Charles Edward Voelker

Charles Voelker, known to most who knew him as “Colonial Charlie”, left his distinctive mark on the landscape of Waterloo Region.

Voelker was a third generation resident of Waterloo Region. In 1936, at age 17, he began his career designing furniture locally. He also drew maps for Hydro, worked as a clerk at Goodrich Rubber Company, did munitions time studies for the war effort at Waterloo Manufacturing, and drafted cottages for Ratz Lumber.

Inspired by a gift of books, his creative talents turned to teaching himself the history and art of architecture. It became his life’s passion to design plans, beginning with his family’s homes. In 1947 from his own house, he was self-employed as an architectural designer throughout his life. His meticulous dedication to detail can be seen particularly in many of the subdivisions of Colonial Acres, Westmount, Beechwood and Williamsburg Acres.

Voelker served the community for seventeen years as member of the Waterloo Public School Board, including serving as Chairman. He was the Judge for the Court of Revision for twenty years. Then as a City of Waterloo Alderman for fifteen years, he championed civic beautification, affordable housing, housing for seniors and people with disabilities, library expansion, initiation of the Parkview Cemetery’s crematorium, lower taxes and the preservation of historic buildings.

In 1967 Voelker was a recipient of the Canada Medal for service to community and country. More than 250 of his drawings are preserved by the City of Waterloo’s Heritage Collection. His architectural achievements, community involvement and life’s work as a visionary were highlighted in an exhibition installed by the City of Waterloo in 2003.