

• Accurate records of alterations,additions and new developments



must be kept of all work. Thesecould include photographs, drawingsand descriptions of conditions beforeand after the changes. The recordsshould be adequate to document theoriginal materials and constructiontechniques, as well as the newmaterials and processes.

• Replacement materials should bemarked as such in some readilyidentifiable (although not necessarilyclearly visible) manner. When newmaterials are used, they should besympathetic to the original, butshould be easily distinguished fromit and must not convey ambiguousmessages about the history of thefabric.

Continuing use of these cemeteries willrequire careful planning so that newbuildings or structures do not detract fromtheir heritage character. Should significantchanges be contemplated in the Cemetery,owners are encouraged to prepare aconservation plan for the site.

New buildings or additions

• New buildings or additions should be inkeeping with the form, design orcharacter of identified heritage buildingsand structures . When new proposals oradditions are constructed, close attentionshould be given to their form, fabric,design and siting so that they do notdetract from the existing environment ofthe site and the community contextwithin which the cemetery is located.

• The height of new buildings,structuresgreater than 15 m3 or additions shouldbe compatible with the mass of theidentified heritage buildings andstructures on the site, excluding towers

and should not be located in the areawhere the landscape features areessential to the heritage character of thedistrict as defined in the heritagecharacter statement.

• New additions, exterior alteration orrelated new construction should notdestroy historic materials on identifiedheritage buildings and structures. Thenew work should be differentiated fromthe old and should be compatible withthe massing, size, scale and architecturalfeatures to protect the historic integrityof the property and its environment.

• New additions and adjacent or relatednew construction should be undertakenin such a manner that if removed in thefuture, the essential form and theintegrity of the historic property and itsenvironment would be unimpaired.


Cemeteries contain many and uniquecharacter defining landscape features.

Cemetery operators are encouraged to:

• respect wherever possible originalcemetery layouts and other designelements. Alteration of the existingcemetery layout may result in a loss ofthe site integrity.

• Retain and enhance existing fences andboundary demarcation.

• Where possible, protect and retainexisting site contours and grade.



9.0 PARK COMPONENT

9.1 Introduction

In addition to the residential area, theCabbagetown North Heritage ConservationDistrict includes more two important areasof institutional uses having substantialhistorical importance and heritage value -the Riverdale Farm and Wellesley Park.These parks have value not only in their ownrights as heritage cultural landscapes, butalso in their relationship to the largerheritage district. The parks also assist increating a sense of the district as a heritagearea.

The potential benefits from the preservationof cultural landscapes are enormous.Landscapes provide scenic, economic,ecological, social, recreational andeducational opportunities that help usunderstand ourselves as individuals,communities and as a nation. Their ongoingpreservation can yield an improved qualityof life for all.

Landscape elements help to define thecharacter of parks. Parks provide a publicresource with a diverse and rich charactercreated by the interaction of many elements.Parks usually comprise a number ofcomponents:

- structures and amenities; andlandscape: design, layout and vegetation.

The heritage character of the culturallandscape resides in the relationshipbetween grounds, buildings, the adjoiningstreetscape, and the larger neighbourhood.

These parks, individually and collectively,contribute to the landscape’s physicalappearance as they have evolved over time.


Parks - General

Significance of parks as landscapes ofhistoric interest and/or natural heritage

Around 1900, an urban-reform movementthat would make cities more healthy, moral,and equitable was introduced. The activitiesof the reformers were reflected in planninginitiatives aimed at providing a better qualityof life for urban residents through improvedsanitation, parks, housing, and other muchneeded amenities.

Architects and landscape architects listenedto these urban reformers. They becameconvinced that the ills and ugliness of thecity could be overcome with a program ofcivic beautification achieved through gooddesign and effective regulation. The impetusfor the City Beautiful Movement, as it cameto be called, came from the United Statesand began with the park movementassociates with the work of the distinguishedlandscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted(1822-1903). The creation of Central Park,New York (Olmsted and Calvert Vaux,begun 1858), set a widely admired precedentthat other cities were quick to follow.

In addition, these parks form an importantpart of the ‘green corridor’ networks ofparks, opens spaces, gardens, river andstreams that will connect ourneighbourhoods and join us with ourlakefront.

Parks also have archaeological significanceas changes to their fabric over time providephysical evidence of past attitudes tocommunity customs and the evolution ofcultural landscapes.



Parks – Specific

Riverdale Farm201 Winchester Street

Riverdale Farm officially opened onSeptember 9, 1978, and has long been thesite of animal-related activities.

Originally owned by John Scadding, theCity of Toronto purchased what was to beRiverdale Park in 1856. In 1894, theRiverdale Zoo opened on part of the park tobecome Toronto's first public zoo. In 1902the Toronto Railway Company arranged forthe erection of a two-storey building ofMoorish design, built of stone and pressedbrick with a tile roof. It was named theDonnybrook.

Figure 15. Riverdale Zoo, c. 1900. In thebackground is the ‘Donnybrook’, built in1902.

The Riverdale Zoo was closed in 1974, andthe animals were moved to the new MetroToronto Zoo in Scarborough. From 1974 to1978, many of the Riverdale Zoo buildingswere removed and the site leveled. Most ofthe buildings were torn down except for theResidence, the Donnybrook, the IslandHouse buildings, and the original stone gateposts at Winchester and Sumach, whichused to anchor a fence that ran around thepark. In 1978, Riverdale Farm, designed toresemble a Victorian Canadian farm, wasopened on the old zoo site.

The following are the identified structures:Napier Simpson House, the Donnybrook,the Island House buildings, and the originalstone gate posts at Winchester and Sumach.

Riverdale Farm has seen a number ofchanges since 1978, including manybuilding initiatives and the expansion offarm activities and recreationalprogramming. Despite substantial alterationsto the landscape, there is continuity of landuse in terms of animal display.

Figure 16. Winter activities on the ‘DonFlats’ of Riverdale Park, 1914.

Wellesley ParkWellesley Street East

(extract from the book The CabbagetownPreservation Association. Touring Old Cabbagetown.1992.)

