Stamp of approval for renovations at Lakefield’s historic post office
Selwyn Township council members have officially reopened the old post office at 12 Queen St. in Lakefield.
The old post office was constructed in 1914 and has served as a post office, apartments, recreational retail space and, most recently, a police station and the office for the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism.
According to a release, the building was the village post office for 60 years, from 1916 to 1976. The building, classical in style with Italianate features, is typical of public buildings built during the tenure of chief architect David Ewart.
The four-sided clock tower of the former post office makes it the village’s tallest building and a downtown landmark. It received municipal heritage designation in 2014 during its 100th anniversary celebration.
“The reopening is a historic and defining moment. Through this project, we’re preserving the past, embracing the present, and shaping the future by enhancing this historic building with modern comforts. We are here at this beautiful building to celebrate, acknowledge and honour our rich history, while looking toward the future,” said Sherry Senis, mayor of Selwyn Township.
Filomena Tassi, minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), congratulated Selwyn Township on the reopening of the historic post office.
“This unique space will be an important, innovative hub for local entrepreneurs and small businesses to grow their ideas. The Government of Canada is investing in projects that support small businesses and grow communities,” Tassi added.
The roughly $1.6 million project was funded by the township (about $950,000), and the government of Canada ($750,000) through the FedDev Ontario.
Following the speeches on Saturday morning, council members and residents were invited to tour the newly renovated building, which now includes a fully accessible main entrance leading to an elevator, an accessible public washroom, modernized office space, a boardroom and two kitchenettes.