Urgent ActionOLT Hearing March 23 & Planning Meeting March 24View Details & How to Participate
Ancaster Village Heritage Community Logo
Ancaster VillageHeritage Community
Canada's Historic Gem • Established 1793

Ancaster Village Heritage Community

A vibrant grassroots organization celebrating the history of one of Canada’s oldest communities, safeguarding our historic streetscapes, mature tree canopy, and quality of life.

Support Our Preservation Work

Donate via E-Transfer to admin@saveancaster.ca to support legal representation and community advocacy at OLT hearings.

Active OLT Cases & UpdatesWatch Village Tour

1793

Village Founded

100%

Grassroots Led

3,400+

Community Voice

A Tour Through Ancaster, Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦
By Shawn Vandevenne

Join us as we explore the treasures of Ancaster, Ontario. A key landmark of the Greater Hamilton Area, home to Tiffany Falls, Griffin House, St. John’s Church, and historic Wilson Street East.

Urgent Hearing & Planning Updates

Official Notices & Tribunal Appeals

Critical updates regarding proposed 7 & 8 storey developments in the Ancaster Village Core.

Updated Spring 2026
Decision IssuedOLT Case # OLT-25-000782

442, 450, 454 & 462 Wilson Street East (Brandon House Site)

Ancaster Village Core, City of Hamilton

Merit Hearing Postponed To

March 2, 2027

Preliminary Hearing: March 23, 2026

Ruling Issued: The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) has issued a decision postponing the main Merit Hearing for the 7-storey proposal at the Brandon House site until March 2, 2027.

OLT Case Coordinator Contact:

Haris Imtiaz

Email: haris.imtiaz@ontario.ca

Toronto Phone: (416) 569-0552 • Toll Free: 1-866-448-2248

Official Documentation:

Review full publications, hearing notices and annual reports:

View March 23 OLT Case Details
Planning Committee NoticeHamilton City Hall

392, 398, 400, 406, 412 Wilson St & 15 Lorne Ave (Urban Solutions 8-Storey Proposal)

Corner of Wilson St & Academy St, Ancaster

Public Meeting Date

March 24 at 9:30 AM

Council Chambers, 2nd Fl, 71 Main St W

Formal notice has been received for the Hamilton City Hall Planning Committee meeting regarding Urban Solutions' proposal for an 8-storey condominium complex at Wilson & Academy Sts. This proposed massive complex would also relocate the historic Marr-Phillipo house onto Lorne Avenue.

4 Ways You Can Participate & Protect Ancaster:

  1. Attend in person or virtually: Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 71 Main St. West.
  2. Register to speak: Request delegation status on the City website.
  3. Submit pre-recorded video: Provide recorded comments prior to meeting.
  4. Written comments: Email clerk@hamilton.ca by 12 PM on March 23.
Official Hamilton Planning NoticeRead Community Debrief on Urban Solutions Meeting
Tree Canopy & Zoning Appeal40 Church Inc. Appeal

40 Church Street Minor Variance & Townhome Severance Appeal

40 Church St, Ancaster Village Core

Status

City Denied • OLT Appeal Active

Proposal for 6 Street Townhouse Units

The owner of 40 Church St is appealing the Committee of Adjustment denial to sever the residential lot into six (6) lots for two townhouse blocks. AVHC is actively seeking participant status to protect neighborhood character, traffic safety, and mature trees.

AVHC Announcement

In Memoriam: James K. “Jim” Macleod

“It is with great sadness AVHC announces the passing of James K. ‘Jim’ Macleod, our President and Treasurer. Jim’s voice, guidance and humour are suddenly quiet, however his impact will endure. He will be greatly missed.”

View Memorial Tribute & Obituary at Bay Gardens, Burlington →
Jim MacleodPresident & TreasurerHonouring His Legacy
A Message From Ancaster Village Heritage

“Our mission is to preserve Ancaster’s precious heritage, to promote positive development as our community evolves and expands, and to ensure the safety and quality of life of the town’s residents.”

