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Report To: Planning and Development Committee
Date of Meeting: February 9, 2026 Report Number: PDS-015-26
Authored By: Alicia da Silva, Planner I, Community Planning
Submitted By: Darryl Lyons, Deputy CAO, Planning and Infrastructure
Reviewed By: Mary-Anne Dempster, CAO
By-law Number: Resolution Number:
File Number:
Report Subject: Intention to Pursue Heritage Designation – Multiple Properties on Centre
Street, Bowmanville
Recommendations:
1.That Report PDS-015-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be
received;
2.That the Clerk issue a Notice of Intention to Designate the following properties as a
cultural heritage resource as individual designations under Part IV of the Ontario
Heritage Act;
a.38 Centre Street, Bowmanville
b.50 Centre Street, Bowmanville
c. 54 Centre Street, Bowmanville
d.64 Centre Street, Bowmanville
3.That the Clerk prepare the necessary by-laws if no objection(s) are received within
30 days after the date of publication of the Notice of Intention or staff will report back
to Council regarding objection(s); and
4.That all interested parties listed in Report PDS-015-26 and any delegations be
advised of Council’s decision.
PD-023-26
Municipality of Clarington Page 2
Report PDS-015-26
Report Overview
The subject properties have been identified as containing significant heritage attributes,
indicating they meets the designation criteria outlined in O.Reg 9/06 based on cultural
heritage evaluations and consultation with the Clarington Heritage Committee (CHC).
Municipality of Clarington Staff recommend the designation of the following properties under
Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act:
1. 38 Centre Street, Bowmanville
2. 50 Centre Street, Bowmanville
3. 54 Centre Street, Bowmanville
4. 64 Centre Street, Bowmanville
Council holds the responsibility to designate a property when it concludes that the property
meets the criteria outlined in Ontario Regulation 9/06 of the Ontario Heritage Act, indicating
cultural heritage value or interest. Designation ensures the future of these significant cultural
resources are appropriately conserved and continue to be an integral part of Clarington’s
history. Report PDS-015-26 recommends the subject properties be designated under Part IV
of the Ontario Heritage Act.
1. Background
Introduction
1.1 Cultural heritage is important to reflect the history, traditions, and values of a
community. It also contributes to a sense of place that fosters a community's identity
and cohesion.
1.2 Clarington’s two Official Plans, Envision Durham, the Region of Durham Official Plan
and the Clarington Official Plan contain policies that promote the protection and
conservation of significant cultural heritage resources. These policies align with the
goals of enhancing community health and safety and improving the quality of life for
residents.
1.3 Council holds the responsibility to designate a property under Part IV of the Ontario
Heritage Act (OHA) when it concludes that the property meets the criteria outlined in
Ontario Regulation 9/06 (O.Reg 9/06), indicating cultural heritage value or interest. A
property is required to meet two or more criteria outlined in O.Reg.9/06 to be
designated.
Bill 23 and the Municipal Register
1.4 The OHA was amended by the More Homes Built Faster Act (Bill 23), which came into
effect on November 28, 2022. Bill 23 amended the OHA in that a non-designated listed
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Report PDS-015-26
property on the Municipal Register must be removed from the Register after two years if
no Notice of Intention to Designate has been issued.
1.5 Clarington has 49 listed properties on the Municipal Register that must be evaluated
and a Notice of Intention to Designate the property (if warranted) given prior to January
1, 2027 or they will be automatically removed from the list. Evaluation of the listed
properties is underway in accordance with the criteria under the OHA.
1.6 In the past months, three separate Staff reports have recommended designating a total
of 23 properties under Part IV of the OHA including:
a. PDS-035-25 which recommended designation of five properties,
b. PDS-067-25 which recommended designation of one property, and
c. PDS-003-26 which recommended designation of 17 properties.
1.7 The Clarington Heritage Committee (CHC) is actively reviewing the 33 remaining listed
properties and will provide recommendations to Council to ensure all properties are
assessed before the legislated deadline. Council provided budget for the completion of
the evaluations in 2023.
Properties Proposed to be Designated
1.8 The Clarington Heritage Committee (CHC) conducted a preliminary evaluation of the
following properties which are listed on the Municipal Register. See Figures 1-6 below.
