The city’s Heritage Committee is gearing up to designate a new property on Welland Street North.
The Williams-Daboll House is built in a Gothic-Revival and Italianate style and was constructed between 1875 and 1876.
The property fulfills six of the nine requirements under the Ontario Heritage Designation Act. To be considered for designation, a property needs to meet at least two.
But the real boon of the heritage designation is the age-old oak tree next to the property, that is also included.
“This tree is probably one of the oldest in Thorold,” said chair Anna O’Hare, during a committee meeting on Tuesday morning. “It’s a Carolinian species, white oak. It’s been witness to the entire history of the Welland Canal and maybe even to the creation of the village of Thorold in the late 18th century.”
The tree is estimated to be at least 200 years old.
“The tree could be as old as 250 years,” said O’Hare. “It predates the house that it’s standing next to by at least 50 years, maybe 100 years.”
The intent of designation will come before city council tonight and if approved, there will be a 30 day appeal period before the house and tree will become officially protected under the Ontario Heritage Designation Act.
A designation ceremony will be held later in the summer.
