The town has announced its latest heritage designation, which includes notable Acton buildings.
At Monday’s meeting, the City Council passed an ordinance designating the mansion known as Sunderland Villa, which is currently occupied by the McKinnon Family Funeral Home.
Built in 1879 on the corner of Mill Street East and John Street, the building has been a landmark since its construction. It was the first steam-heated building in Acton, as owner and entrepreneur William Heslop Storey piped in steam from his glove factory, Canada Glove Works, to heat his home. It became a residence.
“This home is an excellent example of the Queen Anne style and is popular among the affluent upper middle class for its striking features, making it unique within the community,” the town said in a media release.
“Since its earliest residential uses, the house has also served as a boarding house and hotel for veterans through the World War I Veterans Association after World War I. It also functions as a funeral home and is home to several prominent funeral directors, including Victor and Alice Lumley, Bruce and Rhoda Shoemaker, and Bob and Margaret McKinnon. Was.”
The current owner, Dignity Memorial, has expressed support for this designation, which will allow for the continued preservation of the property.
“Sunderland Villa, located at 55 Mill Street East, is now the MacKinnon Family Funeral Home and is a unique and prominent place for the Acton community to come together to honor their loved ones.” said Jay Blanton, Dignity Memorial Managing Director.
“We strive to respect the architecture of the building and ensure that the funeral home can continue to serve today’s families while reflecting the important backstory of days gone by.”
Mayor Ann Lawlor said: “The walls of Sunderland Villa can tell many stories. By designating this wonderful heritage site we will ensure that Acton’s historical annals continue to be told.”
Other properties designated as heritage sites at Monday’s City Council meeting include:
- St. Paul’s Anglican Church and Parish Hall, 12 and 16 Adamson St. S., Norval.
- John Morgan House, 129 Main St. S., Georgetown.
- The Sykes and Ainley Workers’ Cottage, 14 Tweedle St., Glen Williams.
The heritage designation process involves a thorough investigation and evaluation, a staff report recommending consideration and designation by the town’s heritage committee, which then submits a recommendation for designation of the property under Part 4 of the Ontario Heritage Act. The ordinance will be passed by the council.
The designation not only ensures the protection of heritage resources, but also provides property owners access to the Town’s Heritage Asset Grant Program and Heritage Property Tax Rebate Program.
The town said it continues to research and evaluate properties listed on the heritage register with the hope of designating the region’s most significant cultural heritage resources for long-term preservation.