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Report PDS-015-26
Figure 1: Map of Subject Properties in Bowmanville, Ontario
Municipality of Clarington Page 5
Report PDS-015-26
1.9 Using the CHC subcommittee’s preliminary evaluation information as a foundation,
Archaeological Research Associates Ltd. (ARA) conducted their own assessments and
completed Cultural Heritage Evaluation Reports for the subject properties. Each ARA
report concluded that the property possessed significant heritage attributes, met the
designation criteria outlined in O. Reg. 9/06, and recommended that the property be
designated under Part IV of the OHA.
1.10 The Statement of Significance and List of Character-Defining Features for the subject
properties can be found in Attachments 1-4 of this report.
2. Protecting Cultural Heritage Resources
2.1 The conservation of significant natural, cultural, and archaeological resources is a
matter of provincial interest identified in the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) 2024,
which is reinforced by the OHA.
Figure 2: 64 Centre Street Figure 3: 38 Centre Street
Figure 4: 54 Centre Street Figure 5: 50 Centre Street
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Report PDS-015-26
2.2 The PPS includes policies that promote the protection of heritage properties. According
to Section 4.6, protected heritage properties can contain both built heritage resources or
cultural heritage landscapes and shall be conserved. Planning authorities are
encouraged to develop and implement proactive strategies for conserving significant
built heritage resources and cultural heritage landscapes. Designation provides a
mechanism to achieve the necessary protection.
3. Legislation
Ontario Heritage Act
3.1 The OHA empowers a municipality to pass a by-law to designate properties that it
considered to be of cultural heritage significance, in consultation with its Heritage
Committee. The CHC supports the designation of the subject properties.
3.2 The OHA outlines the process to designate a property. Now that the CHC has
recommended the designation to Council, the next step in the designation process
(should Council support the designation) is publishing the Notice of Intention to
Designate in the locally circulated newspaper and the municipal website. A summary
description of the heritage designation process is found in Attachment 5 of this report.
3.3 Once a property is designated by by-law under Part IV of the OHA, the property owner
is required to obtain consent for any proposed significant alterations to the building’s
heritage features that are listed in the designation by-law, or for demolition of all or part
of the structure, or its significant attributes.
Envision Durham: Durham Region Official Plan
3.4 Envision Durham, the Durham Region Official Plan, outlines objectives for complete
communities, which includes promoting the conservation, protection and enhancement
of built and cultural heritage resources and landscapes. This section encourages
municipalities to utilize the OHA to conserve, protect and enhance the built and cultural
heritage resources of the municipality.
3.5 Envision Durham prioritizes the recognition, conservation, and enhancement of cultural
heritage such as downtowns, historical areas, scenic lookout areas, archaeological sites
or natural elements that are valued together for their interrelationship, meaning or
association with the community.
Clarington Official Plan
3.6 Promoting cultural heritage conservation is identified as a goal to foster civic pride and a
sense of place, strengthen the local economy and enhance the quality of life for
Clarington residents. Section 8 of the Clarington Official Plan, 2018 directs the
designation of cultural heritage resources under Part IV of the OHA, with assistance
from the CHC, in support of achieving the Municipality’s cultural heritage objectives.
Municipality of Clarington Page 7
Report PDS-015-26
4. Communications
4.1 Prior to completing the Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report for the listed properties, a
letter was sent to the property owners of the subject properties in September 2024
inviting them to a heritage information session which took place in October 2024. They
were also notified that the municipality was starting the heritage evaluation process for
their property.
4.2 Staff communicated with the subject property owners via registered mail sharing that
Cultural Heritage Evaluation Reports had been completed on their properties and
offering to provide a copy of the reports. Property owners were invited to contact
Planning and Infrastructure Services staff to discuss the consultant’s evaluation. They
were also invited to attend the Clarington Heritage Committee meeting either virtually or
in-person when the report was being discussed.
4.3 Property owners have been notified of the CHC’s recommendations and that a staff
report would be presented to the Planning & Development Committee February 9, 2026,
recommending the designation of the subject properties under Part IV of the OHA. One
property owner has engaged with Staff, and none of the subject property owners have
expressed objection to designation.
