A 158-year-old house in Bradford West Gwillimbury that caught fire this weekend was just weeks away from getting a heritage designation.
The Ontario Fire Marshal is investigating after fire tore through 108 Moore St. early Sunday morning, causing extensive damage to the top floor and front of the roof.
The home was vacant at the time and no one was injured.
The fire “caused significant damage to a home that has been an icon within our community for generations,” wrote the Town of BWG on Facebook on Sunday.
“Over the past few years, the town has taken steps in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act to preserve this important heritage home, built in 1860.”
It was likely the home would have gotten a heritage designation in August, according to Ryan Windle, the town’s manager of community planning.
Several years ago, the home’s owner had presented the town with a letter of intent to demolish the building, with plans to build several homes on the property.
Instead, the town listed the house on its heritage register and was working with the owner to come up with a plan for the property.
A cause is not yet known for Sunday’s blaze, which BWG, Innisfil and New Tecumseth firefighters were able to contain from spreading to nearby trees and homes.
“The town will work with the owner to ensure the home is restored to its original splendor, including the use of authentic materials and colours,” wrote the Town of BWG on Facebook.
“While the fire has been devastating, we look forward to the day that 108 Moore Street is once again a proud representation of our community’s past.”
