Printer-friendly version
Today the Maison Fairbairn House Heritage Centre celebrates the completion of renovations to the exterior of the Fairbairn House and a start to the next phase – fixing up the inside.
“It has been very important for us to complete the exterior renovations before winter. Now we can concentrate on the interior and the final evolution of the House into a Heritage Centre,” said Michael Cooper, co-president of the Centre’s Board of Directors.
As a launch to the program, Mayor Robert Bussière, Mayor of La Pêche and Warden of the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais, presented the Fairbairn Board with a cheque for $3,836, representing the proceeds awarded to the project from this year’s annual municipal golf tournament, held in August.
“Our success depends on support from the community to finance the project, so today we are also launching our fundraising campaign to finance the remainder of the work. Let’s finish Fairbairn together!” Cooper said.
The exterior received a new metal roof, a wrap-around verandah, new siding, paint and an entrance to the basement where two meeting rooms and a kitchen will be located. The work was done by Constructions Marc Paris of Chelsea and L. Martineau Portes et fenêtres of Masham La Pêche who replaced the windows. Total cost of the exterior work was $160,000. The well and septic system are also planned for completion this fall.
The interior work will include an elevator, a research/archive room, basic renovations for main floor exhibits, office and administration space, and completion of the basement rooms. The anticipated cost is for inside work is $195,000. The new Maison Fairbairn House Heritage Centre is scheduled to open in 2012.
“We will be seeking donations from businesses as well as individuals. Of course we will be providing various types of recognition to the supporters. Both businesses and individuals will be recognized, according to amounts contributed, throughout the Centre”, said , Co-president Jean laFlamme.
“With help from our neighbours we should be able to do the work next summer. We hope to be able to open in 2012 with a Heritage Centre that will celebrate the cultural and natural heritage of the Gatineau Valley. It will be the only facility of its kind between Gatineau and Maniwaki,” laFlamme added.
