Heritage Acton Receives CIP Facade Improvement Grant to Restore Town Hall

HALTON HILLS, ON –  On August 11, Heritage Acton received a Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Façade Improvement Grant in the amount of $17,500 to support renovations to the historic Acton Town Hall building located at 19 Willow Street North.

The Acton Town Hall building was constructed in 1882 and operated as a social community hub in Acton for over 80 years. Heritage Acton purchased the building in 1982 with the goal of ensuring that the heritage components remained in good condition and in 1988 it became the first designated historic building in Halton Hills. In 2020, with the support of grants and fundraising, Heritage Acton began the approximate $500,000 renovation and restoration project.

According to Lloyd McIntyre, Chair of Heritage Acton, “Preserving historic buildings for future generations is important because the stories that buildings can tell are powerful and the causes behind them can be instructive in understanding our past.” 

Mayor Bonnette and Ward 1 Councillors were pleased to present Heritage Acton with a cheque for $17,500 to support the structural improvements completed to the exterior façade of the building which included restoring, and repointing brick and mortar, restoration of the historic bell tower, and repair and painting of arches and trim. Heritage Acton will launch a phase two capital campaign to fundraise for the additional balance of the restoration in fall 2022.

“Being able to support improvements to this historic building in Acton is important to preserving our community’s history” said Mayor Rick Bonnette, adding “And, as a life-long resident it makes me proud to see the revitalization of this treasured facility.”

McIntyre acknowledged the support, noting that “The ongoing commitments and funds from volunteers, community businesses, private citizens and municipal, provincial, and federal governments is why we have and will continue to enjoy this beautiful Heritage building as an important part of our community life.”

Today, the Acton Town Hall operates as an event rental space providing a historical backdrop to performances, markets, weddings, social gatherings, and community celebrations. To learn more about the restoration project, fundraising events and rental space, visit actontownhallcentre.ca.

The Community Improvement Program provides incentives to eligible businesses and organizations by providing grants and loan programs to encourage revitalization, attract additional private sector investment, fast-track the redevelopment of underutilized properties and support local jobs.

The Town of Halton Hills has recently launched a new suite of programs under the Community Improvement Plan. To learn more, visit investhaltonhills.com/CIP.

Pictured from left to right: Jeff McQuarrie, Project Manager, Betty McDowall, Heritage Acton Board, Lloyd McIntyre, Heritage Acton Chair, Liz Bailey, Heritage Acton Board, Councillor Michael Albano, Mayor Rick Bonnette, Anne McIntyre, Heritage Acton Board), Councillor Clark Somerville, Maureen Ryan, Heritage Acton Executive, and Rick Bailey, Heritage Acton Volunteer.

About the Town of Halton Hills

The Town of Halton Hills, with a population of approximately 60,000, consists of two urban centres, Georgetown and Acton, the Halton Hills Premier Gateway employment area, three hamlets – Glen Williams, Stewarttown and Norval – and several smaller settlements. Halton Hills has long been recognized for its natural beauty, active agricultural community, high quality of life and proximity to major centres, including Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto. The Town is ranked as one of the top small communities in Canada by a national magazine. Visit the website at: haltonhills.ca