Heritage Preservation

Protecting landmark properties like Marr-Phillipo House, Brandon House, Old Town hall, and the unique stone and timber architecture that defines Canada's historic town.

Positive Development

Advocating for scale, density, and design that harmonizes with our historic streetscape rather than overwhelming infrastructure, roads, and village character.

Community Safety & Canopy

Tackling regional traffic gridlock at Wilson & Rousseaux, preserving century-old tree canopies, and giving residents an organized voice at Municipal and OLT hearings.

Executive Summary: Street Townhomes Could be Built With Little Notice

Recent zoning changes by Hamilton City Council now allow single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and street townhomes to be built “as of right” in older Ancaster neighborhoods previously zoned as Existing Residential (ER). This is a significant change that impacts mature lots, tree canopy, stormwater drainage, and traffic. AVHC continues to monitor applications and advocate for responsible neighborhood standards.

Community News & Special Reports

Key Issues Facing Ancaster

Stay informed on development proposals, traffic studies, heritage preservation cases, and grassroots community actions.

DEVELOPER RE-FILES FOR AN 8 STOREY BUILDING IN ANCASTER VILLAGE COREUrgent Alert

March 2025

DEVELOPER RE-FILES FOR AN 8 STOREY BUILDING IN ANCASTER VILLAGE CORE

The new application appears to replicate a previous proposal for the same building that failed to gain approval in 2024, even after an appeal to the Ontario Divisional Court. The proposed development spans from 392 to 412 Wilson Street East and involves relocating the Marr Philippo House from its current streetscape location to the back corner of the lot. The planned location is essentially out of sight, in an area more commonly used for facilities like maintenance sheds. This represents a disappointing fate for a historic Heritage building.

Read Full Article
MARR PHILIPPO HOUSE IN GRAVE DANGER AS DEVELOPER RE-FILES FOR AN 8 STOREY BUILDING IN ANCASTER VILLAGE COREUrgent Alert

March 12, 2025

MARR PHILIPPO HOUSE IN GRAVE DANGER AS DEVELOPER RE-FILES FOR AN 8 STOREY BUILDING IN ANCASTER VILLAGE CORE

The new application is the same building that failed to gain approval in 2024 despite an attempt to take the matter to Ontario Divisional Court.

Read Full Article
7-Storey Retirement Facility Proposed for Former Brandon House Property in AncasterOLT Hearing

March 2025

7-Storey Retirement Facility Proposed for Former Brandon House Property in Ancaster

The 7 storey proposal for the corner of Wilson Street East and Rousseaux is back on appeal at the Ontario Land Tribunal.

Read Full ArticlePDF
It Takes a Village – To Create a Traffic Problem at Wilson & RousseauxCommunity Traffic

June 4, 2024

It Takes a Village – To Create a Traffic Problem at Wilson & Rousseaux

Wilson & Rousseaux is reputed to be the busiest intersection in the Region. An intensive high-density development threatens to exacerbate safety risks.

Read Full Article
ACTION TO CUT LODOR, ACADEMY AND CHURCH CUT-THROUGH TRAFFICTraffic Safety

August 25, 2025

ACTION TO CUT LODOR, ACADEMY AND CHURCH CUT-THROUGH TRAFFIC

Old Dundas Road to be closed at Wilson. AVHC supports key traffic calming steps to preserve village safety.

Read Full Article
Community Tree Watch – Tree Canopy Under Threat at 40 Church StHeritage & Nature

August 18, 2025

Community Tree Watch – Tree Canopy Under Threat at 40 Church St

Joseph Veloce's 6-townhome proposal at 40 Church Street puts at least 12 magnificent trees on Lodor Street in extreme danger. AVHC asks Maywood residents to keep watch.

Read Full Article
WHAT IS POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT?Vision

June 20, 2025

WHAT IS POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT?

AVHC supports thoughtful growth that respects village heritage, pedestrian safety, scale, and environmental sustainability.

Join Our Grassroots Movement

Become an AVHC Member

Add your voice to Ancaster Village Heritage Community. Members receive hearing alerts, town hall notices, and advocacy guides.

Security Check: What is 9 + 4?