8 Navy St

History

Erchless Estate was first owned by William Chisholm, the founder of Oakville. In 1839, he deeded the property to his son Robert Kerr Chisholm, who was a Customs Officer. Robert built the Customs House in 1857 and the Erchless building c.1858. Currently used as Oakville Museums and Archives. Designated individually and as part of the Oakville Harbour Cultural Heritage Landscape and the Erchless Estate Cultural Heritage Landscape.

The Town of Oakville’s account, reproduced from its heritage register.

Heritage attributes

The residence building represents the strong Italianate styling popular during the mid-1850s. Features include a belvedere, wide moulded eaves with brackets, slightly rounded window openings enhanced by stone trim and lintels, and a decorative doorway with multiple light transom and sidelights.

The Town of Oakville’s description, reproduced from its heritage register.

What the status means

Both individually designated under Part IV and inside a Part V district.

Whether a specific alteration needs a heritage permit is the Town’s call; ask its heritage planning staff before starting work. See permits and by-laws.

Sources

Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence — Town of Oakville. Licence. Register checked September 24, 2026; the Town’s record is authoritative.