NEW RELEASE
TOWN OF BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY
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The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, with the support of heritage planning consultants Archaeological Research Associates (ARA), has been investigating ways to preserve the heritage value of Bond Head.
One of the options being considered is designating a Heritage Conservation District within Bond Head. Municipalities have the ability to give this designation to areas whose cultural heritage value contributes to a sense of place, extending beyond their individual buildings, structures and landscapes. The designation recognizes the collective heritage value of districts that have common threads such as architecture, time period, and a special character or historical association that distinguishes it from its surroundings.
Bond Head is considered one of the oldest hamlets in Simcoe County, with recorded history dating back to the 1820s. Bond Head currently boasts more than 40 buildings over 100 years old, and several over 150 years old. Many are still in use and in excellent condition.
The study began a year ago following a recommendation from the town’s Heritage Committee. ARA conducted research along with a significant amount of public consultation including an open house, survey and interviews with stakeholders. They reported their findings to town council on March 19 with the conclusion that there is in fact potential for a Heritage Conservation District in Bond Head, and that further study is warranted.
Council approved moving on to the next stage, which will include more specific study into things like the historic development of the village and refining the potential boundaries of the district.
Public consultation continues in this stage with an open house and interactive walking tour on Wednesday, May 8. Anyone interested is invited to meet at Bond Head Hall at 2892 County Road 27 for either the noon to 2:10 p.m., or 6 p.m. to 8:10 p.m. session, starting with the walking tour followed by a meeting and discussion. Researchers will also be available from 2:10 p.m. to 4 p.m. for one-on-one consultation. People are encouraged to bring any historic documents, photos, maps, etc. that might assist in the research.
More information on the event and the project is available online at townofbwg.com/BondHeadHCD, and anyone interested is encouraged to sign up via the website to receive email notifications of future activities.
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