At the east end of Wellesley is WellesleyPark, the south end of which was originallyknown as Hillcrest Park. St. James’Cathedral owned the land for Wellesley Parkuntil 1945, when they donated it to the cityfor use as a playground for neighbourhoodchildren. The playground was called St.James’ Playground for some years; however,calling the south end Hillcrest Park and thenorth end St James’ Playground was deemed



to be too confusing, so the City renamed thewhole site Wellesley Park.The overall terrain of the Park has alsochanged over the years. There was originallya gentle slope towards Rosedale ValleyRoad, and in fact, there was even a driveableroad from Hillcrest Park to Rosedale Valley.When the Bloor subway line was beingbuilt, many truckloads of clay were dumpedhere. Gradually, however, the City levelledthe piles so that the north and south ends ofthe Park were joined by a gentle slope, andtrees were planted and sod laid. A woodenstairway to Rosedale Valley Road was alsoinstalled.

Although this Park is a green space now, itwas once a highly industrialized area, non-residential area. In 1848, Peter Lambestablished the P.R. Lamb Manufactoryhere. The Lamb factory burned to theground in 1888, it was the second sufferedby the factory and this put an end to theLamb business at the site.

In 1904, Daniel (Peter Lamb’s son) came toan agreement with the City to dedicate thefactory property for a park, if the City wouldallow him to build houses on the west andsouth sides of the park. Lamb entered in apartnership with a builder, and in 1910, twogroups of five row houses and two pairs ofsemi-detached houses were built on HillcrestPark, and five row houses were built onHillcrest Avenue.

Wellesley Park also provides a green linkbetween the two cemeteries.

Conservation Intent

The intent seeks to ensure that when changeis considered, heritage resources and theirdefining features and/or materials areprotected as part of the process of changeand development.

In addition, when landscape change iscontemplated, a good understanding of thepark layout and the aims of the design willhelp guide decisions in ensuring that theheritage character of the park is maintained,particularly when it is viewed from publicstreets or through significant view corridors.

9.3 Heritage Conservation Principlesfor Parks

The designation of the two parks under PartV of the Ontario Heritage Act seeks toensure the care, conservation andmanagement of the heritage character of thesites. In doing so, physical change anddevelopment within the areas will be guidedby the Plan with the intent to both protectand enhance the character of its landscape,archaeological and built features.

It is the goal of the Plan to encourage asensitive approach to the conservation of thesites’ architecture and maintenance of thephysical and contextual landscape. It is alsoimportant that any new development andpublic works projects be encouraged not todetract from the heritage attributes of theparks but to contribute and enhance them.

The process of heritage conservation withinthe sites not only requires recognition of itsspecial character but also acceptance ofseveral well-established conservationprinciples.

9.3.1 Demolition

• Demolition of identified heritagebuildings and structures is discouragedand retention advocated. Preserve thehistoric character of the park.



• The destruction, alteration or removal ofhistorical fabric, historic materials ordistinguishing features is considered tobe the least preferred course of action.

9.3.2 Heritage buildings, structures,monuments, furnishings andobjects

• To protect and maintain heritagebuildings, structures, monuments,furnishings and objects by using non-destructive methods in daily, seasonal,and cyclical tasks.

• To retain and encourage soundconservation techniques for builtfeatures.

• To avoid the removal or alteration ofdistinguishing features and materials.

• Encourage the restoration of the exteriorof heritage buildings using pictorial orphysical evidence with an understandingof period construction techniques andstyles.

• Surface cleaning of the features is bestundertaken only when dirt has accumu-lated and undertaken only by the gentlestmeans possible.

9.3.3 Landscape

• To encourage the protection andmaintenance of features that definespatial organization and land patterns.This could include maintaining thetopography, vegetation, and structures,which comprise the overall pattern of thelandscape.

• To encourage landscape improvementsthat enhances the overall heritagecharacter of the sites.

9.3.4 Alterations, Additions and NewDevelopment

• Where new buildings and additions arenecessary, to encourage design that issympathetic and compatible with thecharacter of the existing heritagefeatures, while enhancing the area’sheritage attributes.

• Alterations should not radically change,obscure, or destroy character-definingfeatures.

9.3.5 Maintenance

• Encourage the high level ofmaintenance.

9.3.6 Community

• To encourage community supportthrough pride of place to conserve andprotect the area’s rich architectural,landscape and historical heritage; and,

• To provide help to the City departmentsby encouraging the use of proper careand conservation approaches when newrepair or restoration projects areconsidered.

9.4 Guidelines for Conservation andChange

These Guidelines are designed to protect andenhance those elements in the area thatcontribute to the definition of heritagecharacter and that collectively support thereasons for designation outlined in theHeritage Character Statement.



9.4.1 Goals

• To maintain the historic cemeterycharacter.

• To protect and enhance existingbuildings, structures and landscape.

• To avoid the destruction of the heritagebuildings, structures and landscapefabric of the sites.

• To encourage only those changes thatare undertaken in a non-destructivemanner, i.e., if such alterations oradditions were removed in the future, theessential form and integrity of theheritage property would remainunimpaired.

9.4.2 Objectives

• To encourage continuing maintenanceand repair of the heritage buildings,monuments and landscape by the City.

• To support the continuing care,conservation and restoration of the parkswherever appropriate by providingguidance on sound conservation practiceand encouraging applications to existingfunding resources, where available, foreligible work.

• To permit new buildings and structureswhere it respects or otherwisecomplements the prevailing character ofthe cemeteries.

• To encourage the maintenance of thelandscape features essential to themaintenance of the heritage character of

the district as defined in the heritagecharacter statement.

9.5 Guidelines for rehabilitation

The following contains a summary ofgeneral guidelines for protection,stabilization, preservation, restoration and/ormaintenance. Because of the rapid advancein knowledge and techniques today, thisshould serve only as a general guide.Specific changes in these recommendations,particularly in regard to materials andmethods, are expected over time.

These guidelines are provided for generalinformation, related more to architecturalissues and are presented on a variety oflevels.

Most of these techniques and materialsshould not be used without appropriatetraining and in most cases a professionalshould be consulted before attemptinganything. Inappropriate use of thesetechniques and/or materials can causeirreparable damage. In the majority of cases,a professional conservator should prepare aprogram of work specifying appropriatemethods and materials for use. Conservationwork should be performed by professionalconservators. In some instances aconservator might be able to train people toperform some types of work involved andshould supervise any work done byvolunteers.

