Whitchurch-Stouffville Council has taken the first step toward protecting a Ringwood home with deep ties to a Canadian cavalry regiment. The town published a notice of intention to designate 5270 Main Street under the Ontario Heritage Act on August 12, 2026. The property, known as the Major John Button House, is a two-storey buff brick Victorian home with an L-shaped footprint, cross-gabled roof, a two-storey bay, and segmental-arched windows.
The home is linked to Major John R. Button, who commanded Squadron ‘E’ of the Governor General’s Body Guard. Button joined the militia in 1869 and was the great-grandson of Captain John Button, who founded Button’s Troop in 1810. That cavalry troop was the first militia cavalry unit in Canada and later became part of the Governor General’s Body Guard, which served in conflicts from the War of 1812 through the Second Boer War and into the 20th century.
Major John R. Button received a Long Service Medal from Queen Victoria for his military service. His son Ernest also served alongside him in the Governor General’s Body Guard. After the property was sold in 1910, William and Agnes Pipher moved in. William Pipher provided threshing services to local farmers for 40 years.
Residents who object to the proposed heritage designation have until September 11, 2026, to file a written objection with the Town Clerk. Council is scheduled to make its final decision on the designation by-law at its December 2, 2026, meeting. The property owner does not need to consent for the designation to proceed, though appeals may be made to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
Whitchurch-Stouffville currently has eleven properties designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act and three Heritage Conservation Districts designated under Part V as of June 2024. More information is available on the town’s website.
