Guelph officials are considering moving a municipally-owned historic Victoria Road home, but keeping it on the same property … more or less.
The plan being investigated, as explained in a report, is to relocate the Carter-Caulfield farmhouse at 880 Victoria Rd. in Puslinch to another area of the site, then sever the lot and sell it.
“(The new lot would be) sold with the farmhouse to finance the move and allow the ongoing use and visibility of the heritage asset,” the report states, noting a single proposal came forward when the city called for expressions of interest earlier this year. “The proposed intended use by the respondent did increase the risk overall to the shallow aquifer located on the property and the city’s drinking water supply.
“If relocated, this would allow the property and heritage building to be re-purposed for active use.”
The farmhouse is currently being considered by the Township of Puslinch for designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, notes the report.
Designated properties require municipal approval before alterations, renovations or additions can be done that may impact the property’s heritage attributes, including landscape and natural features.
According to Puslinch’s municipal heritage registry, the farmhouse was built in 1840 with a two-storey, stone addition in 1855. It is “historically and contextually” connected with the Arkell community as well as grist and sawmills in Puslinch.
