RJC Project Receives Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Excellence in Conservation

The City of Guelph received a Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Excellence in Conservation for The Adaptive Reuse of the F.M. Woods Waterworks Building. The awards committee noted that this project is among a range of recipients that represent the best and most exciting approaches to heritage conservation in Ontario. RJC provided building envelope and structural consulting services, working closely with the prime consultant and architect, Baird Sampson Neuert.

 “Your work demonstrates creative and innovative conservation practices and leadership in the conservation of our shared heritage, inspiring me and others” shared John Ecker, Chair of Ontario Heritage Trust.

The historic F.M. Woods Waterworks building was adapted to provide office and workspace for Water Services staff. Completed in 1879, the building was built of hammer-dressed, randomly coursed limestone. It features elements of the Italianate architectural style including raised architraves, paired brackets, round vents and both squared and curved-top structural openings. In 1908, an additional wing of limestone construction was completed to accommodate a larger pump to meet the increasing growth of the City.

In 1997 the building was designated as a City Heritage property. In recent years it had been utilized as a storage and maintenance building for Guelph Water Services. The restoration and repurpose has brought new use and purpose to this historic building.

Congratulations to the entire team on this significant acknowledgement!