More specific guidance on heritage buildingfabrics and architectural features iscontained in the Conservation PracticeAdvisory Notes in Section 5.0 (HeritageCharacter Statement & District Plan).

Guidelines for rehabilitation – Buildings andStructures only



• A property should be used for its historicpurpose or be placed in a new use thatrequires minimal change to the definingcharacteristics of the building and its siteand environment.

• The historic character of a propertyshould be retained and preserved. Theremoval of historic materials oralterations of features and spaces thatcharacterize a property shall be avoided.

• Each property should be recognized as aphysical record of its time, place anduse. Changes that create a false sense ofhistorical development, such as addingconjectural features or architecturalelements from other buildings, shall notbe undertaken.

• Most properties change over time; thosechanges that have acquired historicsignificance in their own right should beretained and preserved.

• Distinctive features, finishes andconstruction techniques or examples ofcraftsmanship that characterize aproperty should be preserved.

• Deteriorated historic features should berepaired rather replaced. Where theseverity of deterioration requiresreplacement of a distinctive feature, thenew feature should match the old indesign, colour, texture and other visualqualities and where possible materials.Placement of missing features should besubstantiated by documentary, physical,or pictorial evidence.

• Chemical or physical treatments, such assandblasting, that cause damage tohistoric materials should not be used.The surface cleaning of structures, if

appropriate, should be undertaken usingthe gentlest means possible.

• Significant archaeological resourcesaffected by a project should be protectedand preserved. If such resources must bedisturbed, mitigation measures should beundertaken.

When changes are made to any historicproperty they should respect the characterdefining features, those essential qualitiesthat give a property a sense of time andplace. These features may include the spatialorganization of the property as well asindividual features such as buildings, lotenclosures, walls, fences, gates, steps,views, topography, water, features, trees,shrubs, ground covers, roads, paths, signsand site furnishings.

9.6 Guidelines for Alterations,Additions and New developments –Buildings and Structures only

This section contains design guidelines foralterations, additions and new developments.

Physical change that may be expected tooccur within the parks can be categorizedby:

- alterations and additions to existingstructures;

- new construction; and

- maturation of trees and other plants,and ecological processes withinnatural heritage areas.

Changes should also be consistent with theapproach in Section 6.0 (from item 6.1 to6.5) (Heritage Character Statement &District Plan).



Alterations to outbuildings and other builtfeatures should follow the guidelines foralterations to buildings.

The following general principles areapplicable to alterations:

• Reversible processes are always tobe preferred to allow the widestoptions for the future.

• All work should be based on, andpreceded by, sufficient historicalresearch, site analysis anddocumentation to identify andsafeguard the heritage values beingconserved.

• Wherever feasible, originalcomponents and materials should beretained rather than replaced, andenhanced as necessary to meetcontemporary structural and coderequirements.

• Alterations should be conductedusing properly trained personnel,usually contractors who have provenexperience with historic structures,and the proper equipment for the job.This not only ensures the safety ofthe workers, but also minimizes therisk of damage to the historic fabric.

• The replacement of components inkind should be based on sounddocumentary evidence and not onconjecture.

• Accurate records should be kept ofall work. These should includephotographs, drawings anddescriptions of conditions before andafter the changes. The records shouldbe adequate to document the original

materials and constructiontechniques, as well as the newmaterials and processes.

• Replacement materials should bemarked as such in some readilyidentifiable (although not necessarilyclearly visible) manner. When newmaterials are used, they should besympathetic to the original, butshould be easily distinguished fromit and must not convey ambiguousmessages about the history of thefabric.

• Any historic materials that may beremoved during alterations should bestored for possible re-use in futuremaintenance and repair.

• Where a change to grade may resultin alterations to an archaeologicalsite, an archaeological assessmentshould precede all activities.

The continuum use of existing parks servesa community need. However, continuing useof significant parks will require carefulplanning so that new buildings or structuresdo not detract from their existing specialcharacter. The City’s Park and RecreationDivision is encourage to prepare aconservation plan or master plan for thesites.

New buildings or additions

• New buildings or additions should be inkeeping with the form, design orcharacter of the park. When newproposals or additions are constructed,close attention should be given to theirform, fabric, design and sitting so thatthey do not detract from the existingenvironment of the site and the



community context within which thepark is located.

• The height of new buildings/structuresor additions should be compatible withthe mass of existing buildings on thesite, excluding towers and should not belocated in the area where the landscapefeatures are essential to the maintenanceof the heritage character of the district asdefined in the heritage impact statement.

• New additions, exterior alteration orrelated new construction should notdestroy historic materials thatcharacterize the property. The new workshould be differentiated from the old andshould be compatible with the massing,size, scale and architectural features toprotect the historic integrity of theproperty and its environment.

• New additions and adjacent or relatednew construction should be undertakenin such a manner that if removed in thefuture, the essential form and theintegrity of the historic property and itsenvironment would be unimpaired.


Parks contain many and unique characterdefining landscape features.

Good maintenance is the most basicconservation measure which will ensure thelong-term preservation of important parks.

The City’s Parks and Recreation Division isencouraged to:

• Respect wherever possible original parkslayouts and other design elements.Alteration of the existing park layoutmay result in a loss of the site integrity.

• Where the original design or layout is nolonger readily apparent, owing to theloss of mature plantings and otherlandscape elements or plantings. Suchaction should only take place followingthe completion of a conservation plan forthe park.

• Retain and enhance existing lanes andpaths. Care should be taken to utilizetraditional paving materials and topreserve their extant dimension.

• New circulation elements should becompatible with historic surfaces andadjacent buildings in texture and colour.

• Retain and enhance existing fences andboundary demarcation.

• Protect and retain existing site contoursand grade.



10.0 PLANNING ANDIMPLEMENTATION

10.1 Introduction: legislative context

The Ontario Heritage Act, RSO 1990, C.O.18, is the primary piece of legislation in theprovince that enables municipalities toconserve, manage and protect heritageproperties. There are two parts to the Actthat concern built heritage. Part IV of theAct allows municipalities to designateindividual buildings, structures or places thatare of historical or architectural interest orvalue. Using Part V of the Act, amunicipality may designate, through a by-law, all or part of a municipality as aHeritage Conservation District. It is nowconventional practice for municipalities tostudy a prospective area prior to designation,in order to fully identify the special heritageattributes and character of the District. PartV of the Act enables a municipality todesignate groups or areas of buildings andtheir settings.

