June 30, 2009

Council designates Bremner House a municipal historic resource, the County's first
Designation leads the way to stewardship of historic resources in Strathcona

Council today passed a bylaw, the first of its kind for Strathcona County, to designate Bremner House a municipal historic resource.

Located on 80 acres northeast of Sherwood Park, the 5,400-square-foot Bremner House was built in 1903 by Charles Bremner, a remittance man from Scotland.

"Bremner House captures a remnant of the County's history from the early 20th century," says Mayor Cathy Olesen. "Designating the building will help the County maintain and restore the house, preserving it as a showpiece of our history and heritage for future generations."

In designating Bremner House as a municipal historic resource, the County will be eligible for grant funding specific to Alberta Historical Resources Foundation. The Province of Alberta recognizes the management of heritage resources as an integral part of municipal planning.

This designation also leads the way for others in the community. Landowners who have their properties successfully designated as municipal historic resources can nominate them for placement on the Alberta and Canadian registers of Historic Places. They can also apply for provincial conservation grants through the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation to offset costs to maintain and restore the properties. The County encourages members of the public who own historic properties to apply for municipal designation. Information on how to apply is available at www.strathcona.ca or by calling 780-464-8242.

Earlier this month, Council approved a 10-year strategy that provides direction on revitalizing Bremner House within its historic context. The strategy outlines structural repairs, and mechanical and safety upgrades for the house, and plans for parking and landscaping projects that will be considered annually in the County's business plan and budget processes. Strathcona can now apply to the province for grants to offset some of these costs.

Designation of Bremner House is one of several recommendations included in the Heritage Resources Management Plan, a framework for decision making approved by Council last November. The Heritage Resources Management Plan, developed with funding in part through the Alberta Municipal Heritage Partnership Program, is also available at www.strathcona.ca.

"Strathcona County's heritage resources - diverse in age, style and condition - have survived time and progress. They reflect the world of our ancestors, are vital to our local pride and identity, and are definitely worth preserving," says Mayor Cathy Olesen.

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Contact: Cathy Olesen, Mayor, 780-464-8000