Notice of Designation 3740 Highway 7 Geographic Township of Emily

Statement of Reasons for Designation

Design and Physical Value
3740 Highway 7 has design and physical value as representative example of Victorian rural residential architecture in Emily Township, that is also unique due to its size and ornateness. Built in the pervasive Gothic Revival style, the house, constructed in about 1865, demonstrates key features of Victorian rural domestic architecture in the middle decades of the nineteenth century. It includes key features that were popular around this time including decorative bargeboard, steeply pitched gables and a projecting front entrance bay with a central door including a transom and sidelights. It is a particularly large example of this domestic architectural type in the township and includes decorative elements, including its surviving gingerbread, that demonstrate the high degree of craftsmanship in the building.

Historical and Associative Value
3740 Highway 7 has historical and associative value through its association with two prominent political figures in nineteenth century Emily Township and Omemee: William Cottingham and Arthur McQuade. Cottingham, one of Emily Township’s early settlers and the first owner of the house, was one of the major landholders in the township and served as the Reeve of Emily, the first Reeve of Omemee after its incorporation, and Warden of the United Counties of Peterborough and Victoria. McQuade, the second owner of the house, also served in local politics and as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Victoria South between 1874 and 1882. Through these two figures, who dominated the political landscape of the area in the second half of the nineteenth century, the property yields information regarding the political culture of Emily Township, the Village of Omemee and southern Victoria County more broadly during this period.

Contextual Value
3740 Highway 7 has contextual value as part of the historic rural landscape of Emily Township just outside of Omemee. The property is located in an area contained a wide array of historic residential properties dating from a similar period that reflect the rural agricultural character of the township. It is historically and visually linked to its surroundings as part of the historic nineteenth century development of both Emily Township and Omemee. It is also specifically historically linked to the adjacent village of Omemee through its original occupants. It is widely considered a landmark locally, for its distinct architecture, prominent position along Highway 7 at the western gateway to Omemee, and its association with prominent local figures in the community.

Further information respecting the designation is available at the City’s Economic Development Department. Interested parties may object to the designating by-law to the Ontario Land Tribunal. Any objection to this designation must be filed within 30 days of October 24, 2024 and include the reasons for objection to the designating by-law and the fee charged by the Tribunal. Objections should be directed to: Cathie Richie, Clerk, City of Kawartha Lakes, P.O. Box 9000, 26 Francis Street, Lindsay, ON K9V 5R8.

The by-law will come into effect on the day following the last day of the notice period.

For more information regarding the property, please refer to its Heritage Evaluation Report.

Any inquiries may be directed to:

Economic Development Officer- Heritage Planning
City of Kawartha Lakes,
180 Kent Street West, Lindsay, ON  K9V 2Y6
(705) 324-9411 ext.1366
eturner@kawarthalakes.ca