IN THE MATTER OF THE ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT, R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER 0.18 AND IN THE MATTER OF THE LANDS AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake intends to designate the property at 46 JOHNSON STREET, BARKER HALL (PLAN 86 PART LOT 106) as a property of cultural heritage value or interest under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter 0.18.
Description of Property
The subject property is located at 46 Johnson Street. The orientation of the built structure is such that it is placed close to Johnson Street and Regent Street and has a large backyard with accessory structures. The pedestrian access to the house is through a stepped podium facing Johnson Street.
Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest
The property known as the Barker Hall has cultural heritage value or interest for its design and physical values, its historical and associative values and its contextual values.
Barker Hall is also of design and physical value because it exhibits a relatively rare example in Town of an asymmetrical façade and floor plan for a Georgian residence. The unique two-storey clapboard dwelling breaks away from tradition as it does not adhere to a rigid symmetry on the front façade which means the floor plan of the dwelling is also unique with the house’s hall being slightly off-centre, creating a larger room to the right of the main entrance. Barker Hall features a low-hipped roof with two brick chimneys. The irregular three-bay façade is close to the street line. The original entrance to the dwelling still remains intact with a detailed doorway. The doorway features moulded wooden trim surrounds with an entablature and slender fluted columns on either side of the doorway. The doorway also contains a sash situated above the transom which has a lozenge pattern, a unique pattern of detail for its time in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The words “Barker Hall” is engraved on the polished brass doorknocker at the main entrance of the house.
Barker Hall is of value because of its association with early settlers in the area including John Barker, a prominent municipal official in Niagara and the captain of the Niagara Fire Company. He was involved in the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion. As described by William Kirby in his Annals of Niagara, ‘there was at that time a splendid fire company in Niagara, composed of the most respectable and active men in the town, under the command of their captain, Mr. John Barker, a sturdy English Loyalist’. John Barker along with his company took an active part in stopping the uprising. Other previous owners have included Thomasin Barker, who was the son of John Barker. Thomasin operated a boarding house at Barker Hall which played a part in providing refuge after the American Civil War, when Niagara became a sanctuary for several confederate politicians. 46 Johnson Street has the potential to yield information that contributes to the understanding of confederate politicians that took boarding at Barker Hall during the American Civil War.
The Barker Hall has contextual value in supporting the historic character of the area. Barker Hall is within the boundaries of the National Historical District in the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and is in close proximity to the Queen-Picton heritage district. The house design and layout of the subject property, in terms of the setback and materials, is in keeping with the surrounding properties, especially the Part IV designated property at 58 Johnson Street. The massing and style of both the properties is very similar.
Description of Key Heritage Attributes
Key exterior attributes that embody the heritage value of 46 Johnson Street include:
Objections
Any objection to this designation must be filled no later than 30 days after the date of publication of the Notice of Intent to Designate. Objections should be directed to Grant Bivol, Town Clerk, 1593 Four Mile Creek Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, L0S 1T0. The last date to file a notice of objection is May 4th 2024.
Queries
Any further queries should be directed to Sumra Zia, Heritage Planner at (905) 468-3266 ext. 327 or through email at [email protected].
Dated at the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake this 4th day of April 2024
GRANT BIVOL, CLERK
