‘Iconic structure’ available
Municipality of Yarmouth selling historic Port Maitland Fog Alarm Building
The Municipality of Yarmouth is calling for expressions of interest from non-profit organizations for the sale of the historic Port Maitland Fog Alarm Building.
“The successful bidder will be required to ensure the continued protection and maintenance of this culturally significant community asset,” the municipality says in the request for expressions of interest issued in late January.
Built in 1964, the building sits on a 0.24-acre parcel of land bordered by the Gulf of Maine.
“This iconic structure features a distinctive design that makes it easily recognizable, even in low visibility conditions,” says the municipality.
“The building is constructed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including strong winds, saltwater exposure, and extreme temperatures. The architecture of the Port Maitland Fog Alarm Building is practical, emphasizing functionality over aesthetics. Overall, the historical building served a crucial role in Maritime safety, providing a reliable means of alerting ships to potential dangers during periods of reduced visibility."
In 2010, the federal government divested the building to the municipality.
“When the federal government wanted to divest the building, council's interest was in maintaining the public access, but nothing more specific,” says Victoria Brooks, Municipality of Yarmouth CAO.
“The site is not well suited to develop from a municipal perspective as there isn't room for off-street parking. The building has been unused since the district took ownership.”
The municipality has been maintaining the building. Some recent repairs have been completed on both the interior and exterior and a new roof is to be installed in the spring at an estimated cost of $16,581.11 plus HST.
The call for expressions of interest is open only to nonprofit organizations carrying on a beneficial activity to the municipality.
“The Port Maitland Fog Alarm Building stands as a historic landmark with significant cultural and architectural value. This unique opportunity allows interested non-profit parties to acquire this iconic structure and contribute to its preservation and potential adaptive reuse,” says the municipality.
DIVESTITURE PROCESS
The first step under the divestiture process for the building is the pre-qualification eligibility process for potential bidders, which closes Feb. 9.
The submissions will be evaluated based on set criteria, including legal requirements, evidence of current non-profit registration and licenses, confirmation of compliance with all legal requirements for operating in Nova Scotia, and financial stability.
Mandatory site visits for pre-qualified bidders will be scheduled during the week of Feb. 19. Pre-qualified bidders will have until March 22 to submit expression of interest proposals.
“The criteria in the (request) will be used by council to evaluate proposals and determine who they wish to negotiate with on a purchase and sale agreement,” said Brooks.
Under Section 51 of the Municipal Government Act, a municipality may sell or lease property at a price less than market value to a non-profit organization that the council considers to be carrying on an activity that is beneficial to the municipality.
Interested parties should possess experience in heritage preservation and adaptive reuse. They should demonstrate that the mission and goals of the organization align with the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. They must demonstrate financial capability to undertake the acquisition and subsequent ongoing maintenance and seek grants, donations, and other funding sources to support these efforts. They must demonstrate ability to develop a public relations and marketing strategy to promote the heritage building and the organization's mission.
All inquiries regarding the call for expressions of interest should be directed to Brooks at 902-742-7159 or victoria@munyarmouth.ca.