Heritage Advisory Committee meeting, October 15, 2026

Attendance

The Heritage Advisory Committee met at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in Committee Room 2, Wrenford City Hall, 100 Mercer Street. This meeting was not livestreamed. Members present were the Chair (a resident member), Councillor Helen Marchetti (Ward 6), and five resident members serving as a heritage volunteer, local historian, architectural conservator, community arts advocate, and planning consultant. Staff in attendance included the City's Heritage Planner, Gwen Lachance.

Delegations

One delegation appeared before the committee. A representative from the Downtown Wrenford BIA spoke about integrating heritage signage into upcoming streetscape improvements. They asked the committee to ensure that historical plaques are included near the new public art installations. The committee agreed and noted the request in its report to Council.

Reports and decisions

The committee reviewed several reports and made the following recommendations to Council:

• 2026 Public Art Call for Proposals: Members discussed the City's new call for artists to submit designs for downtown spaces. They recommended that a portion of the budget be reserved for works that reflect Wrenford's industrial history, particularly the grist mill era. Recommendation carried unanimously.
• Heritage Conservation District By-law: The committee examined the draft boundaries for the Heritage Conservation District. They suggested adding two properties on Mill Street to the boundary to ensure continuity with the Old Mill Museum & Archives. Recommendation carried 5 to 0.
• Heritage Alteration Permit Review: Members reviewed recent permit applications and noted a delay in processing times. They recommended adding a second part-time reviewer to the planning team to keep pace with demand. Recommendation carried 4 to 1.
• Heritage Conservation Grant Programme: The committee evaluated the first round of grant applications for 2026. They approved funding for three restoration projects and one educational initiative, totaling $12,500. Recommendation carried unanimously.

By-laws

No by-laws were passed. The committee forwards its recommendations to City Council for final decision. Council will consider the draft Heritage Conservation District By-law at a future meeting.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. If you have questions about heritage designations or permit applications, you can contact the Heritage & Archives Coordinator at 519-555-0133.