Cardas officially becomes custodian of Hamilton’s Chedok Estate – Hamilton

Hamilton’s historic building in Mountain Blow has a new caretaker, so it’s finally time to do some much-needed restoration work.

On Friday, the city of Hamilton officially handed over the keys to the Chedoke Estate to Christian think tank Cardus. Cardas has received approval for his 200-page conservation plan for this property on Balfour Drive.

The Ontario Heritage Trust owns the property, which was built in 1836, but is managed by the city under a contract that expires in 2039.

Starting this month, Cardus is leasing the property for the next 17 years and making a “multi-million dollar investment” in its restoration and maintenance.

Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger said in a statement on Friday, “There has been an ongoing process in terms of putting together a council-approved agreement to actually make this happen.” We are excited to see the space become easier, more functional, and more user-friendly.”

Cardus president and CEO Michael Van Pelt said work inside the building could begin as early as next year, though he acknowledged supply chain issues could delay the start of the renovation. increase.

Nonetheless, he is optimistic that it will soon become a building the community will enjoy.

“We need to respect the traditional infrastructure of the city. At the moment it is not being done to the extent it should be. As of today, it is starting to happen.”

Cardus is required under its lease agreement with the City to perform at least four “significant public events” each year, including the annual Doors Open Hamilton event.

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When the doors opened in 2022, Van Pelt said more than 2,000 people came to see the estate.

“(They) had never seen the place. They loved it, it was spectacular. Just thinking about it makes me excited… I think it will take a slightly different form.”

Discussions about the city entering into an agreement with Cardus were fraught with concern from several city council members and several community organizations about the group’s views on specific equity issues.

Asked by reporters about these concerns, Van Pelt said “nobody in this country” would be unwelcome at the Chedok Estate, which Cardas runs.

“I think the question you are really asking is what kind of country do we want to be? Do you want a country? And 100 percent, yes.”

“Once our construction period is complete, it will actually be a place to welcome visitors from here,” he added. There is no one who will not.”

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