5. Properties Recommended for Designation
5.1 This section provides an overview of each property recommended for designation.
64 Centre Street
5.2 64 Centre Street is located on the west side of Centre Street in Bowmanville. The
property contains of a two-storey brick building constructed between 1877 and 1886 in
the Second Empire architectural style.
5.3 The property has design value as a rare and representative example of a residential
building constructed in the Second Empire architectural style in Bowmanville. The
property is also important in supporting the 19th and early 20th century residential
streetscape along Centre Street, located within the historic Town of Bowmanville.
5.4 The Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report indicates the property meets the designation
criteria and recommends the property be designated. The report was circulated to the
CHC and was reviewed by Staff.
5.5 The CHC passed Motion 25.76 in December of 2025 to recommend to Council the
designation of the property under Part IV of the OHA. Staff notified the property owner
of the Committee recommendation.
5.6 See Attachment 1 for the detailed Statements of Significance and List of Character-
Defining Features.
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Report PDS-015-26
38 Centre Street
5.7 38 Centre Street is located on the west side of Centre Street in Bowmanville. The
subject property contains a two-storey building constructed between 1879 and 1891 in
the Italianate architectural style.
5.8 The property has design value as a representative example of a residential building
constructed in the Italianate architectural style. The property is also important in
supporting the 19th and early 20th century residential streetscape along Centre Street,
located within the historic Town of Bowmanville.
5.9 The Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report indicates the property meets the designation
criteria and recommends the property be designated. The report was circulated to the
CHC and was reviewed by Staff.
5.10 The CHC passed Motion 25.77 in December of 2025 to recommend to Council the
designation of the property under Part IV of the OHA. Staff notified the property owner
of the Committee recommendation.
5.11 See Attachment 2 for the detailed Statements of Significance and List of Character-
Defining Features.
54 Centre Street
5.12 54 Centre Street is located on the west side of Centre Street in Bowmanville. The
subject property contains a two-and-a-half storey building constructed in circa 1934 in
the Tudor Revival architectural style.
5.13 The property has design value as a representative example of a residential building
constructed in the Tudor Revival architectural style. The property is also important in
supporting the 19th and early 20th century residential streetscape along Centre Street,
located within the historic Town of Bowmanville.
5.14 The Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report indicates the property meets the designation
criteria and recommends the property be designated. The report was circulated to the
CHC and was reviewed by Staff.
5.15 The CHC passed Motion 25.79 in December of 2025 to recommend to Council the
designation of the property under Part IV of the OHA. Staff notified the property owner
of the Committee recommendation.
5.16 See Attachment 3 for the detailed Statements of Significance and List of Character-
Defining Features.
Municipality of Clarington Page 9
Report PDS-015-26
50 Centre Street
5.17 50 Centre Street is located on the west side of Centre Street in Bowmanville. The
subject property consists of a two-storey, red brick Italianate building constructed circa
1881.
5.18 The property has design value as a representative example of a residential building
constructed in the Italianate architectural style. The property also has associative value
for its direct association with William Browning Couch, a Bowmanville merchant and
business owner who played a significant role in the commercial and civic matters and
helped shape the community’s educational system in the late 19th century. The property
is also important in supporting the 19th and early 20th century residential streetscape
along Centre Street, located within the historic Town of Bowmanville.
5.19 The Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report indicates the property meets the designation
criteria and recommends the property be designated. The report was circulated to the
CHC and was reviewed by Staff.
5.20 The CHC passed Motion 25.80 in December of 2025 to recommend to Council the
designation of the property under Part IV of the OHA. Staff notified the property owner
of the Committee recommendation.
5.21 See Attachment 4 for the detailed Statements of Significance and List of Character-
Defining Features.
6. Financial Considerations
6.1 Potential future financial consideration may be to hire external heritage consultants to
provide evidence at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) in support of designation if an
appeal is made. External legal services may also be required in the event of any
appeals to the OLT.
7. Strategic Plan
7.1 The Clarington Strategic Plan 2024-27 outlines the objectives to cultivate a strong,
thriving, and connected community where everyone is welcome. Designation of the
subject properties contributes to achieving one of the priorities (Connect 4.1) that
promotes and supports local arts, culture, and heritage sectors.
