Burlington moves to protect former Queen’s Head Pub

Burlington has signalled its intention to give a historical designation to one of the city’s favourite buildings.

The designation of 400 Brant Street follows fears raised when long-time tenant, the Queen’s Head Pub, closed last fall amidst speculation the building would be demolished to make way for a condo tower.

That hasn’t happened and a new restaurant, called 400 Brant Kitchen & Bar, is expected to open there this spring.

Still, Burlington councillors aren’t taking any chances with the future of the building and this week moved to designate 400 Brant which will give it increased levels of protection from the wrecker’s ball.

Located at the corner of Brant and Elgin Street, the three-and-a-half-storey brick veneer building was constructed as a hotel in 1860 and called the Zimmerman House and later renamed the Queen’s Hotel then the Sherwood Hotel before becoming a full-time pub in 2003.

Many consider the building to be Burlington’s prime link to the past which is instantly recognizable to residents and serves as a welcoming presence to downtown visitors.

The heritage label can be given without the property owner’s permission who must apply to the City if there are plans to alter or demolish the structure. The designation and any ruling by the City can be appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).

A report presented to City council that recommended the designation points out the site meets several criteria to determine its heritage value. The include its design and facade as well as the connection to the Zimmerman’s, a prominent family that helped establish the surrounding community.