Designation

Capitol Theatre

Our most recent designations:

1.   The Imperial Oil Centre for the Performing Arts, 160-168 Christina Street N., Art Deco features of the Christina Street facade, the lighting at either side of the stage and the ceiling of the auditorium.

Mandel Sprachman designed the Imperial Oil Centre for the Performing Arts building (formerly the Capitol Theatre) in 1936.  The architectural style is described as "art deco or moderne" and is but one of a few remaining buildings of this style of architecture in Sarnia.  The building is presently on our heritage inventory list and is therefore a good candidate for heritage designation.

2.    329 McKenzie Street

3.   George Street School Bell located in front of the Lochiel Kiwanis Centre, at the College/Lochiel Streets side.

4.   World War 1 plaques on the Front Street wall of the Royal Canadian Legion Hall building, at 286 Front St. North

5.   Boer War Memorial Drinking Fountain (restored), in Victoria Park adjacent to Sarnia ’s main Library building, at Christina & Wellington St. 

General Information

Our inheritance of architecture, man-made landscape and material culture is an irreplaceable asset and resource.

Communities everywhere have undertaken special efforts to safeguard their heritage in its many forms.  The first step in its protection is to recognize and acknowledge the existence and value of our heritage and to make everyone aware of its importance.

The Ontario Heritage Act enables municipalities to designate properties and dsitricts of historic architectural value or interest.  Once designated, a property gains a measure of protection from demolition or unsympathetic alteration.

Designation usually follows these considerations.

• A building or property may have been associated with the life of a historic personage or have played some role in an important historical event.
• A building may be exemplary for its architecture, relating of a specific period, or the work of an important builder, designer or architect.
• Antiquity alone is not a sufficient basis for nomination but may be a vital factor where comparable structures have become rare.
• Where a building is an integral part of a distinctive area of a community, or is considered to be a landmark, its contribution to the neighborhood character may be of special value.
• A modest structure may be no less important to the community's heritage than an architectural gem such as a mansion or public building.

Only if you met the criteria and want to be contacted, please contact the LACAC Secretary, Max Williams, 519 332 0330 extension 293.

Designation Does and Does Not

Designation does recognize and reinforce the cultural value and community appreciation of heritage properties.Designation does provide protection against inappropriate changes to heritage properties, and hinders demolition.Designation does occasionally enables access to government programs of financial assistance.Designation does not impose obligations or expenses beyond those of any heritage property owner.Designation does not restrict the use of property, or prohibit building alterations or additions.Designation does not forbid demolition of heritage buildings.Designation does not restrict the sale of a property, or affect its resale value.  (See Shipley report available in the Heritage reference section at the Sarnia Public Library).

List of Sarnia's designated properties: