The Glengarry County Archives building in Alexandria was designated as a heritage building by North Glengarry Council on Monday, December 8. North Glengarry Council originally adopted a resolution on September 8 to designate the site; however, because the building is jointly owned with the Township of South Glengarry, approval from that municipality’s council was also required to proceed.
South Glengarry Council adopted a resolution objecting to the designation on October 14, citing a lack of information and concerns regarding the intent of the process.
A delegation, which included North Glengarry Economic Development Officer Ainsley Hunt and Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry (SDG) Counties Manager of Long-Range Planning and Policy Lindsay Parisien appeared before South Glengarry Council in November to answer questions and address concerns related to the heritage designation. Following the meeting, South Glengarry Council expressed its support.
With approval from both owners, the heritage designation will now be finalized by the province.
The Glengarry County Archives building was selected for heritage designation due to its historical and architectural value. The building is an example of late Gregorian Tradition residential design in Ontario, with limestone quarried from south of Alexandria. The Archives building was also among the first buildings constructed in North Glengarry and is estimated to date back to between 1820 and 1822.
