ELORA – The Heritage Centre Wellington committee presented a plethora of awards to property owners, architects and construction companies for their continued dedication to preserving local heritage properties.
The awards were presented on Feb. 11 in the council chamber.
Heritage Property Conservation Award
A heritage property conservation award was presented to 177 Chalmers St, Elora.
Receiving the award were owners Shawn Barnes and Tanya Chapman and contracting company Wyminga Building Company Inc.
The two-storey red brick, Queen Anne style dwelling was constructed in 1896.
In 2024, the verandah and round portico turret were rehabilitated (originally installed in 1910).
The award recognized the homeowners for their ongoing efforts in preserving the home’s historical character, and the high-quality work undertaken by Wyminga Building Company Inc.
Numerous renovations have been carried out on the property, both interior and exterior, helping to preserve it into the future.
Heritage Property Restoration Award
A heritage property restoration award was presented to 265 St. David St S, Fergus.
The award was received by owner Renata Sergejew and project architect Fryett Turner Architects.
The two-storey Georgian style cut stone building was originally built for James Argo as a home, known as “Allargue” sometime between 1867 and 1883.
It was owned by several prominent local families, including the Argo, Beatty, and McGregor families.
It served many uses over the years, including a private residence, nursing home, bed and breakfast and bridal shop.
The award recognized the efforts of the current owner in the restoration of the front façade, which included the removal of a large two-storey front porch addition that covered much of the original stone façade.
Heritage Property Conservation Award
A heritage property conservation award was presented to 199 Garafraxa St E, Fergus.
The award was received by owners Ian Borrell and Jill Mathieson.
The 1.5-storey Victorian style dwelling was built in 1888 of cut stone.
The award is to recognize the owners’ efforts in maintaining the historic character of the home through ongoing maintenance and repair, including the recent replacement of features with heritage appropriate materials, such as rounded eavestroughs.
Heritage Property Conservation Award
Another heritage property conservation award was presented to 24 Henderson St, Elora.
It was accepted by owners Christa Niravong and Frederick Schuett as well as the contractor, Castle Masonry.
The Gothic Revival style building, formerly known as Chalmers Church, was constructed in 1888 of rubblestone.
The building now operates as a residence and office of local business One Axe Pursuits.
The award recognized the efforts of the owners and contractor in restoring the stonework on a portion of the front façade.
Heritage Stewardship Award
A heritage stewardship award was presented to the Gorge Cinema at 43 Mill St W, Elora.
It was accepted by business owner Payton Curtis.
The Gorge Cinema has operated within the prominent historic building at 43 Mill St W since its inception.
In 2024, it celebrated its 50th year in the cinema business.
It has become an important cultural icon in the village of Elora and beyond.
Though it has changed hands several times over the years, it is known for being “Canada’s longest continuously running repertory cinema,” screening independent and art films in Elora’s historic downtown core since 1974.
Heritage Property Restoration Award
Another heritage property restoration award was presented to 27-43 Mill St W, Elora.
It was accepted by owner Kat Florence Canada Company Limited.
The Commercial Hotel (circa 1848-1870) served as the centre of Elora’s cultural, economic and political life.
It was the first building on Mill Street and the first hotel in the village.
This award recognizes the owner for their investment in the restoration of this significant heritage resource.
Heritage Professionals Award
A heritage professionals award was presented to the 27-43 Mill St W Restoration Project Team.
The Heritage Professionals Award is presented to the team involved with this restoration project, specifically: Centrix Homes, Tacoma Engineers Inc., B.E.N. Stoneworks Ltd, Martin Simmons Sweers (MSS) Architects, and MacNaughton Hermsen Britton Clarkson (MHBC) Planning Limited.
The restoration included: reinstatement of the original roofline, front façade and balcony, restoration of the original exterior stonework, and extensive interior renovations, to bring new life to the uildingg and extend its life well into the future.
Heritage Professional Tradesperson Award
The heritage professional tradesperson award was presented to Bill Wyming of Wyminga Building Company Inc.
This award recognized Bill Wyminga, owner of Wyminga Building Company Inc., for his skilled work on numerous heritage buildings throughout Centre Wellington, such as 177 Chalmers Street, 176 North Queen Street and 310 Union Street East.
Bill has spent more than twenty years working in the building industry, specializing in historic structures and earning a reputation for excellence and integrity in the community.
