Faith-based think tank submits proposal to restore Balfour House

A faith-based think tank wants to lease Balfour House from the city and says it'll foot the bill for restorations. But the ward's local councillor is expressing frustration over how it's going about its plans. 

Cardus has already submitted a proposal to the city of Hamilton expressing its interest in leasing the 1836 stone mansion on the Mountain Brow. 

The Hamilton-based organization is looking to convert the inside to offices and lease the building. It also says the space would act as a retreat place for contemplation.

Cardus president and CEO Michael Van Pelt has walked by Balfour House regularly over the years. He says he hopes Cardus gets the opportunity to renew this "forgotten jewel." 

"Heritage buildings tell stories about who we are — tell stories about the city of Hamilton," he said. "And Balfour … is a story." 

Also called Chedoke House, the 24-room home was built by a Scotsman in love with the view.

The mansion changed owners over the years, including the Brydges, Dewars, and Southams, until it was given to the Ontario Heritage Trust in the late 1970s by Wilson Balfour Baxter. She lived out the rest of her life there, and in 2013, she died. 

The Southam family was long-time owners of the Hamilton Spectator and started the Southam newspaper chain.

Cardus would take on the full cost of restoring Balfour House. Van Pelt said that he estimates the city would spend around $1.5 million to manage the property over the next few years. While restorations would cost Cardus "substantially more," Van Pelt said that it would be without taxpayer dollars. 

'A slap in the face' says local councillor 

But Terry Whitehead, Hamilton councillor of Ward 14 where the mansion lies, says that this proposal is a "blindside." 

He found out about it two weeks ago. Van Pelt said that Cardus has been working actively with city staff for six to eight months. 

While Whitehead says that he's still interested in Cardus's plans, he wants to voice concern about the process. He said that conversations were "taken behind doors" with city staff.

"I think [it's] a slap in the face of the people I represent," he said. He added that respectful protocol would include a broader conversation with Cardus, city staff, himself, and his community.   

Whitehead also noted concern that ongoing projects — he is investigating building a staircase to the waterfalls — could be impacted.  

Van Pelt said Cardus submitted its proposal to the city "as is the proper process" and that the city has been a "delight to work with."  

The city of Hamilton said that it hasn't set a date for when its report on the proposal will be presented to council. 

Restoration plans

The Balfour House is currently empty, except for city security personnel. Work to the building would include efforts like restoring stonework and the interior spaces, and re-purposing a coach house.  

Cardus is partnering with Budget Environmental, Invizij Architects and Schilthuis Construction. It's launched a website about the project with the tag line #OpenBalfour. 

The website also talks about the desire to open this space up for tourists; when asked to elaborate, Cardus said this plan would be like an "Open Doors" format, where people could walk in and ask questions.

He stressed that the proposal was a "good news story."

In a press release, the president of Budget Environmental, Ian Bartels, said that the company is "thrilled" to help Cardus restore the building and preserve an "important piece of city heritage." 

Ontario Heritage Trust currently owns the building, and the city manages it. It has agreed to do so until 2039. 

Cardus has previously attempted to lease another historic city property, the Auchmar House. Cardus initially kept its identity a secret from the public during the process. In 2014, the city voted in favour of a public call for offers, and again voted earlier this year to keep the 1852 property in city hands. Van Pelt said that he was "delighted" by the city's commitment to restore it.