First and Second Street Heritage Conservation District Study and Plan

The First and Second Street Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study and Plan encompasses 66 properties in a historical residential neighbourhood on the shores of Lake Ontario. The District was designated prior to the 2005 updates to the Ontario Heritage Act. To ensure the First and Second Street Heritage Conservation District complies with current heritage practices, an update to the HCD Plan document was required. EVOQ worked closely with the Town of Oakville to develop an understanding of the heritage character and existing conditions of the residential District. This analysis was published in a Heritage Assessment Report in February 2015. EVOQ developed comprehensive policies and guidelines for the conservation of historic properties and the development on non-historic properties. These guidelines provide clarity on managing change in the District, including massing and lot coverage, contemporary design and materials, landscape conservation, and design on public and private properties. EVOQ worked with two focus groups representing property owners, architects and real estate professionals to build consensus. The HCD Plan received unanimous council approval.