Following its destruction in a fire this spring, one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s most historic buildings is at the centre of efforts to give it the significance they feel it deserves.
The municipal heritage committee is exploring ways to commemorate Glencairn Hall, a 19th-century heritage home on 14785 Niagara River Pkwy. that was engulfed in flames the early morning of April 16.
“It has a special place in my heart for sure,” said committee member Rita Trudeau. “It’s a very tragic loss.”
At the committee’s July 9 meeting, Trudeau proposed ways to recognize the site’s history. Among her suggestions were a roadside plaque near the former site, a historical illustration of the building and a written account of its history.
She also suggested creating a sculpture, a digital archive and an annual commemoration day for lost historical sites, which could include themed tours.
Coun. Gary Burroughs, who also sits on the committee, supported the idea of a “meaningful plaque” near the site.
However, private property concerns may affect what the town can do. Though Glencairn Hall was unoccupied when it burned down, heritage planner Sumra Zia said the owner was performing maintenance at the time.
“It wasn’t ‘vacant,’ vacant,” she said, adding that the town cannot make decisions about private property without the owner’s consent.
Despite that, several committee members emphasized the building’s historical importance.
The home stood for 193 years at its location on the Niagara River Parkway. The fire resulted in the “total loss” of the property, said Jim Kettles, operations manager for the Office of the Fire Marshall.
In June, Niagara Regional Police said they’re investigating the fire as a targeted act of criminal arson.
“It just drives me insane what we lost,” said committee member Brian Marshall.
Burroughs agreed the loss was significant — he visited the house once before it met its demise and said Glencairn is “one of many” buildings of historical importance in town.
“We are where Upper Canada started. That’s why it’s important,” he said. “History is so important to our community.”
The committee remains in the early stages of discussion. Burroughs said he’s optimistic about where the ideas could lead.
“The committee itself is outstanding, and they will have some great ideas,” he said. “I look forward to hearing what they will be.”
The committee said they may make a decision in September on what kind of heritage-related commemoration they’ll go with.
According to the Ontario Heritage Trust, Glencairn Hall was designed by architect John Latshaw and built by Robert Hamilton Sr. in 1832.
It was later owned by prominent figures such as William A. Thomson, owner of the Erie and Niagara Railway, and John D. Larkin, owner of the Larkin Soap Company in Buffalo.
The building was also known for its classical Greek architectural style.
