Item - 2025.PH23.11

The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that:

1. City Council affirm its decision to state its intention to designate the property at 667 King Street West (including entrance address at 92 Bathurst Street) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act as set out in City Council Decision Item PH19.5 on March 26, 2025.

2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the Bill in City Council designating the property at 667 King Street West under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act.

This report recommends that City Council affirm its decision of March 26, 2025 (Item PH19.5) stating its intention to designate the property at 667 King Street West under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA). The City has received an objection to the notice of intention to designate on behalf of the property owner within the statutory timeline.

Anchoring the southwest corner of King Street West and Bathurst Street, in the West Queen West neighbourhood, the property at 667 King Street West contains the 2.5-storey landmark building known as The Wheat Sheaf Tavern. Completed in 1849, the property is a rare surviving example of a pre-Confederation era inn and tavern type building and stands today as Toronto’s oldest bar, having been in operation at this location for over 150 years. With its Second Empire styling and distinctive corner roof tower, The Wheat Sheaf Tavern is an iconic local landmark that was first recognized for its cultural heritage value on the City’s inaugural list of heritage properties in 1973.

City Council has until July 29, 2025, 90 days from the date of the end of the objection period, to make a decision on this objection as per the timeline under the Act.

Staff have reviewed the objections raised on behalf of the owner and remain of the opinion that despite these objections, the property meets Ontario Regulation 9/06, the criteria prescribed for municipal designation under Part IV, Section 29 of the Act under 6 of 9 criteria for its design/physical, historical/associative, and contextual values.

As the property has cultural heritage value or interest and meets the prescribed criteria pursuant to Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, staff are of the opinion that this property should be designated. Designation enables City Council to review proposed alterations for the property, enforce heritage property standards and maintenance, and refuse demolition.