Potton seeks funding for round barn renovation
TBCN Staff
he Township of Potton and the Potton Municipal Volunteer Group (GBMP) have begun a fundraising campaign among the population for the restoration of Mansonville’s iconic round barn.
Built in 1912 and listed as a historic monument by the municipality in 2009, the barn is a jewel in Township of Potton patrimony and one of the six round barns still standing in the Eastern Townships. It is the only one located in the heart of a village and the only one that will be completely accessible to the public.
The round barn, however, is currently closed to the public for safety reasons since the last inspection by an engineer in April 2017. The envisioned restoration project involves repairing the foundation and straightening the structure, and strengthening the floors, roof, and openings. It is expected to cost approximately $400,000.
The work is planned for the summer and fall of 2018, so that the barn can re-open its doors in the summer of 2019 to host once again exhibitions organized by the Potton Heritage Association. The renovated barn could also be used for cultural and community activities.
Funding for the restoration project is fast approaching and officials have already received about $150,000 from public and private bodies, including a $30,000 contribution from the Township of Potton, a $40,000 grant from the MRC de Memphrémagog, a $10,000 donation from the Caisse Desjardins du LacMemphrémagog, and donations from Nexkemia — a municipally owned company— and Power Corp. These contributions are in addition to the $50,000 collected since the start of the 2013 campaign.
So far, this new public fundraising campaign has already raised $18,000 of a $40,000 target.