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture andRecreation in its published documentOntario’s Heritage Conservation DistrictGuidelines (1985) notes that:

A heritage conservation district is anaggregate of buildings, streets and openspaces that, as a group, is a collective assetto a community in precisely the same waythat individual property is valuable to thatcommunity.

To date, the City of Toronto has successfullydesignated and managed a total of fivedistricts.

The City of Toronto, pursuant to Section 40of the Act, has defined an area to beexamined for future designation as aheritage conservation district under By-law

No. 892-2003. The study area comprises allor portions of the following roads:

Alpha Avenue Amelia Street Bayview Avenue Bowman Street Carlton Street Flagler Street Hill Crest Avenue Hill Crest Park Laurier Avenue Parkview Avenue Parliament Street Rawlings Avenue Rosedale Valley Road Sackville Place Sackville Street Salisbury Avenue St James Court Sumach Street Wellesley Avenue Wellesley Cottages Wellesley Street East Winchester Street

10.2 Planning policy context forheritage district designation

The City of Toronto Official Plan, Part 1(By-law No. 413-93, as adopted on July 20,1993) contains planning policies for heritageproperties. Section 5 Heritage Policiescontains sub-section 5.5 in which thefollowing policies are stated:

It is the policy of Council to designateHeritage Conservation Districts within theCity on the basis of appropriate studies andto take all necessary steps to encouragepreservation and conservation of theheritage buildings, structures and sites,including all areas in the public domain,within such districts.



In designation of a Heritage ConservationDistrict, Council shall first define suchareas as a Heritage Conservation DistrictStudy Area, and direct that a study of theproposed district be undertaken. Oncecontemplated, the study will form the basisof the Heritage Conservation District Plan.Council may proceed to designate all orpart of the area by by-law as a HeritageConservation District and shall use itspowers of review and regulation toimplement the objectives of the HeritageConservation District Plan.

The new Official Plan for the City ofToronto, was adopted by City Council at itsmeeting of November 28, 2002, but is notyet in force. The new Plan, in ChapterThree, contains policies related to HeritageResources. Policy 1 (b) of Section 3.1.5 ofthe Plan states that:

Significant heritage resources, will beconserved by: .. designating areas with aconcentration of heritage resources asHeritage Conservation Districts andadopting conservation and design guidelinesto maintain and improve their character.

10.3 Implementation

Adoption of the heritage conservationdistrict by-law and the district plan willenable the municipality and the residents tobetter protect and maintain the built heritageresources in the Cabbagetown North AreaHeritage Conservation District. The City ofToronto, with several established HCDs tomanage, has developed a permit applicationprocess that is consistent for all designateddistricts (See Appendix E). The followingtext outlines those activities that will merit aheritage permit and how the process isundertaken. It is recommended that aDistrict Advisory Committee be created as a

forum for public discussion and decision-making within the District. Membershipshould include local residents and a HeritagePreservation Services staff member. Thecommittee should be responsible for thereview of only those permits that do notcomply with the District Plan. Otherwise theresidents committee would assist propertyowners seeking information on appropriatemeasures.



SOURCES

Annotated Master Specification for the Cleaning and Repair of Historic Masonry. Ontario Ministry of Tourism Culture and Recreation, 1985.

Fram, Mark. Well-preserved: the Ontario Heritage Foundation’s Manual of Principles and Practice for Architectural Conservation. Erin, Ontario: The Boston Mills Press, 1988.

Kahn, Renee. Preserving Porches. Markham, Ontario: Fitzhenry & Whiteside Limited. 1990.

Heritage Energy Conservation Guidelines. Toronto: Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Culture, and Ontario Ministry of Energy, 1987.

Ontario Heritage Act, RSO 1990, C.337.

Ontario’s Heritage Conservation District Guidelines. Toronto: Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, 1985.

Rust D’Eye, George. Cabbagetown Remembered. Erin, Ontario: The Boston Mills Press, 1984.

Touring Old Cabbagetown. Toronto: Cabbagetown Association, n.d.

Cemetery and Park Component

Charles A. Birnbaum. Protecting Cultural Landscapes: Planning, Treatment and Management ofHistoric Landscapes. Preservation Brief No. 36. Washington, D.C.: National Park Service, 1994.

Elisabeth Walton Potter and Beth M. Boland. Guidelines for Evaluating and RegisteringCemeteries and Burial Places. National Register Bulletin No. 41. Washington, D.C.: NationalPark Service, 1992.

English Heritage. Paradise Preserved: An introduction to the assessment, evaluation,conservation and management of historic cemeteries. London, UK: English Heritage and EnglishNature, 2002.

Tamara Anson-Cartwright. Landscapes of Memories: A Guide for Conserving HistoricCemeteries. Toronto: Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, 1997.

Judith M. Andrews. South Carolina’s Historic Cemeteries: A Preservation Handbook. SouthCarolina Department of Archives and History, 1997.

Lynette Strangstad. A Graveyard Preservation Primer. Nashville, Tennessee: The AmericanAssociation for State and Local History in cooperation with the Association for GravestoneStudies, 1988.


City of Toronto September 2003Heritage Preservation Services

Department of Planning, Heritage Council of New South Wales. Cemeteries. Guidelines for theirCare and Conservation.

Architectural Conservation Technology. Ottawa: Minister of Supply and Services Canada, 1994.

The Working Group on Conservation Standards and Guidelines for the Historic Places Initiative.Standards for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada with Guidelines for Preserving,Rehabilitating, and Restoring Historic Landscapes, Buildings, Engineering Works, andArchaeological Sites. Department of Canadian Heritage, 2001.

Walker-Kluesing Design Group. Preservation Guidelines for Municipally Owned Historic BurialGrounds and Cemeteries. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management, HistoricCemeteries Preservation Initiative, 2002.

Commonwealth Historic Resource Management Ltd. Manual of Guidelines. Management BoardSecretariat, Government of Ontario, 1994.

NPS-28: Cultural Resource Management Guideline. Washington: National Park Service, 1998.http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/nps28/28contents.htm

Appendix ACase Studies: Building Conservation

Cabbagetown North-East Appendix AHeritage Conservation District


CONSERVATION GUIDANCE CASE STUDIES

On the basis of our knowledge of the District and in discussion with the study SteeringCommittee, we offer the following guidance in graphic form to assist in the care andconservation of the existing built fabric of typical properties in the Cabbagetown NorthConservation District. If a property owner is inclined to restore or simply care properlyfor a building, the following information is available to assist the residents of the District.