8. Climate Change
8.1 Not Applicable.
9. Concurrence
9.1 Not Applicable.
Municipality of Clarington Page 10
Report PDS-015-26
10. Conclusion
10.1 The Clarington Heritage Committee and Staff are in support of the designation of the
following properties under Part IV of the OHA:
1. 38 Centre Street, Bowmanville
2. 50 Centre Street, Bowmanville
3. 54 Centre Street, Bowmanville
4. 64 Centre Street, Bowmanville
10.2 Should no objections be received by the Municipal Clerk within 30 days of publishing the
Notice of Intention to designate, the proposed by-law designating the properties will be
forwarded to Council for approval. Alternatively, if an objection(s) is received, Staff will
provide a report to Council.
10.3 Upon designation, the owners of the properties will be presented with a bronze plaque
signifying the significance of the properties to the community and the Municipality as a
whole.
10.4 It is respectfully recommended that the Recommendations be adopted as presented .
Staff Contact: Alicia da Silva, Planner I, adasilva@clarington.net, 905-623-3379 ext. 2340 and
Lisa Backus, Manager of Community Planning, lbackus@clarington.net, 905 -623-3379 ext.
2413.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 to PDS-015-26
Attachment 2 to PDS-015-26
Attachment 3 to PDS-015-26
Attachment 4 to PDS-015-26
Attachment 5 to PDS-015-26
Interested Parties:
List of Interested Parties available from Department.
Attachment 1 to Report PDS-015-26
64 Centre Street, Bowmanville
Statement of Significance and List of Character-Defining Features
Description
64 Centre Street is located on the west side of Centre Street in Bowmanville,
Municipality of Clarington. The property contains of a two-storey brick building
constructed between 1877 and 1886 in the Second Empire architectural style.
Physical/Design Value
64 Centre Street has design value as a rare and representative example of a residential
building constructed in the Second Empire architectural style in Bowmanville. 64 Centre
Street is a two-storey, three-bay, brick building coursed in what appears to be a Flemish
bond on the façade and constructed overtop a fieldstone foundation. The Second
Empire style is expressed in the style’s distinctive hip mansard roof with co ncave roof
shape punctuated by arched dormers which creates a complete second storey. The
ornate wide overhanging eaves showcasing an ornamental cornice with rhythmically
placed wood brackets are also key characteristics of the Second Empire style, which
draws its inspiration from the Italianate style. The main building follows an L-shaped
plan with a balanced but asymmetrical composition. The rhythmically placed
segmentally arched window opening showcase brick voussoirs laid in soldier bond and
stone sills which are all features in keeping with the Second Empire architectural style.
The building showcases a rectangular window topped by a segmentally arched transom
with a decorative stain glass window and a one-storey canted bay window with
bracketed cornice and segmentally arched windows both of which add to stylistic
features of the building. 64 Centre Street was constructed between 1877 and 1866 and
according to local historians, the building’s mansard roof, which is the quintessential
characteristic of the Second Empire Style, is rare within the Town of Bowmanville.
Contextual Value
64 Centre Street is important in supporting the 19th and early 20th century residential
streetscape along Centre Street, located within the historic Town of Bowmanville. The
lot lines and block layout of the historic Town was well established in the late -19th
century as reflected in the commercial core found along King Street and the large
presence of residences located along several side streets. The development of the
residential area, which includes Centre Street, during this time played a significant ro le
in the social and economic development and reflected the growth of the historic Town of
Bowmanville. Located off or parallel to the commercial area along King Street, the
buildings in the Town’s historic residential area are comprised of predominantly one to
two-and-a-half storey residences, primarily brick construction and often showcase
2
ornate details. The location of the subject property on a along Centre Street, combined
with unique stylistic features and legibility as a late -19th century style, support the
character of the Centre Street streetscape and by extension the broader historic
residential area. The historic character is reinforced by the presence of large mature
trees and vegetations which consistently line both sides of Centre Street. When in
bloom, the tree canopy is so robust it created a tunnel which reinforces the areas
mature character, strengthens the continuity and relationship among houses, and
provides an aesthetic appeal to the streetscape. 64 Centre Street was constructed
between 1877 - 1886 and exhibits massing, style, and decorative details consistent with
cohesive late 19th century and early 20th century character of the Centre Street
streetscape which is further reinforced by the presence of a mature tree canopy.
