The building that once housed the printing facilities and offices of The Gleaner could soon be demolished after all.
Members of the town of Huntingdon’s demolition committee met on April 8 to consider a demolition permit for the historic brick building, which has sat vacant and in disrepair for over five years. This was the second time the committee was assembled to assess an application for this site, after an initial request was denied in January. This time, the committee voted to grant the permit.
The building sits on an expansive property that will soon house a residential development. An inspector’s report revealed significant deterioration and damage to the building’s exterior, foundation and roof, as well as the interior walls, floors, and basement. The costs to restore the building were estimated at $1.9 million.
The landowners, who were present at the public meeting, argued that the restoration costs and ongoing expenses were prohibitive, and that after trying to sell or rent the building for the past five years, they were left with few options. The developers promised to pay homage to the building’s heritage by incorporating elements of the Gleaner building into the new housing development.
Several residents who were also present disagreed, suggesting the town could explore government programs and partnerships with organizations to develop affordable social housing, while others proposed repurposing the building as a public space for community organizations or recreational services. Huntingdon’s Mayor André Brunette, who presided over the meeting, responded that the town did not have the resources to renovate or manage such a building.
Along with those present for the meeting, the town received a total of 14 letters opposing the building’s demolition, including 10 from individuals residing in a different municipality. Director general Johanne Hébert confirmed the town had not received any applications to acquire and preserve the building. As such, the committee adopted a resolution to accept the permit application, based on the poor condition of the building and the developer’s land reuse plan for the proposed housing development.
“There was certainly a lot of emotion in the room,” said Brunette. “I think we made the best possible decision,” he added, noting the resolution contains certain criteria and requirements that the developers will have to follow. These include the preservation of as many existing trees as possible, the building of a low brick wall at the entrance to the new development, and the creation of a memorial park that incorporates elements of the existing Gleaner building.
“It was a difficult decision for the council, and there was a lot of analysis, research, and discussion,” said Hébert. “We contacted the Ministère de la Culture, and we contacted the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent, and everyone came to the same conclusion that we had no way to stop it,” she explained, noting that despite its cultural significance, the edifice was never designated as a heritage building.
“We couldn’t say no,” added Brunette. “But I think it is going to be really nice if it turns out exactly as planned,” he concluded, suggesting the new development and park will bring a certain “quality of life” to the area.