Under the Ontario Heritage Act, the Township of North Dundas maintains a register of designated heritage properties. These properties are recognized for their cultural, historical, and architectural significance.
For more information about the Ontario Heritage Act and how heritage properties are designated and protected across the province, visit the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Heritage Register.
Designated Heritage Properties
Address:
519 St. Lawrence Street, WinchesterDesignation:
Designated under the Ontario Heritage ActWhy it matters:
The Winchester United Church is a prominent landmark in the former village of Winchester and has played an important role in the community since the late 19th century. Its location, scale, and distinctive design make it a defining feature of the area’s heritage character.Architectural significance:
Completed in 1886, the church is one of the best examples in the Township of late-Victorian Gothic Revival architecture adapted to Methodist worship. Key features include steeply sloped roofs, decorative gable ends, Gothic-style windows, a tall octagonal spire, and a central cupola. The building is constructed of local limestone and retains much of its original design and materials.Historical significance:
The church was built during a significant period in the history of Methodism in Canada and reflects the growth of religious institutions in North Dundas during the late 1800s. The limestone used in its construction was sourced locally, and the building is associated with early skilled stoneworkers who contributed to several historic structures in the area.Name of The Owner: United Church Canada.
- Image
Address:
14 Victoria Street, ChestervilleDesignation:
Designated under the Ontario Heritage ActWhy it matters:
The Chesterville & District Heritage Centre is a key historic building that reflects the early development of Chesterville and its role as a community hub. The building has served many public functions over more than a century and continues to be an important cultural resource.Architectural significance:
Built in 1867, the building is a simple rectangular brick structure with a strong symmetrical design. Notable features include a large central doorway, tall rectangular windows, limestone detailing, and an engraved date stone above the entrance reading “Town Hall 1867.” The exterior was restored in 1985 to reflect its original appearance.Historical significance:
Originally constructed as the Township’s first municipal hall, the building has served many roles over the years, including a town hall, school, court, cinema, theatre, police station, temporary jail, and community meeting space. Today, it is used by the Chesterville & District Historical Society as a museum, archive, and research centre.Name of The Owner: Township of North Dundas.
Address:
86 King Street, ChestervilleDesignation:
Designated under the Ontario Heritage ActWhy it matters:
The property at 86 King Street is recognized for its well-preserved architecture and its connection to early professional life in Chesterville. It is an excellent example of a historic residential building that contributes to the character of the community.Architectural significance:
Built in 1904, the house is a fine example of a fully developed Victorian-era “compound house.” Architectural features include an octagonal turret, multiple bay window styles, decorative fish-scale detailing, denticulated cornices, and large front brackets, giving the building a distinctive and picturesque appearance.Historical significance:
The house was originally built for Doctor George Ellis and functioned as both a residence and a medical practice. It included a surgery room, waiting room, and a separate entrance for patients, making it a rare and well-preserved example of a country doctor’s residence from the early 20th century.Name of The Owner: HOLMES, SHARON SHARKEY & HOLMES BRUCE MICHAEL, HOLMES JORDAN ALEXANDER
86 King Street, Chesterville – Heritage Attributes and Designation By-law
- Image
Address:
478 Main Street, WinchesterDesignation:
Designated under the Ontario Heritage ActWhy it matters:
The Old Winchester Town Hall is a long-standing civic landmark that has served as a focal point for political, social, and community life in Winchester for over a century. Its preservation helps maintain the historic character of the village core.Architectural significance:
Completed in 1904, the two-storey brick building is a well-preserved example of turn-of-the-century rural municipal architecture. Notable features include decorative red brick facades, intricate cornices, round-headed windows, limestone detailing, a shingled hose tower, and an elegant bell cupola.Historical significance:
Originally built to house municipal offices, a council chamber, and a fire hall, the building has also served as a jail, courthouse, movie hall, school, and police station. Its long history of civic use reflects the growth and development of Winchester as a community.Name of the Owner: Township of North Dundas
Old Winchester Town Hall (478 Main Street) – Designation By-law No. 30-99