Notice of Intention to Pass a Bylaw to Designate
23 Buell Street – The Brockville Public Library

The Council of the Corporation of the City of Brockville intends to pass a By-Law under Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter 0.18, to designate the following lands to be of cultural heritage value and interest:

Description of Property

The property is located at 23 Buell Street, Brockville, legally described as part lots 32-33, Block 31, Plan 67.

Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest

The Brockville Library, previously known as Carnegie Library, is one of 125 libraries across Canada funded by Andrew Carnegie’s Foundation. It is a link to this prominent figure and Brockville’s development as a city.

The library is a vital part of the community and supports education and information sharing within the community. As a landmark in the city, it should be recognized as a cultural and tourism destination.

Design Value or Physical Value:

• Built in 1904 as a Neo-Classical Revival example with Italianate elements.
• Prominent portico with four Doric columns and high limestone foundation.
• Elegant proportions and geometric forms indicating Neoclassicism.
• Ocular windows with painted glass designs inspired by baroque style.
• Windows depict a book and a Greek temple symbolizing knowledge.
• Corner wall windows with brick and keystone surrounds in sash style.
• Deep overhanging and bracketed eaves.

Historical or Associative Value:

• Established following Ontario’s first Public Libraries Act in 1895.
• Funded by a $17,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie’s Foundation.
• Opened on August 13, 1904, at Buell and George streets.
• One of 125 Carnegie libraries in Canada and 3,000 worldwide.

Value Demonstrating Work of Significant Architect:

• Designed by Benjamin Dillon, a notable Brockville architect.
• Dillon also designed Fire Hall (1910), Hotel Strathcona, and Opera House remodel.
• 1971 addition on George Street and 1995-96 expansion on Buell Street matched original style.

Heritage Attributes

The reasons for designation include the following exterior heritage attributes and apply to all elevations and the roof including all original facades, entrances, windows shape and trim, together with construction materials of wood, brick, stone, stucco, concrete and glazing, their related building techniques and landscape features if possible.

Exterior Features:

• Brick and masonry part of the architectural elements both structural and decorative
• The portico with four Doric columns (original entrance at the corner)
• Ocular windows consist of painted glass designs on both sides of the original entrance
• Deep overhanging and bracketed eaves on both wings
• Windows are surrounded by brick and keystones and the standard sash style

Contextual Value

The Brockville Public Library is situated on the corner of Buell and George streets and once had a “corner entrance” or “angled entrance”. The

entrance was designed to provide easy access and maximize visibility. It was a characteristic feature of many commercial buildings, allowing for convenient entry from both intersecting streets.

Apart from the fact that the main entrance was moved, the architectural intention remained and is a recognizable landmark in the city.

Further Information

Any notice of objection to this notice of intention to designate the property, setting out the reason for objection and all relevant facts, must be served upon the City Clerk (clerk@brockville.com) within 30 days of the first publication of this notice.

Dated at the City of Brockville the 12^th day of November, 2025.

Clerk’s Office
City of Brockville
1 King Street West
Brockville, ON  K6V 7A5

For further information, please contact the Clerk’s Office at 613-342-8772 or at clerk@brockville.com