Clarington Plans Heritage Designation for Two Liberty Street Properties in Bowmanville

The Municipality of Clarington has announced plans to designate the properties at 175 Liberty Street North and 192 Liberty Street North in Bowmanville as heritage properties under the Ontario Heritage Act.

According to the municipal notice, these two properties are considered architecturally and historically significant within Bowmanville. The notice attributes their importance to associations with notable residents and their role in the community’s early development.

Law House, located at 175 Liberty Street North, is described in the notice as a one-and-a-half-storey red brick house built around 1855 in the Gothic Revival architectural style. The notice states the property is linked to Malcolm Galbraith and his son John Keith Galbraith, who both contributed to Bowmanville’s civic life in the 19th century. Malcolm Galbraith was a solicitor and served as Bowmanville’s Treasurer and a Justice of the Peace. John Keith Galbraith also worked as a barrister and served as mayor in 1890. The house is cited for its historical orientation and proximity to related properties nearby.

The second property, Medicine House at 192 Liberty Street North, is described as a one-and-a-half-storey stucco residence in the Georgian style, built around 1855. The notice states this house is associated with Dr. William Allison, an early physician in Bowmanville who immigrated from Scotland in 1835. Dr. Allison also served as President of the Mechanics’ Institute, Deputy Reeve, and Town Councillor. The house is noted for its design features and its location close to the other heritage properties.

The notice states that 172, 175, and 192 Liberty Street North represent “Gospel,” “Law,” and “Medicine” respectively, due to their historical occupants—a minister, a solicitor, and a physician. These properties are cited in the notice as having served the needs of the community in Bowmanville’s early years.

The municipality’s notice informs residents that anyone wishing to object to either proposed designation must submit a written objection to the Municipal Clerk within 30 days of the notice’s publication. Clarington Council will consider any objections and is required to make a decision within 90 days after the end of the objection period.