GUELPH The County of Wellington’s Hillsburgh Library received the Gordon Couling Restoration Award from the Guelph and Wellington Branch of the Architectural Conservancy Ontario and the Wellington County Historical Society on June 27.
The annual Gordon Couling Award recognizes the exemplary restoration or adaptive re-use of a significant heritage structure or structures within the City of Guelph or the County of Wellington.
The new 10,000-square-foot Hillsburgh Library opened a year ago and combines an 1892 Victorian brick home with an impressive two-storey addition overlooking the Hillsburgh Mill Pond and expansive grounds.
“The County of Wellington is honoured to be the recipient of the Gordon Couling Restoration Award,” said Warden Kelly Linton.
“The county made it a priority to preserve the historical character and architectural integrity of the original heritage home while delivering a modern library and community meeting place for the residents of Hillsburgh to enjoy.”
Built using the County’s Green Legacy Building Standards, the Hillsburgh Library meets the emerald level of certification, the county’s highest level of certification.
“The county would like to thank the Guelph and Wellington Branch of the Architectural Conservancy Ontario and the Wellington County Historical Society for this honour,” commented councillor Mary Lloyd, who chairs the county’s library board.
“Designed by VG Architects, the new Hillsburgh Library is a truly unique and special place.”
Chief Librarian Murray McCabe said, “There is significant historical value to this property.
“The new Hillsburgh Library was once part of a 50-acre property, which remained crown land until 1839. The property was eventually sold to Nazareth Hill, who was instrumental in the founding of Hillsburgh. Eventually, this lot was divided and sold to William and James Gooderham who operated the Gooderham and Worts Mill beginning in 1852.
“When the opportunity to purchase the property presented itself, the library board with the support of county council, seized the opportunity to protect the Victorian brick home and provide public access to the once privately owned Hillsburgh Mill Pond.”
The new Hillsburgh Library is located at 9 Station Street in Hillsburgh and the branch is open seven days a week.
