Bayfield Heritage Conservation District Plan Update

Project Overview

In the summer of 2023, the Municipality of Bluewater initiated an update to the Bayfield Heritage Conservation District (“HCD”) Plan, engaging a consultant team led by GSP Group in collaboration with ERA Architects Inc. Established in 1982 and one of the first HCDs in the province, the Bayfield HCD acknowledged the unique heritage character of the village, and aimed to preserve the history of Main Street, Clan Gregor Square, and Elgin Place through its built environment. The Bayfield HCD included 28 buildings, thus designating these properties under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act.

This study involves a comprehensive review of the Bayfield HCD and will result in an updated HCD Plan. The process will include an assessment of the District boundary, the development of policies and guidelines based on the findings of the HCD Study, public input, and the existing and future land-use planning context and associated guidelines and policies. The project is divided into four phases:

1. Preliminary Study and Evaluation: This phase assesses existing properties in the district, including non-contributing structures and potential boundary expansions. It examines the evolution of architectural styles, landform features, landscape design and patterns of use over time, including tourism and recreation.
2. Community Engagement and Objective Setting: Community input is crucial. Residents, stakeholders, and officials help shape project objectives, research approaches, and subsequent phases.
3. Development of Guidelines and Policy Directives: Building on community insights, preliminary guidelines and policies will be drafted. These will be presented to the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee and Bluewater Council for review.
4. Finalization and Submission: The project findings are crystallized into a draft Bayfield HCD plan. This plan includes updated statements of significance, historical analysis, objectives, policies, guidance on permits, and a training session for the Heritage Advisory Committee. It prepares the HCD for municipal approval.

Study Area

The Study Area includes the properties identified in the current Bayfield HCD, as well as those around Clan Gregor Square and along Main Street North which opted out in the original Plan. There is the potential to expand the District boundary based on community input.

Get Involved!

We will conduct public engagements throughout the study process. All residents, property owners, business owners, developers, and any other interested parties are invited to attend and participate in open houses to ask questions, share information, and provide feedback on the study. Information about the time, date, and location of public meetings will be posted here as they are scheduled.

February 2024 Update - Heritage Analysis Report

ERA Architects have prepared a Heritage Analysis Report for review and discussion at the Open House on February 7th and 8th. This report is available in the 'Documents' section on the right hand side of this page!

All images were graciously provided by the Bayfield Historical Society.

This project is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Municipality of Bluewater.