Hamilton moves to designate the 1931 Kenilworth Library as a heritage property

What the City is proposing

The City of Hamilton has given notice that it intends to designate 103 Kenilworth Avenue North, known as the Kenilworth Library, as a property of cultural heritage value under Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act. The notice is dated October 7, 2026.

The 0.145-hectare property holds a two-storey brick building constructed in 1931 on the west side of Kenilworth Avenue North, between Roxborough Avenue and Dunsmure Road, in the historic Crown Point West neighbourhood. The City's statement says the branch opened in 1932 to serve the growing east-end Kenilworth community.

Why the City says it matters

The City's statement of cultural heritage value describes the building as a representative example of the Georgian Revival style, with a steep side-gable roof, Flemish-bond brick facades with corner quoins and a symmetrical five-bay front. It ties the building's history to the Hamilton Public Library system and to architect George Thomas Evans (1889–1969), whose Hamilton work the City lists as including Grace Anglican Church, Delta United Church and Queensdale Public School.

The statement also calls the library a local landmark and a focal point for the surrounding historic residential area, given its prominent location and moderate setback on Kenilworth Avenue North.

• Exterior attributes listed include the slate-shingled gable roof and pedimented dormers, the brick chimney, stone-keystoned window openings, a two-storey bay window on the south side, and the stone inscribed "HAMILTON PUBLIC LIBRARY KENILWORTH BRANCH" above the entrance.
• Interior attributes listed include the second-storey wooden hammerbeam trusses, the first-storey coffered ceiling, built-in wooden benches, window seats and bookshelves, and fireplaces with wooden mantels.
• The contemporary north and rear additions and the accessible ramp are not considered to have heritage value.

How to object

Any person may serve a written notice of objection on the City Clerk within 30 days after the date the notice was published (October 7, 2026), with a statement of the objection and the relevant facts. The Office of the City Clerk is at 71 Main Street West, 1st Floor. The statement of value, list of heritage attributes and supporting Cultural Heritage Assessment can be viewed there during regular business hours.