NEWS RELEASE
CENTRE WELLINGTON
*************************
Heritage Week is an annual opportunity to celebrate our heritage in its many forms with its diverse traditions and cultural expressions. We celebrate our heritage this year by recognizing past and present local citizens and honouring the efforts of property owners who have invested in protecting and enhancing heritage for future generations.
This year, Heritage Week is celebrated in Ontario from Feb. 21-27, 2022 with federal Heritage Day kicking off the event on Feb. 21. Heritage Centre Wellington kicked off the festivities by awarding Heritage Recognition Awards at last nights virtual Heritage Centre Wellington meeting.
“Centre Wellington is rich in local heritage” said Mayor Kelly Linton. “We have never taken as much pride in Heritage as we do today, as can be seen particularly in our historic downtowns. We are fortunate to have a Heritage committee that is rich in historical knowledge, and passionate about heritage conservation within the Township.”
Remembering Richard Pierpoint
Black History Month coincides with Heritage Week in February, therefore it is important to celebrate our significant history in Centre Wellington. The earliest settlement in our township was Pierpoint, located on the eastern edge of present-day Fergus in the general vicinity of Pierpoint Park.
It was established by Africans who were previously enslaved and brought to the United States by their captors. They regained their freedom through their allegiance to Britain and came to Upper Canada, first being granted land in the Niagara area and then coming to West Garafraxa starting in 1819. The settlement became known as Pierpoint after Richard Pierpoint, who arrived in 1822 and was a leader of the community.
By 1826, Pierpoint had six or seven log cabins and at least 35 acres of cleared land. One of the Pierpoint settlers, a Mr. Scott, built the first house in Fergus, on the site of the present Fergus library at 190 St. Andrew Street West, and he built the first bridge across the Grand River on Tower Street with the help of other Pierpoint residents (Hutchinson 2712).
2022 Heritage Awards
Education in Heritage Award
Beverley Cairns, Elora
Beverley has been involved in long-standing efforts to educate the local community on a variety of issues relating to heritage conservation. She has made numerous written submissions and presentations to local media outlets, Heritage Centre Wellington, and Council, as well as videos and general promotion of the importance of heritage in our community as a member of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, Guelph/Wellington Branch.
Volunteer Acknowledgement Award
Graeme Chalmers, Fergus
Graeme has volunteered with numerous groups in the community over many years to promote heritage conservation and history of the local area. He has worked with the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario and promoted provincial recognition for the preservation and restoration of the Rafferty building in Fergus. He served two terms on Heritage Centre Wellington providing valuable knowledge for numerous initiatives, including the compilation of a comprehensive inventory of heritage properties and areas.
Making Heritage Accessible Award
Fergus Public Library (County of Wellington),
190 St. Andrew St. W.
In 2014, the Fergus Public Library underwent a major reconstruction and renovation that blended the original 1911 two storey stone Carnegie library structure at the front with new modern addition at the rear. The changes allowed greater accessibility for all users, including an accessible ramp at the front and a wide ground level entrance at the back. This is one of the few Carnegie Libraries constructed of stone.
Heritage Property Conservation Award
Melville United Church, 300 St. Andrew St. W.
The recent restoration project at Melville United Church saw several stained glass windows on the north and west side of the sanctuary restored to their former glory. These windows were meticulously removed, re-leaded, repaired and returned to their original place. The work was completed by Trillium Glass Inc. (London). The existing church structure itself dates back to 1899 and was constructed of Credit Valley stone. This project is part of an ongoing effort to restore the windows and other elements of the church.
Heritage Property Conservation Award
Potter Foundry (Elora Mill Development), 6523 Wellington Road 7
The Potter Foundry ruin is part of a large-scale redevelopment project for lands on the south side of the Grand River associated with the Elora Mill redevelopment. The structure was relocated a short distance to facilitate construction of a multi-unit residential building and provide better public access to the ruin through a trail system. This simple stone building was originally constructed in 1873 as a foundry to replace a previous foundry that was destroyed by fire. The prominent landmark building served many industrial uses that supplied the needs of Elora and the surrounding community.
Heritage Professionals Award
Potter Foundry Project Team (Elora Mill Development), 6523 Wellington Road 7
The Heritage Professionals Award is presented to the team of professionals involved with the Potter Foundry relocation project, specifically: Tacoma Engineers Inc., Robinson Heritage Consulting, James Keating Construction Ltd., BEN Stoneworks Ltd., Motion Electrical Contracting Ltd., Thak Ironworks, Tim Casson Timber Frames, Silverfern Landscape Group, and MTE Consultants Inc.
The relocation involved meticulous disassembly and reconstruction of the entire building with new elements added, such as roof, lighting, doors and hardware for safety and accessibility. Great care was taken to reconstruct the edifice with attention to the detailing of the past while adapting it for modern use. The site will be open to public access when the project is complete.
Centre Wellington takes immense pride in its roots and stands together with individual property owners who are committed to protecting heritage for future generations. Heritage planning staff and Heritage Centre Wellington, a volunteer-based advisory committee to council, promote heritage conservation through the documentation and protection of heritage properties and the implementation of policies to help guide change to these properties. For more information, please visit www.centrewellington.ca/heritage.
*************************
