FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2022
HAMILTON, ON – The much-needed restoration and reopening of Hamilton’s historic Chedoke Estate will soon become a reality. Hamilton-based think tank Cardus has now signed a lease with the City of Hamilton for the property at 1 Balfour Drive. Cardus has also received final sign-off on its 200-page conservation plan from the Ontario Heritage Trust. Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger joined Michael Van Pelt, President and CEO of Cardus, to welcome Cardus as the new steward at Chedoke officially.
“This is a big win all round,” said Mayor Eisenberger. “A heritage gem in Hamilton will finally get the love and care it needs, the public will get to visit the site, it won’t cost taxpayers a penny, and Cardus will have new digs in its home town. Congratulations, Cardus, and welcome to Chedoke.”
Today’s news comes as a result of efforts by Cardus, Mayor Eisenberger, Hamilton councillors and staff, the Ontario Heritage Trust as owner of the property, as well as expert work by heritage and architectural consultants.
“It’s so exciting to have keys in-hand now and we’re just delighted to kick into gear and go to work,” said Van Pelt. “We’re going to see a piece of Hamilton’s history get the love and care it deserves at no cost to the taxpayer. Seeing this historical home and property preserved for decades to come is so special because Hamilton is home for us.”
Cardus’s restoration and maintenance of Chedoke will be a multi-million-dollar investment over the life of the 17-year lease, while the property remains in the public hands of the Trust. The conservation plan reflects the work of a leading team of experts. This group includes Julian Smith, Canada’s top heritage architect and co-author of Canada’s heritage standards and guidelines. It also includes Emma Cubitt, Principal of Invizij Architects, and heritage consultant Megan Hobson. Cardus’s minimalist restoration plan allows for meetings, study, and research while protecting all 66 heritage characteristics defined by the province for the site.
Once the initial construction work is completed, Cardus looks forward to welcoming visitors to Chedoke. Cardus is committed to hosting Hamiltonians regularly throughout the year. It was inspiring to see more than 2,000 members of the public receive an early taste of that hospitality as Cardus played host at Chedoke during Doors Open in May 2022.
Cardus wishes to thank the Bartels family, associated with the Budget Environmental Group, for its philanthropic investment which has been key to this successful outcome.
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