The Old Millbrook School will get some tlc supported by a significant contribution with a provincial grant of more than $375,000. As a designated heritage building, the projects will be consistent with the building’s original architecture.
At the May 20th Council meeting, it was agreed to proceed with a series of rehabilitation projects at the Old Millbrook School, for a total value of $511,750.
Of this amount, $375,266.28 will be funded by a grant from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) which was approved several years ago.
Among the rehabilitation projects are upgrading the building’s accessibility, the replacement ofaging building components including doors, windows, roofing and mechanical components and restoring the floor. Township staff is in the process of securing quotes for these projects.
An energy audit of the building was conducted in January, which recommended streamlined LED light upgrades which are not covered by the grant and are not part of this project.
As a designated heritage building, any alterations which might affect the property’s heritage attributes must be approved. The approval authority in these matters for Cavan Monaghan is Municipal Revitalization and Heritage Advisory Committee, affectionately known as MR HAC, which has the ability to block any project they deem would impact the historical value of the designated structure.
The Old Millbrook School’s heritage designation was reaffirmed last year as part of a review of heritage buildings across the township. This means that all alterations must be consistent with the original and present character of the property. The structure reflects the 19thCentre Ontario Schoolhouse architecture. It was built in 1889andofficially opened the following year. The original structure had only four classrooms, but an addition in 1922 doubled the size of the building when a symmetrical addition linked by a central staircase was added to the facility. Original windows and doors have been replaced over the years with compatible modern components that reflect the original heritage appearance. Concerns over the fire safety of the building during the 1980’s resulted in its closure ad a school. Today the building acts as a community hub, housing the Millbrook library branch, the EarlyON Child and Family Centre, the Millbrook and District Foodshare, and as a temporary Social Service outreach office.
The proposed renovation projects include refinishing the existing hardwood floors, replacing exterior doors, installing some mechanical upgrades, possible light fixture replacements as the budget permits, refinishing the exterior railing on the accessibility ramp and replacing the roof shingles. All were approved by the Heritage Committee and will proceed as quotes are approved and are expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year.