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Former Elora Hotel receives township grant for restoration

A diagram depicts the evolution of an Elora property.
An Elora building, formerly a hotel, has been given a grant by the Township of Centre Wellington. Photo from report, Township of Centre Wellington.
Riley Gillespie-Wilson - CICW - Fergus • ON | 28-07-2023
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An 1800s Elora building took a big step towards restoration in a recent Centre Wellington council meeting.

The building at 43 West Mill St. has been in Elora since 1848; a developer known as MHBC Planning applied for $10,000 towards the restoration project.

The building has been renovated once before.

Originally known as the Elora Hotel, the building hopes to obtain a classic Elora landmark in the Gorge Cinema and provide residential space.

Coun. Barb Evoy was a proponent of the decision to supply the grant, and said the plan aligned with pretty well every aspect of her and the township's morals.

"Yes, this absolutely is according to our corporate plan and does definitely address our overall strategic plan, this is exactly what I think this council is looking for if we move forward, as far as citizens and working together with the township on projects that are going to serve the community," Evoy said.

"This is exactly what I hope our future looks like as a township," she added.

Five identified changes were laid out by the applicant, removing existing cladding, repointing infill, repairing existing stone walls, replacing roof, and adding aluminum clad and wooden windows and doors.

A grey stone building with hustle and bustling pedestrians and cars surrounding.

Rendering of the proposed work on the building. Screenshot from report, Township of Centre Wellington.

Mayor Shawn Watters explained there is definite heritage value to the property, but his personal connection to its community impact was crucial in his thought process.

"Walking by that building, being in this community for close to 30 years, it's nice to see that it's finally coming back to life again," Watters stated.

"I know there had been other owners in that building but if you've had an opportunity to go there you can see they've chipped off the siding, and you can see the old stone underneath, so, what they're doing will be reflective of the building that was there and be celebrated in our community," he concluded.

Council approved a program in 2015 with two levels, the second of which was the grant money and the requisite appearance in Centre Wellington chambers.

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