FERGUS – A report headed to Centre Wellington Council on Monday includes an update on the proposed use of the 965 Gartshore Farmhouse in Fergus.
Construction of the new Township Operations Centre at 965 Gartshore Street is currently underway, and the existing farmhouse on the property has been recommended to be retained and converted for beneficial reuse.
The Gartshore Farmhouse was constructed in 1875 and has approximately 1,600 square feet of finished floor space.
According to the report, while past discussions with Council have focused on repurposing the Gartshore Farmhouse for some form of community use, staff have recently considered the possibility of converting it for use as additional office space for Township staff in the Community Services Department.
Staff says situating township staff from the Buildings and Properties Division, and the Parks Division of Community Services in the Gartshore Farmhouse will provide for near-term growth capacity in the Community Services Department and will result in operational efficiencies.
Regardless of the proposed change of use of the Gartshore Farmhouse, staff say building upgrades will be required.
To assess the scope and cost of building upgrades for both use options, Township staff are proposing to retain the services of a building design team to complete studies and confirm requirements.
Township staff estimates that the cost to complete the required design works is approximately $25,000.
Council will consider the report at Monday’s 6 pm meeting.
