FERGUS – The future of the Gartshore Farmhouse in Fergus was discussed at Monday night’s Centre Wellington Council meeting.
The 1875 building sits on the site of the new Township Operations Centre, now under construction at 965 Gartshore Street.
Staff had previously considered community use, but in a presentation to council, Adam Gilmore, Managing Director of Community Services, said staff is now proposing it be converted into office space for the Community Services Department.
Gilmore says upgrades to the farmhouse will be needed regardless of use, and staff is recommending retaining a building design team to complete studies and confirm requirements.
He says the review is just to look at what modifications would be needed to make the building accessible, safe from a fire, and from a structural perspective, because it is an older building.
Council approved funding $25,000 from the general capital reserve to assess required upgrades associated with a change of use at the Gartshore Farmhouse; however, no decision was made last night on whether the farmhouse will be for community use or township office space.