BUILDING: RESIDENCE – MASONRY, BRICK



1. Brick masonry should be repointed using a traditional mortar mixture, joint profileand texture of finish. Older mortar was often more elastic and able to absorb themovement that can affect an older building. Brick replacement units should match, asclosely as possible, the traditional colours, size and texture. Brick should be of astandard, older Ontario Size (2 ½ by 8 ½). Repoint brick buildings where waterpenetration is a problem or if structural movement has occurred. Abrasive cleaningmethods such as sandblasting, high-pressure water blasting or caustic chemicals canharm older masonry buildings. It may also affect nearby landscape materials.

2. Original porches are important character-defining and decorative features as well asfunctional elements. Properly-maintained porches can enjoy years of use. Whendecorative elements such as a handrail, balusters and decorative detailing deteriorate,they should be replicated in the same material, proportion and style. Enclosing or theremoval of an existing porch is not recommended.

3. Maintain decorative wood detailing on the gable ends. Replace in kind.

4. The use of wooden storm windows on heritage buildings is considered an appropriateenergy conservation measure and an important use of an historic architecturalelement.

5. Maintain original roofing material and replace in kind. Replacement of asphaltshingles should be of traditional size, design, colour, texture and weather. Slate roofrepairs and replacement will require skilled roof contracting experience.

6. Downspouts from roof eaves troughs should be directed away from the base of thebuilding to protect the foundation from potential settlement.

7. Keep foundation and perimeter plantings away from the face of buildings andelements such as porches to limit excessive moisture from harming architecturalfabrics.

8. Skylights are best located on rear elevations not visible from the street.

9. Original chimneys are often decorative elements and add balance to roof planes.Maintain existing chimney(s) or rebuild if removed previously.

10. Dormers, original or added, are architectural elements worthy of preservation. Theycan be decorative in design or simple and plain. Painting wood dormers andmaintaining good flashing will prolong the life of this feature.



BUILDING: RESIDENCE – FRAME, COTTAGE

Photograph: Cabbagetown Preservation Association

1. The frame cottage is easily identifiable due to its small size, large window openings,central doorway, front gable and wood siding. Original wooden siding should beretained and/or replaced in kind. The use of modern materials such as vinyl oraluminum siding and Angelstone do not reflect the historic materials used in theDistrict and should be avoided. Badly-deteriorated sections of wooden siding shouldbe replaced with wood siding that matches the original in material type, profile anddimension. Wood siding should be painted.

2. It is critical to the longevity of this form of building that a sound roof is in place.Replacement wood shingles and asphalt shingles should be of a traditional size,design, colour, texture and weather. Replacement is necessary when asphalt shinglesbecome loose or start to curl and wood shingles split or curl.

3. The sash type for cottage windows are important in defining both their style andcharacter of this housing type in the District. The original character of these elementsis important to conserve and maintain. Original glazed window openings on the frontelevations should be retained. Multi-pane wood sash should be replaced in kind. Newsynthetic or metal window sashes should be avoided when replacing original woodenwindow units. All wood windows should be painted on both the interior and exteriorsurfaces.



4. To help protect the base of the frame cottage it is important that water drains awayfrom the building to prevent the sill plate from deterioration. Landscaping should bedesigned to correct this problem if it exists. Downspouts from roof eaves troughsshould be directed away from the base of the building to protect the foundation frompotential settlement. Additions to cottages require a similar drainage treatment to helppreserve their integrity.

5. Wood window and door surrounds help define and enhance the architectural style ofbuildings. Match the original in material, profile and dimension when replacingdeteriorated sections or pieces.



BUILDING: RESIDENCE – STUCCO

Photograph: Cabbagetown Preservation Association



1. Stucco and roughcast has been identified as an original cladding material found in theDistrict. It has also been used as a more recent wall cladding. The type of texture, thecolour and the method of application vary and should be replicated when repaired.Synthetic siding should not cover stucco. Stucco surfaces should not be painted sincethe colour is normally the result of additives or aggregates in the mortar mix. Paintwill add another level of maintenance for the homeowner. It is recommended thatrepairs to early stucco be carried out by skilled craftspeople.

2. Dormers, original or added, are architectural elements worthy of preservation. Theycan be decorative in design or simple and plain. Painting wood dormers andmaintaining good flashing will prolong the life of this feature.

3. Stained glass windows come in various styles depending on the date and style of abuilding. They are important design features and should not be closed over orremoved. Maintaining the original window design is important. Stained glassrestoration expertise is required.

4. Maintain original roofing material and replace in kind. Replacement asphalt shinglesshould be of traditional size, design, colour, texture and weather.

5. Keep foundation and perimeter plantings away from the face of buildings andelements such as porches to limit excessive moisture from harming architecturalfabrics.

6. Downspouts from roof eaves troughs should be directed away from the base of thebuilding to protect the foundation from potential settlement. This will allow thestucco to be kept dry.



BUILDING: RELIGIOUS AND LARGE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS



1. Towers, whether wood or masonry, often suffer the greatest from the elements.Climatic exposure and lack of heating and cooling contribute to great extremes intemperature and moisture. These features require a regular review of structuralsoundness and examination of the materials of construction. Preventing excessivemoisture penetration will extend the life of a tower. Proper flashing at the roof level isvery important.

2. Maintain original roofing material and replace in kind. Replacement slate, tile orwood shingles should be of traditional size, design, colour and texture. Flat roof areasmust be inspected regularly and repaired.

3. Maintain and repair decorative brickwork including window and door surrounds,voussoirs and buttresses. Brick masonry should be repointed with a traditional mortarmixture. The mortar colour, joint profile, and texture should match the existinghistoric material. Older mortar absorbs the stresses that can affect a heritage building.Brick replacement units should match as closely as possible the traditional colour,sizes and texture. Brick should be of a standard, older Ontario Size (2 ½ by 8 ½).Special decorative brickwork requires a good match in unit colour and shape. Repointbrick buildings only where water penetration is a problem or severe settlementoccurs. Abrasive cleaning methods such as sandblasting, high-pressure water blastingor chemical cleaning can harm the exterior fabric of older masonry buildings.

