New grants available to preserve, restore heritage in Wellington North
WELLINGTON NORTH – Property owners here can apply for grants of up to $2,500 to restore or preserve the heritage of building façades.
Wellington North council approved the new Heritage Buildings and Downtown Security section of the township’s Community Improvement Plan on Aug. 10.
The funds, totaling $10,000, will come from Wellington North’s annual Business Retention and Expansion County Grant funding.
The program expansion follows a notice of motion from councillor Penny Renken, who asked staff to prepare a report of the feasibility of adopting a bylaw, policy or guidelines to support the preservation of historic building façades in June.
Staff worked with the Mount Forest and Arthur Business Improvement Areas, the township’s Cultural Round Table and Plural consultants to come up with a plan.
Buildings do not have to be designated as heritage properties to receive the grants, applications must include “a rendering or outline explaining what historical features they will be restoring,” said township economic development officer Robyn Mulder.
“Modern or non-historic buildings can mimic historical features such as gable trim, gooseneck lighting, shaker panelling or historical doors and windows. So everyone can apply – but not everyone will be approved, depending on what they are doing.”
Applications that meet all criteria will be granted on a first come, first served basis.
The historical façade grant is available on top of Wellington North’s regular façade grant, so township funding per building for façade improvements could reach $5,000.
When the total cost of façade improvements is over $20,000, Mulder said she will also apply on the owner’s behalf for a further $7,500 in funding from Wellington County.
