Meaford Old Fire Hall (Image from Meaford council report)
Meaford is approving a heritage permit for the old fire hall in the municipality.
Council approved a recommendation from Director of Development Services Rob Voigt for the heritage permit for the building at 26 Nelson Street East during a meeting on July 10.
The report says the applicant is proposing a restaurant with an outdoor rooftop with seating and an elevator, while also displaying historic pictures and artifacts. The proponent has applied for a heritage permit for a major change of use, which will also need approval of a site plan application and building permit approval.
“Given the heritage designations of this building a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) was required in support of the proposal,” says the report.
The HIA was completed and includes current conditions, historic context, statement of cultural heritage value, and proposed alterations. The heritage permit was granted so long as it met a number of conditions, including architectural drawings and masonry specifications.
Voigt says the owner began demolition work on the inside of the building without any permits and the building official put a stop to the work.
“We required them to do a HIA report and apply for a heritage permit,” says Voigt. “We have gotten this report, that then went to the heritage committee and now have passed on the recommendations. This then becomes part of the building permit.”
Coun. Tony Bell says he hopes the proponent can get the building permit and get at the project soon.
“It is going to be a game changer downtown. Even though it is a heritage building, it is going to be another go see place here in Ontario,” says Bell.