Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky and Reverand Normandeau on the steps of St. James Catholic Church.
Image Credit: SOURCE/ City of Vernon
June 05, 2013 - 12:13 PM
A $5,000 grant is helping restore a historic Vernon church that in its day cost $14,000 to build. The St. James Catholic Church was built between the years of 1908-1910, and was described in the Vernon News as "one of the most handsomest edifices of its kind in the interior."
The gothic revival style church is a valued historical monument in the City of Vernon, and local politicians are keen to keep it looking its best. In 2012, Vernon council awarded a heritage restoration grant of $5,000 to assist with significant restoration work on the exterior of the church building.
The city recently recognized the church's efforts in restoring the church as part of the Heritage Grant program. "It's great to see the St. James Church's commitment to preserving this important historical structure," Vernon mayor Rob Sawatzky said in a media release.
Vernon City Council established the Heritage Restoration Grant Program, and provides funds for projects. The program applies to properties listed on the Vernon Heritage Register in order to assist owners with the cost of restoring the exterior, foundations and roof structures of heritage buildings.
Applications are to be submitted prior to March 30 each year. Submissions are reviewed by the Heritage Advisory Committee, which provides recommendations to City Council for their consideration. Council awards grants based upon compliance with the grant program criteria, recommendation from the Heritage Advisory Committee and funding availability.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call (250)309-5230.
News from © iNFOnews, 2013