The Wellesley Township council chambers are undergoing a facelift.
The building located at 4805 Hastings Line in Crosshill is currently under renovation. The existing cedar roof requires replacement and the stone exterior requires re-pointing to maintain its structural integrity and weather-resistant qualities as well as keeping with the original appearance of the building. The repairs were needed as the structure would have deteriorated quickly over the next few years.
The structure was built in 1855, making it 157 year old. In 1987 the council chambers were designated a heritage building and was the first project to be considered for a grant by the heritage foundation.
At a council meeting Tuesday night, councillors decided the township should apply for a Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation property grant, requesting funding to complete the required repairs to the building.
“This grant will apply to the work that is being done currently,” Rik Louwagie, chief building officer of Wellesley Township, told council. “We are asking for the full cost of the repairs that are being done right now. The council chamber is the oldest functioning municipal building in the Region of Waterloo.”
The Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation is a non-profit organization funded through an annual grant from the Region of Waterloo. Its mandate is to promote and encourage interest in the heritage and culture of the region. Since forming the foundation has distributed more than a $1 million to a variety of projects throughout the region.
The township is estimating that the renovations will cost approximately $37,235 and the project is expected to be completed by December.
