ELORA – Centre Wellington kicked off Heritage Week (Feb 20 to 26) a little early by honouring local individuals and businesses for their heritage conservation efforts.
And if you love heritage, Feb. 14 was a fitting day for the event.
The awards were presented by Mayor Shawn Watters and Heritage Centre Wellington, a citizens’ committee that advises council on heritage matters.
Education in Heritage Award
David Meyler, left, accepted his award on behalf of he and his brother Peter Meyler, who could not attend. Presenting the award were Heritage Centre Wellington chair Philip Brown and Mayor Shawn Watters. Submitted photo
Peter and David Meyler received this award for their book A Stolen Life: Searching for Richard Pierpoint, which was published in 1999.
The book still has resonance today, as Pierpoint Park, in the east end of Fergus, has come under scrutiny and widespread belief it is deserving of preservation.
Pierpoint was a freed slave who fought for the British in Canada and the United States and was granted land near Fergus.
He is credited with starting the first Black settlement in Wellington County.
The Meyler brothers continue to bring Pierpoint’s story to life whenever possible and on Feb. 23 at 7pm, Peter Meyler will speak about Pierpoint for the Wellington County Historical Society.
Volunteer Acknowledgement Award
Kathy Baranski received her award from Brown and Watters. Baranski was a member of Heritage Centre Wellington from 2005 to 2018 and was chair from 2008 to 2018. Submitted photo
Kathy Baranski served on Heritage Centre Wellington from 2005 until 2018, becoming chair in 2008.
Under her leadership, a number of important properties and heritage resources were protected through heritage designation and listing on the Municipal Heritage Register, states a township press release.
“Throughout her time on the committee, Kathy was dedicated to working with property owners, municipal staff, council, and the community, to help conserve as much of the township’s historic built and cultural heritage as possible for current and future residents of Centre Wellington,” officials state.
Heritage Property Restoration Award
Robert Hillis accepted the award on behalf of his daughter Kristy Hillis and her partner Don Kogen for restoration work at 59 Metcalfe St. in Elora. Submitted photo
Kristy Hillis and Don Kogen have bought several properties in downtown Elora with a vision to restore them to their former glory.
Among the properties is 59 Metcalfe St., home of The Badley restaurant, at the corner of Metcalfe and Mill streets, which recently completed renovations.
It’s this property that is recognized by the award.
Hillis and Kogen enlisted B.E.N. Stoneworks Ltd. to carry out exterior renovations to the building, which included removal of a stucco exterior to expose the original, locally-sourced limestone.
The stonework was then repointed and restored, marrying subtly with the new stone facade added onto later additions to the structure.
“This heritage building will continue to be an important part of the streetscape in the Village of Elora,” officials state.
Heritage Property Conservation Award
Annie Tobias accepted her Heritage Award on Feb. 14 with Dwight Berkhardt, left, of Evolve Builders Group, and her architect Tony Round from BlackLab Architects. Presenting the award were Heritage Centre Wellington chair Philip Brown and Mayor Shawn Watters. Submitted photo
Annie Tobias, owner of the former red brick schoolhouse at 7224 Sideroad 10 in Ariss, was lauded for the way she renovated the building, built in 1902.
Tobias was drawn to this heritage home because of its gardens, uniqueness and peaceful rural setting.
The renovation, with the help of BlackLab Architects Inc., included a redesign of a 1970s dormer and new openings at the rear, which added more light and function into the existing home.
“In all aspects of the renovation, great consideration was given to respect the original building’s design, heritage attributes and heritage values, while making improvements to enhance the space and its livability,” officials state.
Heritage Professional Tradesperson Award
Mark Agnew, a contractor with Symmetry Stoneworks, received his award from Heritage Centre Wellington chair Philip Brown and Mayor Shawn Watters for work he did on Colin and Susan Fox’s home. Submitted photo
This award recognizes a skilled professional tradesperson for the quality of work undertaken to maintain compatibility with the character of an existing designated building.
The owners are also recognized for their consideration in protecting a home’s historic character.
This year the award went to Mark Agnew, a contractor with Symmetry Stoneworks, and Colin and Susan Fox, who own the red brick building at 37 Henderson St. in Elora.
Agnew built a wood burning fireplace and new single chimney on the east side of the building, complementing the existing wall and structure.
This red brick building, circa 1865, was built to serve the educational needs of the local community as a schoolhouse and residence.
It is significant for its association with many of Elora’s most influential citizens and contributes to the institutional buildings in this section of Elora.
