Wellington County has received major funding for its new archives.
On June 12, Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong and MPP Ted Arnott announced funding for the expansion. The money comes from the federal and provincial governments and will help pay for the new wing on the county museum.
Three levels of government, including the county, will each contribute up to $1,522,800 to the project, for a total project cost of $4,568,400. The expansion to the museum is expected to start this year and be completed within two years.
In fact, workers were at the site on Monday morning, starting to tear down some of the interior in the old wing being replaced.
“With its varied programming and engaging exhibitions, the Wellington County Museum and Archives makes a valuable contribution to the cultural vitality of this region,” Chong said.
“I am proud to be able to support this local institution and, thanks to the cooperation between governments, we will be better able to preserve the memories and contributions of those who came before us, who built Wellington County into the place it is today … This is a wonderful project.”
Arnott said, “Congratulations and thanks to our county council and staff for their superb work in making a compelling case for this project. I was glad to support it, and know that it will help to give our local economy a boost.”
Former Warden and emcee for the event John Green said the project is “much needed.” The county had started work on a new archives almost two years ago, and it was “shovel ready” – a major requirement for a number of federal and provincial grants.
Warden Joanne Ross-Zuj said, “We are indeed grateful to be receiving this grant for the archive addition to the museum and we sincerely thank Michael Chong and Ted Arnott for their support of this project.”
She added, “I am so excited. It’s an amazing project for the county.”
Wellington Place administrator Bonnie Callen said, “We are absolutely delighted with the announcement. It is a wonderful show of support by our federal and local governments, and is tangible evidence of their commitment to the preservation of local history, today and for future generations.”
Green said because the talks started over 18 months ago, Chong and Arnott knew all about the project when the county applied for the grant, and that enabled them to lobby strongly for the money.
Callen said once the work is done, thousands of citizens and visitors will benefit from the enlarged archives.
The Wellington County Museum and Archives is a National Historic Site, housing 12 galleries with collections reflecting the region’s history. Exhibitions include decorative arts, textiles, historical displays, travelling exhibitions, and installations by local artists.
The museum also organizes a number of community events and activities for all ages. The expansion will double the existing archive space and provide a common entrance with the current community hall. An elevator and accessible washrooms will also be added to make the whole building more available to the larger community.
