Photo Karen Graham.
The Old Fire Hall is one of four more properties that are destined for protection under the Heritage By-law project launched in January. Fifty two properties are on the list to receive this designation. The process has already been completed for nine properties in town.
Each property will have its own by-law including a justification of why it should be preserved. Located at 2 Hay Street in Millbrook, the Old Fire Hall is a two-storey building with a three-storey Tuscan tower built in 1881. Its unique character illustrates the Italianate architecture style that was popular in Millbrook throughout the 19th century. The building housed the town Fire Hall from 1883, when the first local Fire department was formed, until the opening of the King St. East facility in 1968. It is owned by the township but has been operated as a museum by the Millbrook Cavan Firefighters’ Association, which leases and maintains the building. Inside is the organization’s antique equipment and historical archives. The focus of the heritage designation is to protect the façade of historically significant buildings but applies to the entire property. It places no restrictions on the interior uses or appearance. KG
