Faith-based think tank submits proposal to restore Balfour House

A faith-based think tank wants to leaseBalfour House from the city and says it'll foot the bill for restorations. But the ward's local councillor is expressing frustration over how it'sgoing about its plans.

Cardushas already submitted a proposal to the city of Hamilton expressing its interest inleasing the 1836 stone mansion on the Mountain Brow.

The Hamilton-based organization islooking to convert the inside to offices and lease the building. Italso says the space would act as a retreat place for contemplation.

Carduspresident and CEOMichael Van Pelt has walked by Balfour House regularly over the years. He says he hopes Cardus gets the opportunity to renew this "forgotten jewel."

"Heritage buildings tell stories about who we are tell stories about the city of Hamilton," he said. "And Balfour is a story."

Also called ChedokeHouse, the 24-room home was built by a Scotsman in love with the view.

The mansion changed owners over the years, including the Brydges,Dewars, andSouthams,until it was given to the Ontario Heritage Trust in the late 1970s byWilson Balfour Baxter. She lived out the rest of her life there, and in2013, she died.

The Southam family was long-time owners of the Hamilton Spectator and started the Southam newspaper chain.

Cardus would take on the full cost of restoring Balfour House. Van Pelt said that he estimates the city would spend around $1.5 million to manage the property over the next few years.While restorationswould cost Cardus "substantially more," Van Pelt said that it would be without taxpayer dollars.

'Aslap in the face' says local councillor

But Terry Whitehead, Hamilton councillor of Ward 14 where the mansion lies, says that this proposal is a "blindside."

He found out about ittwo weeks ago. Van Pelt said that Cardus has been working actively with city staff for six to eight months.

While Whitehead says that he's still interested in Cardus's plans, he wants to voice concern about the process. He said that conversations were "taken behind doors" with city staff.

"I think [it's] a slap in the face of the people I represent," he said. Headded that respectful protocol would include a broader conversation with Cardus, city staff,himself,and his community.

Whitehead also noted concern thatongoing projects he is investigating building a staircase to thewaterfalls could be impacted.

Van Pelt said Cardus submitted its proposal to the city "as is the proper process" and that the city has been a "delight to work with."

The city of Hamilton said thatit hasn't set a datefor when itsreport on the proposal will be presented to council.

Restoration plans

The Balfour House is currently empty, except for city security personnel.Work to the building would include efforts like restoring stonework and the interior spaces, and re-purposing a coach house.

Cardus is partnering with Budget Environmental, Invizij Architects and Schilthuis Construction. It's launched a website about the projectwith the tag line#OpenBalfour.

The website also talks about the desire to open this space up for tourists; when asked to elaborate, Cardus said this plan would be like an "Open Doors" format, where people could walk in and ask questions.

He stressed that theproposal was a "good news story."

In a press release, the president of Budget Environmental, Ian Bartels, said that the company is"thrilled" to help Cardus restore the building and preserve an "important piece of city heritage."

Ontario Heritage Trust currently owns the building, and the city manages it. It has agreed to do so until 2039.

Cardus has previouslyattempted to leaseanother historic city property,the Auchmar House. Cardusinitially kept its identitya secret from the public during the process. In 2014, the city voted in favour ofa public call for offers, and again votedearlier this yearto keep the 1852 property in city hands. Van Pelt said that he was "delighted" by the city's commitment to restore it.