4. Special window treatments in religious buildings should be preserved. Stormwindows, unless original, are not recommended. Interior storms used seasonally are agood alternative. A professional wood or lead glass specialist is necessary if the glassis coloured or shaped.

5. Church doors or main entrance doors on the main elevation are important character-contributing features. Wood doors are recognized as a standard choice for religiousbuildings. Replication of the original style when replacement is necessary illustratesgood design judgement.

6. Downspouts from roof eaves troughs should be directed away from the base of thebuilding to protect the foundation from potential settlement and interior flooding.Religious buildings often have large or complex roof plans and the eaves troughs anddownspouts can easily become overburdened. It is important the gutters be kept freeof debris and are cleaned regularly.

Appendix BLandscape Guidelines

Cabbagetown North-East Appendix BHeritage Conservation District


1. Fences along the public sidewalk should be low and allow for framing of the view of the frontelevation of the residence. 2. Side yard property lines are frequently defined by hedges. This traditional feature should beencouraged.



3. Street trees should be planted where permits in the boulevard. Select appropriate species fromthe tree inventory list (Table 2, main document). 4. The surface treatment of the boulevard may vary. All decorative hard surfacing should still allowpercolation of rain water to support new street trees.



5. On-street parking allows for a soft landscape treatment of the front yard.



6. Property owners are encouraged to add trees in their front yards

that will contribute to the streetscape, especially where there is no boulevard.



7. On-street parking should continue to be encouraged to allow for soft landscaping of the smallfront yards.

8. The boulevard is an important street feature. Any decorative paving of the boulevard shouldallow for rain water to percolate into the soil to support the street trees’ root systems.

Examples: Historical Planting Schemesfor Victorian Gardens

Victorian Landscape Design Principles from Scott, Frank J. Victorian Gardens Part 1: Suburban Homes. First printed1870, reprinted 1982.

Plate XIV Planting a Corner Lot. P. 189


Plate XXIV Four Residences. P. 218


Plate XXVI A Village Block. P. 225


Plate XXIV Design for Village Lots. P. 152

Appendix CTechnical Notes and Tool Chest

Cabbagetown North-East Appendix CHeritage Conservation District


Preservation BriefsTechnical Preservation Services of the National Park Service of the United States[please refer to the following web sites]

1. Assessing Cleaning and Water-Repellent Treatments for Historic MasonryBuildingshttp://www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/briefs/brief01.htm

2. Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings http://www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/briefs/brief02.htm

9. The Repair of Historic Wooden Windowshttp://www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/briefs/brief09.htm

22. The Preservation and Repair of Historic Stuccohttp://www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/briefs/brief22.htm

33. The Preservation and Repair of Historic Stained and Leaded Glasshttp://www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/briefs/brief33.htm

Appendix DProperties Designated under Part IV of the Ontario

Heritage Act andListed in the City of Toronto

Inventory of Heritage Properties

Cabbagetown North-East Appendix DHeritage Conservation District


Designated PropertiesCabbagetown North Heritage Conservation District

1 Wellesley Cottages (By-law No. 149-81). Cottage; 1887, Wm. Hooker. Adopted byCity Council on December 10, 1975. Designation by-law passed by City Council onFebruary 26, 1981.

2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Wellesley Cottages (By-law No. 600-83). Row of cottages at 2-5 WellesleyCottages; 1887. By-law adopted by City Council on December 10, 1975. Designation by-law passed by City Council on Sept. 6, 1983.

Properties Listed on the InventoryCabbagetown North Heritage Conservation District

1, 5 - 17 Alpha Avenue Row housing; 1888. Adopted by City Council onDecember 10, 1975.

2 –18 Alpha Avenue Row housing; 1888. Adopted by City Council onDecember 10, 1975.

126 – 128 Amelia Street Semi-detached house; 1878. Adopted by City Council onDecember 10, 1975.

127, 129, 133, 135 Row of cottages, 1876. Adopted by City Council onAmelia Street December 10, 1975.

130 Amelia Street House; 1879. Adopted by City Council on December 10,1975.

132 136 Amelia Street Row of cottages; 1881. Adopted by City Council onDecember 10, 1975.

2 Bowman Street House; 1871. Adopted by City Council on December 10,1975.

314 Carlton Street House; 1874, Benjamin Bricker, Builder, at WoodstockPlace. Adopted by City Council on December 10, 1975.

320 Carlton Street House; 1877. Adopted by City Council on December 10,1975.

397 Carlton Street House; 1883. Adopted by City Council on December 10,1975.



419 – 421 Carlton Street Semi-detached house; 1886. Adopted by City Council onDecember 10, 1975.

2 – 16 Flagler Street Row housing; 1889. Adopted by City Council onDecember 10, 1975.

1 – 21 Laurier Avenue Row housing; c.1889. Adopted by City Council onDecember 10, 1975.

2 – 22 Laurier Avenue Row housing; c.1889. Adopted by City Council onDecember 10, 1975.

635 Parliament Street St. James the Less, Chapel, 1858, Cumberland & Storm.Adopted by City Council on December 10, 1975.

635 Parliament Street St. James the Less, fence & gate, 1905, Darling & Pearson.Adopted by City Council on June 20, 1973.

635 Parliament Street St. James Cemetery; Austin Tomb. Adopted by CityCouncil on November 21 & 23, 1973.

635 Parliament Street St. James Cemetery; Brock Tomb. Adopted by CityCouncil on November 21 & 23, 1973.

635 Parliament Street St. James Cemetery; Gooderham Tomb. Adopted by CityCouncil on November 21 & 23, 1973.

635 Parliament Street St. James Cemetery; Gzowski Tomb. Adopted by CityCouncil on November 21 & 23, 1973.

635 Parliament Street St. James Cemetery; Howland Tomb. Adopted by CityCouncil on November 21 & 23, 1973.

635 Parliament Street St. James Cemetery; Jarvis Tomb. Adopted by City Councilon November 21 & 23, 1973.

635 Parliament Street St. James Cemetery; Severs Tomb. Adopted by CityCouncil on November 21 & 23, 1973.

483 – 485 Sackville Street Semi-detached house; c.1889-90. Adopted by City Councilon December 10, 1975.