Description of Heritage Attributes
64 Centre Street has design value as a rare and representative example of a residential
building constructed in the Second Empire architectural style in Bowmanville. The
property contains the following heritage attributes that reflect this value:
- Two-storey building constructed in the Second Empire architectural style
- Brick construction
- L-shaped plan with a balanced but asymmetrical composition
- Hip mansard roof with concave roofline and arched dormers
- Wide eaves with decorative cornice showcasing rhythmically placed wood
brackets and arched dormers
- Segmentally arched window openings with brick voussoirs
- Main level of façade showcases a rectangular window topped by a segmentally
arched transom with a decorative stain glass window
- One-storey Bay window with hip roof and bracketed cornice
64 Centre Street is important in supporting the 19th and early 20th century residential
streetscape associated located within the historic Town of Bowmanville. The property
contains the following heritage attributes that reflect this value:
- Two-storey building constructed in the Second Empire architectural style
- Overall form, massing, and setback
- Location on Centre Street
The following heritage attributes were provided by the Clarington Heritage Committee at
their meeting on December 16th, 2025:
- U-shaped window crowns, single-storey front porch, and stone foundation
- Notable past residents David and Roberta Higgon:
o David Higgon was the Superintendent of the Ontario Training School for
the Boys in the 1950s.
Attachment 2 to Report PDS-015-26
38 Centre Street, Bowmanville
Statement of Significance and List of Character-Defining Features
Description
38 Centre Street is located on the west side of Centre Street in the Town of
Bowmanville, in the Municipality of Clarington. The subject property contains a two -
storey building constructed between 1879 and 1891 in the Italianate architectural style .
Physical/Design Value
38 Centre Street has design value as a representative example of a residential building
constructed in the Italianate architectural style. 38 Centre Street is a two -storey, red
brick building coursed in Flemish bond and finished with buff brick detailing w ith a
balanced but asymmetrical composition. The buff brick detailing is not only on the
voussoirs but is found along foundation line, under roofline, on the stepped quoins
which frame the building and is a design feature often associated with the Italiana te
style. The hip roof with wide overhanging eaves showcases rhythmically placed wood
brackets which are the key characteristics of the Italianate style. The projecting section
along the façade, and side elevation, showcase paired segmentally arched window
openings accented with buff brick voussoirs on the upper level and a one -storey canted
bay window topped by a truncated hip roof with slightly overhanging eaves and
bracketed cornice on the main level which have tall, narrow windows accented by buff
brick voussoirs in keeping with Italianate stylistic features. The prominent rectangular
entrance opening is topped by a rectangular transom and flanked by a sidelight on one
side only and protected by a small two-storey porch supported by large, wood columns
with decorative capitals and includes wood railing. The remaining rhythmically placed
windows have segmentally arched or rectangular window opening with buff brick
voussoirs and are in keeping with the Italianate architectural style.
Contextual Value
38 Centre Street is important in supporting the 19th and early 20th century residential
streetscape along Centre Street, located within the historic Town of Bowmanville. The
lot lines and block layout of the historic Town was well established in the late -19th
century as reflected in the commercial core found along King Street and the large
presence of residences located along several side streets. The development of the
residential area, which includes Centre Street, during this time played a significant role
in the social and economic development and reflected the growth of the historic Town of
Bowmanville. Located off or parallel to the commercial area along King Street, the
buildings in the historical Town located along the side streets are comprised of
predominantly one to two-and-a-half storey residences, primarily brick construction and
2
often showcase ornate details. The location of the subject property fronting towards
Centre Street, combined with unique stylistic features and legibility as a late-19th
century style, support the character of the Centre Street streetscape and by extension
the broader historic residential area. The historic character is reinforced by the presence
of large mature trees and vegetations which consistently line both sides of Centre
Street. When in bloom, the tree canopy is so robust it created a tunnel which re inforces
the areas mature character, strengthens the continuity and relationship among houses,
and provides an aesthetic appeal to the streetscape. 38 Centre Street was constructed
between 1879 and 1891 and exhibits, massing, style, and decorative details consistent
with the cohesive 19th century and early 20th century character of the Centre Street
streetscape which is further reinforced by the presence of a mature tree canopy.
