McMaster University is no longer proceeding with plans for a property it bought in 2020, and the house at 30 South St. W. in Dundas will be put up for sale.
The house, built in 1848, was the childhood home of Sir William Osler, a globally renowned physician of the late 1800s, particularly as a humanist, medical educator and clinician.
The intent of the purchase by the university’s Faculty of Health Sciences was to preserve local history and provide the opportunity to recognize the contributions of a variety of medical pioneers to the history of health care in Hamilton and Canada.
The original plan was that the property would function as a living museum, while lodging visiting faculty, researchers and distinguished visitors to campus, as well as provide small conference and meeting facilities.
Not long after the purchase, public questions arose about statements made by Osler in the late nineteenth century, which included racist views.
Conversations were initiated and encouraged among many groups, including the faculty’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenous Reconciliation Committee, and others within and outside of the faculty, about how to move forward.
“These discussions influenced McMaster’s decision not to pursue its original plan,” said Paul O’Byrne, dean and vice-president of McMaster’s Faculty of Health Sciences.
“The more we discussed the issues, we realized that our energies were better focused on our commitment to Indigenous reconciliation and to inclusive excellence.”
The university will ensure the property is maintained and secure while plans to sell the property are finalized.