487 – 503 Sackville Street Row housing; c.1889. Adopted by City Council onDecember 10, 1975.



46 Salisbury Avenue House; 1887. Adopted by City Council on December 10,1975.

62 – 82 Salisbury Avenue Row housing; 1889, David Carlyle and David J. Carlyle,builders. Adopted by City Council on December 10, 1975.

384 Sumach Street House; 1886. Adopted by City Council on June 20, 1973.

410 – 412 Sumach Street House; 1884. Adopted by City Council on December 10,1975.

440 – 444 Sumach Street Row of cottages; 1888. Adopted by City Council onDecember 10, 1975.

446 – 448 Sumach Street Pair of cottages; 1886. Adopted by City Council onDecember 10, 1975.

450 – 452 Sumach Street Pair of cottages; 1886. Adopted by City Council onDecember 10, 1975.

454 – 456 Sumach Street Pair of cottages; 1886; at Wellesley Street East (SW).Adopted by City Council on December 10, 1975.

1 – 3 Wellesley Avenue Semi-detached house; 1887. Adopted by City Council onDecember 10, 1975.












7 Wellesley Cottages House; 1890. Adopted by City Council on December 10,1975.

314 Wellesley Street E House; 1887. Adopted by City Council on December 10,1975.

316 - 324 Wellesley St. E Row of houses; 1888-1889. Adopted by City Council onDecember 10, 1975.


376 - 380 Wellesley St. E Row of houses; c.1888. Adopted by City Council onDecember 10, 1975.


390 Wellesley Street E “Owl House;” 1892, C. T. Jeffries, builder. Was known as402 Wellesley St. E. Adopted by City Council onNovember 21 & 23, 1973.


414 - 420 Wellesley St. E Row of houses; 1888. Adopted by City Council onDecember 10, 1975.

419 - 421 Wellesley St. E Semi-detached houses: James Logie House and Daniel J.Slade House; 1875. Adopted by City Council on September22, 1986.

422 - 428 Wellesley St. E Row of houses; 1888. Adopted by City Council onDecember 10, 1975.



423 Wellesley Street E Charles A. Scadding House; 1886, Knox & Elliot. Adoptedby City Council on January 10, 1983.

156 Winchester Street Daniel Lamb House; 1867; altered 1877. Adopted by CityCouncil on June 20, 1973.

191 Winchester Street Napier Simpson House (replica of Francy farmhouse) partof 201 Winchester Street. Adopted by City Council on June25, 1979.

200 Winchester Street Toronto Necropolis Chapel, gate lodge, 1872, H. Langley;altered 1933, J.F. Brown & Son. Adopted by City Councilon June 20, 1973.

201 Winchester Street Donnybrook Pavilion, see also 191 Winchester Street.Adopted by City Council on December 10, 1975.

Appendix EToronto Heritage Conservation Districts:

Permit Application Process

Cabbagetown North Appendix EHeritage Conservation District


CABBAGETOWN NORTH HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT:PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS

E 1.0 INTRODUCTION

Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act states that “no person, shall in the area defined bythe by-law {which designates the Heritage Conservation District} erect, demolish orremove any building or structure, or alter the external portions therefor, without apermit.” Council of the City of Toronto has adopted a process to streamline the issuanceof permits in Heritage Conservation Districts. The following is a brief discussion of theprocess, with appropriate modifications to provide for a local advisory committee in theCabbagetown North Area Heritage Conservation District.

E 2.0 WHEN NO HERITGE PERMIT IS REQUIRED

The Ontario Heritage Act is specific in that permits are only required for the exteriorportions of buildings or structures. Therefore, under the Act,

No Permit is Required For:

Interior alterations, and Landscaping, which includes plantings, walkways and driveways

In addition, City Council has deemed that, a permit is issued for the following alterationsto the external portions of a building or structure, and therefore,

No Permit is Required For:

An alteration that is not visible from a street, Exterior painting of wood, stucco or metal finishes, Repair, using the same materials, of existing exterior features, including roofs, wall

cladding, dormers, cresting, cupolas, cornices, brackets, columns, balustrades,porches and steps, entrances, windows, foundations and decorative wood, metal,stone or terra cotta,

Installations of eavestroughs, Weatherproofing, including installations of removable storm windows and doors,

caulking and weatherstripping, and Installations or exterior lights.

Although a permit is not required in the above instances, property owners and residentsare encouraged to conform to the spirit and intent of the District Plan and in particular,the conservation practice advisory notes contained in Part B, Section 5.



No heritage permits for cemeteries and/or parks are required for the following:

Maintenance of landscape, Alterations to the landscape, Maintenance of any roads, paths, signs, fences, drains and buildings, where

maintenance means the continuous protective care of existing materials, Application of pesticides in conformity with Toronto’s Pesticide By-law and other

relevant City policies and procedures Interments, including placement of cremated remains , Erection or alteration of structures less than 15 m3, unless identified in the heritage

character statement, and Any other activities provided for in a conservation plan prepared by the cemetery and

approved by the Manager, Heritage Preservation Services.

E 3.0 WHEN A HERITAGE PERMIT CAN BE ISSUED BY CITY STAFF

In Heritage Conservation Districts, City Council has authorized the Commissioner ofEconomic Development, Culture and Tourism to issue permits on behalf of Council whenthe work is compatible with the guidelines for the Heritage Conservation District. Thework can involve construction of a building or structure or alteration to the exterior of abuilding or structure, excluding those matters set out in Section E 2.0 above. Theguidelines for the Cabbagetown North Area Heritage Conservation District are containedin Part C, Section 6, 7, 8 and 9 of this document.

The permit will be issued subject to:

the applicant not making material changes to plans, specifications, documents orother information that forms the basis for issuing the permit, and

the applicant carrying out the work in accordance with the plans, specifications,documents or other information.

As indicated in the attached flow chart, applicants are encouraged to meet with thefollowing, before submitting a formal permit application:

1st the District Advisory Committee, and2nd staff of the Heritage Preservation Services in the Department of Economic

Development, Culture and Tourism.

These meetings will help City staff and the District Advisory Committee understand theproposal, determine whether the proposal complies with the guidelines. The meetingsalso afford the opportunity to discuss possible changes to a non-conforming applicationso that it might be amended to comply with the District Plan.



