At Mississippi Mills council’s committee meeting of June 23rd, a motion came forward to pass a by-law to designate the Almonte Legion’s building at 100 Bridge Street as a heritage building. At a previous council meeting a delegation of Legion members came forward to oppose such a move, citing increased costs in maintenance and renovations due to specialized materials and contractors. They also reported that the building’s insurance carrier notified them of substantial premium increases as a result.
When the Heritage committee report was reviewed by council, it noted the building only met 5 of the 9 Ontario Heritage Act criteria. The structure was added to the heritage registry in 2009 as a potential building for heritage designation. Some councillors expressed concern that if the building was ever sold to a new owner, without a designation it could be drastically modified or demolished to make way for a new structure.
Councillors agreed to work with the Legion branch to install a plaque outlining the history of the building and it’s uses over the years. They also sought a process that would let the municipality protect the structure in case of a future sale. The branch has been located in the building and maintained it for almost 80 years.
Councillors overwhelmingly defeated the motion to designate the building as heritage.
Story by Brian Turner
