Rockside Cultural Heritage Landscape Study - Town of Caledon

Rockside Cultural Heritage Landscape Study
Town of Caledon
Study Process
The purpose of this Study was to examine the Rockside Study Area in the manner
prescribed in the Criteria for the Identification of Cultural Heritage Landscapes in
Caledon (adopted by the Town of Caledon October 20, 2003) in order to determine
whether the area, in whole, or in part, should be recommended for recognition as a CHL.
In general the process involved a review of the evolution of settlement in the area in the
context of the overall historic themes of Caledon (as identified in the Criteria). This was
accompanied by field investigations to determine the existing built and landscape
elements that together constitute the character of the area and to assess the extent to
which these elements still reflect the key historic themes central to its development.
It should be noted that while the full study area was visited several times, with few
exceptions examination of individual properties had to take place from the road
augmented by reference to air photos.
The study process included the following key tasks:
Task 1 - Inventory
• Review of relevant background documents and reports and secondary sources such as
local history books;
• Additional archival research of historical data, settlement patterns, land ownership in the
area;
• Interviews with local residents to provide input into the historical context, and valued
heritage features of the area;
• Definition of a study area for the candidate CHL;
• Detailed survey of the area for inventory purposes (as defined by the Criteria for the
Identification of Cultural Heritage Landscapes). The inventory noted the presence and
condition of built heritage features and landscape characteristics, natural features, other
character defining elements, and potential boundaries demarcations.
Task 2 - Evaluation
• Determination of significance of the Rockside Candidate CHL using the information
obtained during the inventory, and application of criteria for evaluating cultural heritage
landscapes (as defined in the Town of Caledon: Criteria for the Identification of Cultural
Heritage Landscapes);
• Confirmation of the study area’s eligibility as a CHL;
• Refinement and confirmation of the CHL boundaries;
• Recommendations for proceeding with conservation measures.
Task 3 - Cultural Heritage Landscape Evaluation Report
• Preparation of a CHL Evaluation Report in accordance with the Town of Caledon:
Criteria for the Identification of Cultural Heritage Landscapes, documenting: Historical
Contexts; Inventory (including representative photos, maps and graphics); Statement of
Significance; Integrity; Boundaries; and Recommendations.
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