For any work requiring the issuance of a building permit, the building permit is deemedto be the Heritage Permit; no additional permit will be required. Should an alteration notrequire a building permit and it is not a matter for which a permit is deemed to have beenissued (section E 2.0), then a separate Heritage Permit will be required. See Section E6.0for the information required when applying for a Heritage Permit. The type of workinvolving such a Heritage Permit includes the following work visible from the street:aerials, antennas and skylights, new roof or basement vents, exterior air conditioningunits and replacing existing architectural features, such as windows. In addition,masonry cleaning and/or painting will require a Heritage Permit.

In delegating this authority to staff, City Council can decide that it, rather than staff, willmake a decision on a permit application. At any time prior to the issuance of a HeritagePermit, City Council, at the request of the Ward Councillor, can consider a specificHeritage Permit application.

E 4.0 WHEN CITY COUNCIL ISSUES HERITAGE PERMITS

When a Heritage Permit application does not comply with the District Plan guidelines(Part C, Section 6 of the Cabbagetown North District Plan) or when it involves thedemolition of a structure in the Heritage Conservation District, City Council will decideon the application. In making its decision, Council will be provided with the advice ofCity staff and the District Advisory Committee.

E 5.0 APPEALING CITY COUNCIL’S DECISION

Section 44 of the Ontario Heritage Act provides an appeal process. The applicant of aHeritage Permit may appeal the decision of Council on alterations to the exterior ofbuildings and structures to the Ontario Municipal Board.

E6.0 HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION CONTENT

An application for a permit for work in the District must contain the followinginformation:

Address of the property; Name and address of the property owner; Description of the proposed work, including any of the following:

- A site plan/sketch showing the location on the building of the proposedwork;

- drawings of the proposed work showing materials, dimensions and extentof the work to be undertaken;

- any written specifications or documentation for the proposed work;



- photographs showing the existing building condition where the work is totake place;

- any research or documentation in support of the proposal includingarchival photographs of the property, pictures or plans of similarly styledbuildings in the community; and

Signed statement by the owner authorizing the application.

Appendix FGlossary



GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS

baluster one of a number of short vertical members, often circular insection, used to support stair handrails or a porch railing.

balustrade a low parapet, a row of balusters with rail used on a terrace orbalcony.

bay a subdivision of a façade.

board and batten a wood cladding usually consisting of vertically applied boardswith a narrow raised strip or batten covering the joint.

bracket any overhanging member projecting from a wall or other body tosupport a weight acting outside the wall such as a cornice.

buttered joint a joint that recedes from the bottom to the top or mortar placed onthe end of a brick.

cladding the finish covering of an exterior wall of a frame building.

clapboard a wood cladding or horizontally-applied overlapping boards,usually thicker and straight-cut along the lower edge.

corbelling a horizontal projection on the face of a wall by more than onecourse of masonry, each projecting beyond the course below.

cross gable roof two intersecting gables at right angles to the roof ridge.

dentil a band of small, square, tooth-like blocks.

dormer a small roof and wall projection in a sloping roof to accommodatea window.

efflorescence an encrustation of soluble salts, commonly white, deposited on thesurface of masonry.

entablature a moulded or decorated projection crowning a wide, flat, mouldedor decorated band.

fanlight a semicircular window over the opening of a door with radiatingbars in the form of an open fan.

fenestration the arrangement and design of windows in a building.

finial a small roof ornament that terminates in a point.



flashings strips of waterproof material used to weather the joint betweenwalls and roofs, walls and windows and walls and chimneys.

flat roof a roof that is flat or nearly flat.

flush joint any joint finished flush to the surface.

gable the enclosing lines of a sloping roof.

glazing the glass surface of a window opening.

head the top of a window.

hipped roof a roof sloped on all four sides.

hood molding the projecting molding or arch over a door or window whetherinside or outside.

infill construction of a new building within an already built-upneighbourhood.

label a projecting moulding by the sides and over the top of an opening.

lintel a horizontal structural member that supports the weight of the wallabove an opening in a wall.

mansard roof a roof having a double slope, the lower slope being much lower.

moulding a decorative band or strip of material used in cornices and as a trimaround window and door openings.

muntin small slender bars holding panes in a window or door.

parapet low wall along the edge of a roof.

parging in masonry construction, a coat of cement mortar on roughmasonry or basement walls.

pendant an ornament suspended from the roof edge.

piers squared, freestanding, vertical members that are more substantialthan posts.

pilaster vertical, rectangular member projecting slightly from a wall.



quoin a projecting cornerstone at the angle of a building, often adecorative masonry unit.

regular struck joint a horizontal masonry joint in which the mortar is sloped inwardand downward from the upper edge.

repoint the removal of existing mortar from joints and replacement withnew mortar.

ribbon joint a horizontal masonry joint with a small, ribbon-like appearance.

rodded joint a horizontal masonry joint produced by taking a small rod andstriking the surface to produce a concave joint.

sash any framework of a window; may be moveable or fixed.

scrollwork ornamental work of any kind in which a scroll consisting ofspirally-wound band, or line of scroll-like characters, are anelement.

semi-recessed joint a horizontal masonry joint where the mortar is pressed back 6mmfrom the face of the wall.

setback required distance, established by a zoning by-law, from propertyline to the face of building foundation.

shiplap a wood cladding with a shallow groove formed by a notched edgefitting over the thin upper edge of a board below.

sill the bottom horizontal framing member connecting the wall studs tothe foundation.

spalling the flaking of brickwork due to frost, chemical action or movementof the building structure.

spindle in woodworking, a short, turned part such as in a baluster.

steep pitch the pitch rises more than fifty-five degrees.

stucco a plaster, or mixture of lime, cement, sand and any other aggregate,applied with various textures to cover or sheath a surface.

thumbed joint a narrow, concave horizontal mortar joint.

transom bar a horizontal member that separates a door from a window, panel orlouvre above.



transom light a glazed light above the transom bar.

tucked joint a mortar joint which is cleaned out and then filled with fine mortar,projecting out slightly.

vergeboard a board that hangs from the protecting end of a roof, covering thegables, often elaborately carved and ornamented.

vestibule small entry room or interior space at entrance to a building.

voussoir a flat or curved structural arch over a structural opening such as adoor or window, composed of wedge-shaped pieces that are of thesame height.

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