Historical Centre looking to re-purpose historic sheds, make site more useable

Lisha Van Nieuwenhove

Two historically valuable sheds at the Uxbridge Historical Centre (UHC) may soon get new life, thanks, in part, to a building that no longer exists.

At Monday’s council meeting, director of community services Amanda Ferraro presented a report requesting permission to apply for grants, as well as permsision to hire an architect and engineering company that can begin plans to renovate the Hillson shed, the Nesbitt shed, and also the Quaker School House. Insurance money that was collected after the Lodge Hall was destroyed by the May 2022 tornado will go towards the hiring of this firm(s).

The Nesbitt shed at the Uxbridge Historical Centre.

According to Ferraro’s report, the Hillson shed is in poor condition and is considered unsafe. It’s currently closed to the public and staff until the required work is done to make it safe. The Nesbitt shed is in good condition, but there is concern over the capacity of the mezzanine to serve as a storage loft. The school house is included in the plans because the UHC would like to add accessible washrooms to it.

A risk assessment of the UHC was done last June, examining potential for the two sheds and the site overall.

The report, which was prepared with UHC curator Katlyn Jones, said it was important to save the two sheds and “re-purpose them for alternate, revenue generating uses that would benefit the site making the site more useable for events, programs, camps, rentals and weddings.” It also mentioned improving exhibit space in the Nesbitt shed so a steam threshing machine that is currently in storage could go on display. “When we get the grants that are required, and use the funds we already have, we can do some major things, and make it more viable for tourism and the site itself,” said councillor Pam Beach.

Council approved the recommendations.