Ontario Town Clashes with the Owner of a Heritage Site

Kimberley Molina reports about Almonte, Ontario in her latest article for CBC news, on Friday December 1st, 2023, where a 135-year-old building's safety issues pit town against owner.

 Christopher Loosemore, the owner of a 135-year-old church tower in the heart of Almonte, Ontario, faces backlash regarding his restoration process of the heritage site. Members of the community raise concerns about the structural integrity of the building, leaving remarks of "serious safety concerns." 

Faced with the choice of spending millions on restoration and repairs, or demolition of the old church, Christopher Loosemore took on the task of spending $400,000 in materials and labour costs. Resting in the heart of the town's heritage, Loosemore has received plenty of attention from the Almonte community. "Obstructed by the town's infrastructure and their unwillingness to provide," Loosemore with hospitality, the town has halted the restoration process. An independent engineering firm reported that "unless emergency repairs, stabilization, or demolition of the bell tower occurs, there is high risk to public safety," noting the poor condition of the bell tower and the "damaged the core, joints and stone of the structure," reflecting a report made by another engineering firm from over a decade ago. With the building "on the verge of collapse...the town ordered the building owner to close off the road and temporarily displace two tenants who live near the front of the building." Dealing with the urbanization of the town around this piece of local history, such as the instillation of utility poles alongside his building. Loosemore pleads to the town, with the expectations for their assistance in funding his restoration process, asking for acceptance and support. 

    As someone with an affinity for archival architecture and heritage sites, I appreciate Loosemore's attempts to preserve his historic property. After hearing this story, and Loosemore's battle with the town for restoration of the church, I am disappointed with how few people care about the beauty in old buildings, and the preservation of the town's history. While I recognize the reasons for the town to be cautious, as the church has an incriminating history of safety hazards, I see the people as heartless for turning against their heritage and conforming to the urbanization of Almonte. I feel that the full story has not been told in this article, as I find it hard to believe that an entire town would be against Loosemore, and the preservation of the historic site, without any other previous grievances against Loosemore personally. That being said, I believe that Loosemore may be asking for too much from the town, as he can see that his efforts are not receptive, and asking for them to financially support the project is optimistic. Overall, Loosemore's project and efforts are commendable, but with the several major safety concerns, the pricey restoration costs, the inaccessibility to make restorations, and the public reception, the historic church restoration process appears to be a directionless project, bound for demolition.