Heritage is coming to the forefront here with a recent move by council to investigate designations for some of the structures and property in the Palmerston Lions Heritage Park.
The section encompasses the former railway lands and train station within downtown Palmerston.
Councillor Wayne Martin cited the recent provincial heritage meeting in Walkerton.
“Out of that, we have a better understanding of what we are dealing with,” Martin said. He has dealt with a professor from the heritage resource centre in Waterloo about it.
In considering Minto, specifically the heritage park, Martin said the recommendation is that the Old 81 engine and the train station be designated locally, while the pedestrian bridge be sent to the national register.
“It is the unique feature there,” Martin said. He added within the municipality there are other things that need to be considered.
At this point, a University of Waterloo professor has offered staff to assist town staff to establish needed bylaws. That person might also be able to develop an educational component for council or the general public. Martin said it would be fortunate to have the extra help to start those processes.
He believes council should also consider designation of the former Harriston train station and pioneer cemeteries, with the Palmerston park area serving as a pilot project.
“Designation is basically to give us more protection as a municipality,” Martin said. “Hopefully, there’s not a whole lot of strings attached.”
Anderson agreed, “It’s very important we look at our heritage sites and buildings.” He said there may be some funding for preservation.
Martin said in the town’s strategic plan, economic development plan, and tourism meetings, heritage keeps popping up.
If considered on a local level, the onus is on the municipality, but with provincial recognition there may be the opportunity to “tag team” for funds for a person to help the town.
“I think it’s really important for Minto to move along to the provincial level,” Martin said.
Deputy-mayor Judy Dirksen asked for an explanation between structures designated at the local level and those at the provincial or national level. She asked if designation at the local level would lock the municipality in for costs.
Martin said, “Ultimately, they will all end up on the local registry.”
He said it just gives the local municipality more control of what is going on. He considered being on the upper level government registries more a matter of prestige.
“It’s the uniqueness of it. Something that nobody else has,” he said.
As far as costs goes, Martin believes the municipality will incur some, but that would give the town some control.
