Ontario Heritage Conference: Saturday Session & Tour Topics

Get your tickets at https://cvent.me/Nyg8XR?RefId=OHC+2026

Please note that the schedule and program elements may be subject to change

SATURDAY JUNE 20, 2026

The historic Sherman Avenue Industrial area will act as the hub for Saturday’s conference events, where we will kick off the day with a keynote session at the historic Playhouse Cinema.  

Following our time at the Playhouse, conference attendees will make their way a short walk down the street to the Cotton Factory.  This historic 1900 industrial complex formerly known as The Imperial Cotton Company Limited is a prime example of adaptive reuse.  Industrial spaces have been transformed into workshops, galleries, office space for creative professionals and studios for artists. 

Throughout the day, attendees can explore open studios, view heritage displays, participate in mini-workshops and craftperson demonstrations, enjoy lunch and then continue to explore Sherman Avenue North and other nearby repurposed industrial venues and civic museums, with a mix of self-guided and guided tours.    

SESSION & TOUR TOPICS

9:00 am – 10:30 am

Playhouse Cinema - 177 Sherman Avenue North, Hamilton, Ontario

Plenary Session:  Heritage Insurance – Myths vs. Realities

The availability & affordability of insurance for designated heritage property has become so problematic that owners are requesting removal of designations. Many insurers are refusing to insure designated property or are overestimating replacement values due to misunderstanding risks & requirements. A panel from various fields will highlight positive actions by owners and municipal heritage planners that could help encourage a better understanding and more positive attitude in the insurance industry.

Note: sessions qualifies for 1.5 hrs Structured OAA Continuing Education Credit

11:00 am – 2:00 pm

The Cotton Factory - 270 Sherman Avenue North, Hamilton, Ontario

Open Studio Tours & Traditional Trades Fair 

The Traditional Trades Fair will showcase the traditional skills and trades that preserve, restore and adaptively reuse historic buildings. This event is open to all delegates and includes demonstrations, exhibits and open studios. Students from the Willowbank heritage conservation Diploma program, Lori LeMare, Lower City Joinery and other specialized tradespeople will be on site doing live demonstrations and opening their studios and workshops. The event takes place in the Cotton Factory, a repurposed textile mill that is Hamilton’s largest creative hub and venue. Delegates are free to explore the building on their own or can sign up for one of the guided tours.

Lunch provided at the Cotton Factory 12:00 pm – 1:30pm

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Self – Guided Tours & Experiences 

More information to be provided

WORSHOPS 

11:00 am 

Workshop:  Monument Trees

The Cotton Factory - 270 Sherman Avenue North, Hamilton, Ontario

This workshop will engage participants in hands-on identification of native tree species using leaves and seeds, building practical ecological literacy. A propagation activity will further connect learning to action, introducing simple techniques for growing native trees and supporting local forest restoration initiatives.

GUIDED TOURS

11:15 am / 12:15 pm / 1:15 pm

Guided Tour:  The Cotton Factory - 270 Sherman Avenue North, Hamilton, Ontario

A guided tour illustrating the history and architecture of the Cotton Factory.  This historic 1900 industrial complex formerly known as The Imperial Cotton Company Limited is a prime example of adaptive reuse.  Spaces have been transformed into workshops, galleries, office space for creative professionals and studios for artists.  This property is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. 

Please note that access to the 2^nd & 3^rd floors is available by stairs and by freight elevator (operated by an attendant).  Should the elevator have unforeseen mechanical issues during the conference, this site may not be fully accessible.

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Bus Tour – Re-Imagining Places of Industry

Departing from the Cotton Factory 

Bus tour of the Stelco lands to highlight the potential of this site and existing industrial heritage buildings that could be preserved and/or adapted 

Advanced security clearance will be required and a limited number of tickets will be available.

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Bus Tour – Industrial Heritage: Tour of Hamilton’s Waterfront including the 1859 Hamilton Waterworks

Departing from the Cotton Factory

This bus tour will explore the importance of industry, both then and now, around Hamilton Harbour.  The tour will include a guided driving tour of Port Authority lands with stops at both the 1859 Hamilton Waterworks (Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site), as well as the designated Beach Canal Lighthouse and Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage, currently under active restoration.

The 1859 Hamilton Waterworks National Historic Site stands as a locally designed and built landmark, incorporating cutting-edge mid-century engineering. As a key infrastructure element, it was instrumental in driving Hamilton's industrial development. Similarly, the development of Hamilton Harbour was a vital requirement for the city's growth. The Light Station bridges the harbour's diverse commercial, industrial, residential, and recreational functions, though it currently reflects the complex challenges of lighthouse preservation and creating new public access heritage sites. Additionally, the Cottage remains a relatively intact example of both public works construction and a typical working-class residence. These sites collectively illustrate how Hamilton has transitioned through three distinct eras of industrialization over the last two centuries. Evidence of these transitions remains visible today, preserved within the urban landscape and the surviving industrial heritage resources located throughout the city.    (This tour will last 3 hours)