Description of Heritage Attributes
38 Centre Street has design value as a representative example of a residential building
constructed in the Italianate architectural style. The property contains the following
heritage attributes that reflect this value:
- Two-storey building constructed in the Italianate architectural style
- Red brick construction with buff brick detailing
o Buff brick detailing is found on voussoirs, foundation line, under roofline,
and on stepped quoins
- Balanced but asymmetrical composition
- Hip roof with wide eaves with decorative cornice showcasing rhythmically placed
wood brackets
- Rectangular entranceway opening topped by a rectangular transom and flanked
by a sidelight on one side only and protected by a small two-storey porch
supported by large, wood columns with decorative capitals and includes wood
railing
- Bay windows with truncated hip roof, bracketed cornice and tall, narrow, window
openings with buff brick voussoirs, topped by paired segmentally arched window
with buff brick voussoirs found on façade and on side elevation
- Rectangular and segmentally arched window openings with buff brick voussoirs
38 Centre Street is important in supporting the 19th and early 20th century residential
streetscape along Centre Street, located within the historic Town of Bowmanville. The
property contains the following heritage attributes that reflect this value:
- Two-storey building constructed in the Italianate architectural style
- Overall form, massing, and setback
- Location on corner lot fronting towards Centre Street
3
The following heritage attributes were provided by the Clarington Heritage Committee at
their meeting on December 16th, 2025:
- Notable resident Doctor Keith Slemon
o Dr. Slemon operated his medical practice from a dedicated space within
the home, accessible through the side door on the north side of the
property.
- Two trees on the property which are over 30 centimetres in diameter
o One tree fronting Centre St.
o One tree fronting Lowe St.
Attachment 3 to Report PDS-015-26
54 Centre Street, Bowmanville
Statement of Significance and List of Character-Defining Features
Description
54 Centre Street is located on the west side of Centre Street, Bowmanville, in the
Municipality of Clarington. The subject property contains a two-and-a-half storey
building constructed in circa 1934 in the Tudor Revival architectural style.
Physical/Design Value
54 Centre Street has design value as a representative example of a residential building
constructed in the Tudor Revival architectural style. 54 Centre Street is a two-and-a-half
storey, red brick building coursed in stretcher bond that follows a rectangular plan. The
subject building is topped by a hip roof intersected by the distinctive jerkinhead featur e
with boxed in return eaves along a portion of the façade. The Jerkinhead includes half
timbering with stucco infill and paired windows openings with simple trim surrounds,
which are distinguishing features associated with the Tudor Revival aesthetic and
composition. The wide overhanging eaves showcase a simple cornice with plain frieze
board and an ornate single stack brick chimney, with buff brick detailing is found on the
side elevation adds to the Tudor Revival aesthetic. 54 Centre Street showcases a
variety of window openings on the side elevations, however the notable façade ribbon
windows include a four window ribbon accented by decorative trim and dentils on the
main level which, while the upper level showcases an unadorned three window ribbon
composition. In keeping with the Tudor Revival style, the off-centre formal entranceway
has a rectangular opening topped by an ornated arched transom which is further
accentuate by the classical inspired gable portico design that accentuates the arch and
supported with ornate brackets.
Contextual Value
54 Centre Street is important in supporting the 19th and early 20th century residential
streetscape along Centre Street, located within the historic Town of Bowmanville. The
lot lines and block layout of the historic Town was well established in the late-19th
century as reflected in the commercial core found along King Street and the large
presence of residences located along several side streets. The development of the
residential area, which includes Centre Street, during this time played a significant role
in the social and economic development and reflected the growth of the historic Town of
Bowmanville. Located off or parallel to the commercial area along King Street, the
buildings in the historical Town located along the side streets are comprised of
predominantly one to two-and-a-half storey residences, primarily brick construction and
often showcase ornate details. The location of the subject property on a along Centre
2
Street, combined with unique stylistic features and legibility as a late-19th century style,
support the character of the Centre Street streetscape and by extension the broader
historic residential area. The historic character is reinforced by the presence of large
mature trees and vegetations which consistently line both sides of Centre Street. When
in bloom, the tree canopy is so robust it created a tunnel which reinforces the areas
mature character, strengthens the continuity and relationship among houses, and
provides an aesthetic appeal to the streetscape. 54 Centre Street was constructed in
1934 and exhibits, massing, style, and decorative details consistent with cohesive late
19th century and early 20th century character of the Centre Street streetscape which is
further reinforced by the presence of a mature tree canopy.
