Ontario Heritage Conference: Thursday 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

THURSDAY JUNE 18, 2026

As we welcome Conference attendees to the City, we invite everyone to explore Hamilton’s downtown core, its attractions, heritage sites, architecture and vibrant restaurant scene.  Early registration will be available for conference attendees. 

All Conference attendees are invited to attend a public event to be held at Magnolia Hall.  

Presented by the Hamilton Burlington Society of Architects, a moderated speakers panel will explore the topic: “Reimagining Hamilton’s Waterfront: Adaptive Reuse, Remediation and Commemoration of our Industrial Heritage”.  This will include a look at Hamilton’s abandoned Stelco lands and the future potential to re-activate and re-purpose these industrial spaces.  

Following this presentation, there will be opportunities for tours and a private meet & greet for conference attendees, hosted by WSP at their restored office space in the Empire Times Building.

SESSION & TOUR TOPICS

6:30pm – 8:30pm 

Magnolia Hall 

115 Hunter Street West, Hamilton, Ontario

Panel Discussion: 

Reimagining Hamilton’s Waterfront: Adaptive Reuse, Remediation and Commemoration of our Industrial Heritage

Hamilton’s waterfront holds a complex legacy of industrial strength and environmental challenge. As the city contemplates the future of these former industrial lands, the path to adaptive reuse and remediation is both promising and uncertain. Experts wills share their relavent expereince and then have broader conversation about what can be done, the challenges encountered, and the innovative strategies being considered for waterfront redevelopment. The panel discusion will end with audience questions. 

This session will take place in Magnolia Hall.  Built in 1877 in the Gothic Revival style, Magnolia Hall is a beautiful example of adaptive re-use of a former place of worship.  As an Anglican church, St. Mark’s served the community for over 100 years before closing in 1989 and sat vacant until its re-opening in 2025.  Now owned by the City of Hamilton, the site has undergone extensive restoration, preserving the heritage character of the building and park, while adding modern services, gardens and accessibility. It now has a new life as a community arts and cultural programming space.  This property is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. 

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

8:30pm – 11:30pm 

WSP – Downtown Hamilton Office 

41 King William Street, Suite 401, Hamilton, Ontario

Welcome Reception / After Party

WSP Hamilton invites conference attendees to join staff in their Hamilton office for drinks and light fare. The office is located at the top floor of the former Empire Times building. 

Located only one block from Gore Park, The Empire Times is a significant revitalization project in Hamilton’s central core, completed by Core Urban Inc. The project included the combination of two buildings, the addition of a glass-encased two-sided elevator servicing all floors, and the addition of a rooftop patio. Extensive interior renovations opened up large contemporary office spaces with exposed brick walls and ductwork. The Empire Times is home to a variety of restaurants and creative businesses and studios.  This property is currently listed on the Municipal Heritage Register.