Heritage Designated Properties

Known as the “Kissing Bridge”, it was designed by John Bear in 1880 and built by John and Benjamin Bear in 1881.  The 198 foot bridge was covered to protect the wooden floor and frame against the elements.  It is the only remaining covered bridge in Ontario; in 2014 it was incorporated into the Woolwich Township logo.  The bridge is owned by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 2011

The two storey, yellow, brick residence was constructed in 1891 by Jacob Dunke.  Mr. Dunke moved to Elmira in 1864 and, by 1875, was operating his own general store.  Mr. Dunke was the first treasurer for the Village for Elmira from 1886 to 1909.  The house is an example of the Victorian architecture and features tall chimneys, broad porches, and a variety of window shapes with decorative brackets that are typical characteristics of the Queen Anne Revival Style.  The house was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act on June 26, 1984 by Township of Woolwich Council.

The large clock tower built in 1914 as part of the building represents a unique feature in the settlement, and the continued operation of the clock with its original mechanisms show a high degree of craftsmanship and technical achievement.  The building features elements of the Classical and Italianate Styles and is a replica of similar public buildings, mainly post offices, located in small Ontario towns.  The former Township Hall was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act on January 19, 2010 by Township of Woolwich Council.

This picturesque farm house located in Elmira at 80 Arthur Street South was built circa 1860 by Jacob W. Bowman and is located on property which he bought from Edward Bristow, Elmira’s first settler.  The house is a fine example of the Gothic Revival style and was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act on June 27th, 1989 by Township of Woolwich Council.  At the time of designation the house was being used as a Bed and Breakfast and was known as the Bristow Inn, but has since reverted to use as a residence.

This house was built circa 1857 by John Wideman and is a bold example of the vernacular Georgian Style.  Features of the building include the rubble stone with massive corner quoins, the second storey and attic building of locally handmade red brick set in English common bond, and the unusual three bay first floor façade with original eight over eight double hung sash windows.    The structure was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act on August 23, 1994 by Township of Woolwich Council

The Conestogo United Church was originally constructed in 1878 and was the first Methodist Church in the immediate area.  Architecturally, it is of the Vernacular Style and its original form has been relatively unaltered with subsequent additions or repairs.   The church was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act on October 14, 1980 by Township of Woolwich Council.

The existing school was constructed in 1898, and is the oldest Roman Catholic School still operating in the Region of Waterloo, and one of only two Catholic Schools in the Township.  The yellow bricked 36 by 64 foot, 2 storey portion of the building has a raised field stone basement and is a symmetrical design, with double hung windows (not original) and an arched covered entry which is part of the bell tower.  A unique element of the school is in the basement which has two rounded doors and doorways.   The school was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act on November 25, 2014 by Township of Woolwich Council.

This house is of architectural significance because it is a carefully restored example of a one storey Waterloo County Georgian Style fieldstone farm home built in the 1850’s.  The two storey verandah with turned posts, verandah ceiling and plastered façade is reminiscent of the buildings of this era.  The house was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act on December 9, 1986 by Township of Woolwich Council.

The house was built in 1867 by Joseph B. Snyder.  The brick structure housed the general store and post office until 1915 and served as a general meeting place.  The architectural features of the house include the front façade being of original Georgian Style constructed using common English bond brick coursing.  The house was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act on November 11, 1989 by Township of Woolwich Council.