Description of Heritage Attributes
54 Centre Street has design value as a representative example of a residential building
constructed in the Tudor Revival architectural style. The property contains the following
heritage attributes that reflect this value:
- Two-and-a-half storey building constructed in the Tudor Revival architectural
style
- Red brick construction
- Hip roof with wide overhanging eaves
- Jerkinhead has boxed in eaves and includes half timbering with stucco infill and
paired windows openings
- Single stack red brick chimney, with buff brick detailing
o Façade ribbon windows Four window ribbon accented by decorative trim
and dentils on the main level
o Unadorned three window ribbon composition on upper level
- The off-centre formal entranceway with ornate arched transom
- Classical inspired gable portico with arched design supported with wood brackets
54 Centre Street is important in supporting the 19th and early 20th century residential
streetscape along Centre Street, located within the historic Town of Bowmanville. The
property contains the following heritage attributes that reflect this value:
- Two-and-a-half storey building constructed in the Tudor Revival architectural
style
- Overall form, massing, and setback
- Location on Centre Street
The following heritage attributes were provided by the Clarington Heritage Committee at
their meeting on December 16th, 2025:
- Charles Corner Stenhouse, a prominent architect active in both Oshawa and
Bowmanville, designed the home in the 1930s.
- Tree on the property which is over 30cm in diameter.
Attachment 4 to Report PDS-015-26
50 Centre Street, Bowmanville
Statement of Significance and List of Character-Defining Features
Description
50 Centre Street is located on the west side of Centre Street in Bowmanville, in the
Municipality of Clarington. The subject property consists of a two -storey, red brick
Italianate building constructed circa 1881.
Physical/Design Value
50 Centre Street has design value as a representative example of a residential building
constructed in the Italianate architectural style. 50 Centre Street follows a two-storey,
three bay, massing and is constructed with red brick coursed in Flemish and Common
bond. The subject building has a hip roof with wide overhanging eaves that showcase a
simple cornice with plain frieze board and rhythmically placed wood brackets which are
key defining characteristics which represent the Italianate style. The balance d but
asymmetrical composition includes tall, narrow, paired rounded arch window openings
with brick voussoir detailing located above and one -storey canted bay window which
also houses tall narrow window openings and showcases a decorative cornice with
dentil trim are also features associate with Italianate design. The centrally placed formal
entrance is topped by a rectangular transom and flanked by a single sidelight is located
under the open one-storey front porch with classical influences. The building also has
rhythmically placed segmentally arched, windows with flat or “jack” voussoirs which are
also in keeping with the Italianate architectural style. The building’s massing,
composition, window placement, roofline and details make it legible as being of the
Italianate architectural style.
Historical/Associative Value
50 Centre Street has associative value for its direct association with William Browning
Couch, a Bowmanville merchant and business owner who played a significant role in
the commercial and civic matters and helped shape the community’s educational
system in the late 19th century. W.B. Couch was born in Cornwall, England in 1879, and
immigrated to Hampton in 1857, where he worked as a tailor. He eventually moved to
Bowmanville and worked at the McClung Bros. general store before purchasing the
store from the McClungs in 1882 and operating a dry goods and general store known as
Couch, Johnston, & Cryderman with two other partners. The store remained in
operation for several decades demonstrating the longevity his store had during the
growth of Bowmanville throughout the late 19th and early 20th century.
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W. B. Couch was also active in public and civic development of Bowmanville,
particularly with the educational system. W.B. Couch joined the Bowmanville Public
High School Board around 1882 and assisted in the planning and opening of a high
school which was constructed in 1890. He also oversaw its replacement, which was
built in 1929. He began serving as the school board’s chairman in 1906 and remained in
that role for 25 years until his death in April 1931. W.B. Couch was active in the
community, as Honourary President of the Canadian Men’s Club, a Freemason, active
with the Trinity United Church. At the time of his passing, on April 13, 1931, W. B. Couch
was Bowmanville’s second oldest resident, and his business was the oldest in
Bowmanville. To honour his contributions in the community, a portrait of W.B. Cou ch,
housed in the Bowmanville High School library, was unveiled at that location in
December 1931.
