A small fire broke out on the upper floors of a historic home in Oshawa – once the residence of the head of one of Canada’s early industrial families – marking yet another unfortunate incident for a 139-year-old building that has endured significant challenges. In 2019, it suffered a devastating fire caused by a criminal fleeing from police, witnessed a murder and double stabbing next door four years later, and has faced “rot by neglect” over the years.
The fire, which ignited just before midnight Sunday at 195 Simcoe St. N., was swiftly extinguished by Oshawa Fire crews. This is in contrast to the severe blaze in spring 2019 that nearly destroyed the structure, which Nantuck Investments has repeatedly tried to demolish, only to be denied each time by either the city or the Ontario Land Tribunal.
Constructed in 1887 and designed in the ‘Classical Revival’ style, this Simcoe Street residence served as home to the founder of Mc Laughlin Carriage Works – once the largest maker of horse-drawn carriages and sleighs within the British Empire – along with his third wife Eleanor and their servant Elizabeth Welles between 1901 and 1919. It was one of four homes owned by Mc Laughlin (who also held office as mayor), with this being the only one still standing today.
In 1907, Mc Laughlin transitioned to automobile production based on advice from his sons Sam (who would go on to establish General Motors of Canada) and George (the founder of Canada Dry ginger ale).
The house was also occupied for some time by former Oshawa Mayor R. H. James before being converted into professional offices during the 1960s.
Since Nantuck purchased it, the property has remained empty, with its roof gradually collapsing. Nantuck has made multiple attempts to tear it down for new development.
A petition containing 3,000 signatures aimed at saving this historic home from demolition was submitted to Nantuck and property owner Sherland Chhangur back in 2017.
Nantuck Investments expressed plans for demolition in 2021, leading city officials to initiate steps toward designating it as a Heritage Property. This designation was approved on March 29, 2021, followed by a public notice issued three days later.
On April 30 that same year, Nantuck filed an objection against this designation. The matter went before what is now known as the Ontario Land Tribunal after revisions were made regarding its request for designation that November.
Nantuck again sought demolition approval in 2023; however, Oshawa Council denied this request once more.
Nantuck eventually withdrew their objection but informed city staff they plan to continue with an appeal allowing them to demolish the house-going back on earlier commitments regarding preserving its front façade. Company representative Gagan Hajatri indicated to council that damage from past fires would render preserving the entire façade “unfeasible.”
The company aims to construct two commercial units alongside six residential units.
195 Simcoe St. N. Oshawa
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