McMaster University still considering limited possible uses for 175-year-old Osler House

McMaster University says plans for the 175-year-old Osler House property at 30 South St. W. in Dundas are still under discussion, but won't involve a change to permitted uses, which include a retirement home and single-family residence.

There are no options being considered that require any changes to zoning or applications for permits," faculty of health sciences spokesperson Susan Emigh said, Nov. 9.

The zoning for the former Osler House Bed & Breakfast, and childhood home of Sir William Osler and Britton Bath Osler, allows a single-family home, a bed and breakfast, a retirement home, an urban farm or a community garden.

Any or all of those possible uses are apparently still under discussion by McMaster, which bought the property in January 2021 for $2,818,200.

The City of Hamilton's planning and heritage departments have not received any applications or proposals for the property.

Former owners Gary Fincham and Sara Burnet-Smith continued to operate the bed and breakfast until late October 2022, and their lease was scheduled to end Nov. 6.

Neighbour Susan Joanis said two McMaster employees stopped by to introduce themselves on Monday, Nov. 7.

They told us that there are still no definite plans for how the university will use the venue, but that multiple ideas for possible uses were under discussion," Joanis said. In the meantime, they notified us that people will be coming and going, as they clean, etc. Also, they will make provisions to ensure the security of the house and property."

McMaster's 2021-2022 facility services capital plan update stated the university purchased 30 South St. E., for use by the Faculty of Health Sciences," but gave no further detail.

In the update's list of the university's 82 facilities, Osler House is included, but under total building gross area it is noted as to be decided."

Although McMaster is apparently not considering using Osler House for office or classroom space - as neither are permitted under the property's zoning - the facility service capital plan update stated classroom space on campus was approximately 86 per cent of what's needed.

It stated recent capital projects helped close the gap, but full-time student enrolment and demand for space is increasing.

As such, McMaster University needs to identify and take advantage of opportunities for physical growth, seeking out off-campus expansion opportunities and taking advantage of the area available for development on the main campus," the update states.

The former Osler House Bed & Breakfast is not designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, but is in the city's inventory of buildings of interest. The house was built in 1847.