Contextual Value
50 Centre Street is important in supporting the 19th and early 20th century residential
streetscape along Centre Street, located within the historic Town of Bowmanville. The
lot lines and block layout of the historic Town was well established in the late -19th
century as reflected in the commercial core found along King Street and the large
presence of residences located along several side streets. The development of the
residential area, which includes Centre Street, during this time played a significant ro le
in the social and economic development and reflected the growth of the historic Town of
Bowmanville. Located off or parallel to the commercial area along King Street, the
buildings in the historical Town located along the side streets are comprised of
predominantly one to two-and-a-half storey residences, primarily brick construction and
often showcase ornate details. The location of the subject property on a along Centre
Street, combined with unique stylistic features and legibility as a late -19th century style,
support the character of the Centre Street streetscape and by extension the broader
historic residential area. The historic character is reinforced by the presence of large
mature trees and vegetations which consistently line both sides of Centre Street. When
in bloom, the tree canopy is so robust it created a tunnel which reinforces the areas
mature character, strengthens the continuity and relationship among houses, and
provides an aesthetic appeal to the streetscape. 50 Centre Street was constr ucted circa
1881 and exhibits, massing, style, and decorative details consistent with cohesive late
19th century and early 20th century character of the Centre Street streetscape which is
further reinforced by the presence of a mature tree canopy.
Description of Heritage Attributes
50 Centre Street has design value as a representative example of a residential building
constructed in the Italianate architectural style The property contains the following
heritage attributes that reflect this value:
- Two-storey building constructed in the Italianate architectural style
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- Red brick construction coursed in a Flemish and Common bond
- Asymmetrical but balanced composition
- Hip roof with wide eaves adorned with decorative cornice showcasing
rhythmically placed wood brackets
- Two exterior, red brick chimneys, on west and north elevation finished with a
corbelled cap and appear to be double fluted
- Formal entranceway opening topped by a rectangular transom and one sidelight
- Projecting section of façade’s main level contains a one-storey bay window with
truncated hip roof and dentil trim in cornice, with tall and narrow rectangular
window openings while the upper level has paired rounded windows with brick
voussoirs
- Rectangular, rounded, and segmental arch window openings with brick voussoirs
- One-storey bay window on side elevation with decorative cornice with dentil trim,
tall and narrow rectangular window openings and finished with truncated hip roof
50 Centre Street has associative value for its direct association with William Browning
Couch, a Bowmanville merchant and business owner who played a significant role in
the commercial and civic matters and helped shape the community’s educational
system in the late 19th century. The property contains the following heritage attributes
that reflect this value:
- Two storey building constructed in the Italianate architectural style
- Overall form, massing, and setback
- Location on Centre Street
50 Centre Street is important in supporting the 19th and early 20th century residential
streetscape along Centre Street, located within the historic Town of Bowmanville. The
property contains the following heritage attributes that reflect this value:
- Two-storey building constructed in the Italianate architectural style
- Overall form, massing, and setback
- Location on Centre Street
The following heritage attributes were provided by the Clarington Heritage Committee at
their meeting on December 16th, 2025:
- Constructed as or near-identical counterpart to 21 Beech Street
- Notable residents John McClung, W.B. Couch, and Dr. Charles Cattron
- Upper window
o Was originally a door with an external railing
- Brick columns are most likely not original features
- Working shutters
Designation Proposed
Council consults with the
Heritage Committee
Council
Decision:
Proceed with
Designation?
Notice of Intention to Designate:
Designation by-law passed
Notice of Designation:
•Served on property owner
•Served on the Ontario Heritage Trust
•Right to objection
•Published in accordance with the
Ontario Heritage Act
•Served on property owner
•Served on the Ontario Heritage Trust
•Served any person who objected
•Right to appeal
•Published in accordance with the
Ontario Heritage Act
NO
YES
If NO objection within 30 days
NO
IF
Property not designated
If objection
within 30 days
Council to Reconsider
Designation of Property
Notice of Withdrawal
Appeal to Ontario Land
Tribunal (OLT) within 30
days after publishing the
Notice of Designation
OLT Hearing and Decision
Council
Decision:
Designate
property
YES
If NO appeal the Designation
By-Law comes into effect
Attachment 5 to Report PDS-015-26
Designation Process by Municipal By-Law