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BEFORE:
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CAPHC member:
Company name:
Project name:
Location:
Client:
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Carlos Ventin
The Ventin Group
Kitchener Gaol & Governor’s House Re-development
Queen Street North @ Weber Street, Kitchener, Ontario
The Regional Municipality of Waterloo
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Project Description:
Built in 1853 and 1877 respectively, the Kitchener Gaol and Governor’s House are the
oldest surviving Waterloo County buildings. The buildings were vacated in 1978 and
neglected into disrepair. Strong political support for demolition was countered by
public pressure for preservation. In 1980, designation under the Ontario Heritage Act
saved the site, but it required another 20 years of community involvement, and a plan for
sustainable re-use, to instigate the re-development project.
Proponent’s Responsibility on the Project:
The programme called for adaptive re-use of the Gaol as a provincial offences court,
refurbishment of the Governor’s House for Crown Attorney’s offices and creation of a public
garden in the Jail-yard. The design integrates the existing structures with adjacent
elements and opens up the interstitial spaces for public use.
Landscaping:
The landscape design reinforces public accessibility with inviting plantings from the
Victorian period and a sheltered garden, complete with fountain. The overall effect enlivens
the spaces while highlighting their historic origin.
Building Design and Components:
The design carefully integrates stringent courthouse and building code standards with
internationally accepted principles for conservation of heritage buildings. A brick
addition between the house and jail was removed to reveal the original entrance facade of
the Gaol and two new courtrooms were inserted into the old jail-yards. Red paint was
removed from the Governor’s House to reveal the original yellow brick. Restoration of the
also porches contributed new drama to the façade.
Vehicular Circulation and Parking Layout:
Vehicles can access the site from two adjacent streets. Parking was cleverly integrated
with the existing structures and the landscaping concept. Private parking for judges and
court staff was provided within another Jail-yard.
Pedestrian Circulation and Spaces:
The volume of outdoor circulation spaces is defined by the walls of existing structures,
inviting visitors through a sense of mystery and intrigue. Removal of a non-original link
created an entrance area for the new provincial courts and allows for pedestrian
connections across the site to the enclosed garden.
Signage:
Way-finding signs, using a consistent format that is sensitive to the site, were designed
for appropriate locations to direct users to the public areas.
Safety, Security and Barrier-Free Design:
The Gaol and Governor’s House Redevelopment was designed to conform to current
applicable codes and standards. The many safety improvements include fire truck access,
fire alarm system, emergency lighting system, new heating, ventilation and electrical
systems, fire exiting and fire separations and an entrance canopy to eliminate danger
from falling ice.
New site lighting was added for pedestrian security. Barrier-free access was also
provided to each building and the public garden by using subtle ramping of the sidewalks
and a rear porch. Both the Gaol and Governor’s House have elevators to allow barrier-free
access to the second floors.
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