Proposed Heritage Designation of the Michael Shepard House -
101 Senlac Road - Under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act -
North York Centre
The North York Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (June 22, 1999) from the
Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:
Purpose:
The North York Heritage Committee/Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee, at its meeting of June 8,
1999, has recommended that the Michael Shepard House be designated as having architectural and historical significance
in accordance with part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (R.S.O. 1990). This report is placed before the North York
Community Council for its consideration and forwarding to Toronto City Council in accordance with the recommendations
of the North York Heritage Committee/Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee.
Funding Sources, Financial Implication and Impact Statement:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)Council for the City of Toronto approve the designation of the Michael Shepard House, 101 Senlac Road, Lot 17,
Concession 1WYS - Ward 10, as a property of historical and architectural significance under part IV of the Ontario
Heritage Act (R.S.O. 1990) and in accordance with the recommendation of the North York Heritage Committee/Local
Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee; and
(2)the appropriate staff be directed to do all things necessary to give effect thereto.
Background:
The North York Heritage Committee/Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee, at its meeting held June 8,
1999, recommended that the Michael Shepard House, 101 Senlac Road, be designated as having architectural and historical
significance in the North York community, City of Toronto.
Built in 1859, the Michael Shepard House is constructed in the Georgian Survival style and assumes great significance in
connection with the Shepard family that settled in the historic community of Lansing at the beginning of the 19th century.
The house is also significant in association with Michael Shepard, who supported William Lyon Mackenzie's Radical
Reform party and participated in the Rebellion of 1837.
Architecturally, the massing of the house takes the form of a two storey main block with a one-and-a-half storey kitchen
wing positioned at the west rear. Incorporating a generous sense of proportion and a pleasing symmetry, the three-ranked
facade of the Michael Shepard House is generally considered to be less common among Georgian buildings in the region.
Discussion:
The Michael Shepard House has been recommended by the North York Heritage Committee/Local Architectural
Conservation Advisory Committee for designation under part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (R.S.O. 1990) on
architectural and historical grounds.
When considered against the "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Heritage Properties", adopted by the former North York
City Council in 1996, the Michael Shepard House clearly qualifies for designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. A copy
of the assessment is attached as Appendix 'A'.
The "Reasons for Designation" which identify the significant historical aspects and architectural features of the Michael
Shepard House and which are proposed for the designation are attached as Appendix 'B'.
The Owner, The Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries, has consented to the designation of the property with conditions
relating to the issuing of development permits. The conditions have now been satisfied with the approval of all
development applications by the Planning and Building Divisions, and the designation can now proceed. A copy of the
letter from The Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries, addressed to the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Department, is attached as Appendix 'C'.
Conclusion:
The Michael Shepard House is part of the unique and special heritage of the North York community and the City of
Toronto. The property clearly qualifies for designation under the Ontario Heritage Act on both architectural and historical
grounds.
Contact Name:
Beth Hanna
Culture Division
392-5225
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(A copy of the Appendices referred to in the foregoing report is on file in the office of the City Clerk, North York Civic
Centre.)
