The city is looking to add protections to one of the longest continually operating veterans’ clubs in the region.
At an upcoming meeting, the municipal heritage advisory committee will consider a recommendation to support the official heritage designation the Galt Legion at 4 Veterans Way under the Ontario Heritage Act.
A report said the property was part of the early development of Galt and the original stone structure was built sometime between 1851 and 1867 by James Dalgeish who built many limestone buildings in Galt.
The former City of Galt purchased the property in 1919 to establish a clubhouse to support returning World War I veterans, leading to the creation of the Galt Soldiers’ Home and Club.
The Prince of Wales and future King Edward VIII laid the cornerstone for the brick section called Memorial Hall added in 1919, the report said.
“The royal association adds a unique commemorative value to the site,” the report said. “The Memorial Hall, designed in an Edwardian architectural style, was seamlessly integrated with the existing Georgian stone structure, creating a harmonious blend of historical periods and architectural styles.”
In 1926 it became affiliated with the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League, later renamed the Royal Canadian Legion.
The report said heritage planning staff are of the opinion the property warrants designation as it meets six of the nine criteria for heritage designation. Legislation requires properties to meet at least two.
The heritage committee will consider recommending its designation at a meeting on March 20 and it will then go to council at a later meeting for approval. Following this is a 60-day notice period where the designation can be appealed.