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.
1793
Village Founded
100%
Grassroots Led
3,400+
Community Voice
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.
Critical updates regarding proposed 7 & 8 storey developments in the Ancaster Village Core.
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:
Download March 23 OLT Case Details (PDF)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:
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.
“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.”
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.
Advocating for scale, density, and design that harmonizes with our historic streetscape rather than overwhelming infrastructure, roads, and village character.
Tackling regional traffic gridlock at Wilson & Rousseaux, preserving century-old tree canopies, and giving residents an organized voice at Municipal and OLT hearings.
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.
Stay informed on development proposals, traffic studies, heritage preservation cases, and grassroots community actions.
Urgent AlertMarch 12, 2025
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.
OLT HearingMarch 2025
The 7 storey proposal for the corner of Wilson Street East and Rousseaux is back on appeal at the Ontario Land Tribunal.
Community TrafficJune 4, 2024
Wilson & Rousseaux is reputed to be the busiest intersection in the Region. An intensive high-density development threatens to exacerbate safety risks.
Traffic SafetyAugust 25, 2025
Old Dundas Road to be closed at Wilson. AVHC supports key traffic calming steps to preserve village safety.
Heritage & NatureAugust 18, 2025
Joseph Veloce appeals to Ontario Land Tribunal after Committee of Adjustment denies 6 townhome severance at 40 Church.
VisionJune 20, 2025
AVHC supports thoughtful growth that respects village heritage, pedestrian safety, scale, and environmental sustainability.
Add your voice to Ancaster Village Heritage Community. Members receive hearing alerts, town hall notices, and advocacy guides.
100% of community donations go directly toward legal counsel, heritage planning consultants, and tribunal representation to protect Ancaster’s historic core.
No security question required for auto-deposit.
Ancaster Village Heritage Community is a grassroots volunteer association.
Email historical photos, neighborhood updates, or inquiries directly to our administrative team:
admin@saveancaster.caAncaster is one of Upper Canada’s oldest towns, founded in 1793. Explore historical streetscapes, early homesteads, mills, and landmark structures that form our community heritage.
340-342 Wilson St Heritage Home
Old Ancaster Village Streetscape
Historic Commercial Buildings
Wilson Street in early 1900s
Ancaster Heritage Residence
Classic Village Architecture
Early Settlement Structure
Traditional Ancaster Brick Building
Old Ancaster Horse & Carriage Era
Wilson Street Intersection Vintage
Historic Ancaster Storefronts
Ancaster Heritage Church
Ancaster Village Landmark
Historical Town Center Gathering
Old Dundas Road Junction
Ancaster Community Archives
Preserved Village Exterior
Historic Mill Area Perspective
AVHC Preservation Display
Ancaster Village Street View
Traditional Ancaster Home Exterior
Village Green Heritage Area
Ancaster Historical Property Preservation
Heritage District Architecture
Vintage Ancaster Residence
Historic Stone Cottage
Mid-Century Wilson Street view
Old Ancaster Village Core Map/View
Historic Bridge & Waterway
Old Ancaster Commercial Row
Historical Wilson Street East
Ancaster Village Heritage Community Archive
Ancaster Historic Stone House