Preserving local history

The Penticton Arts Council is getting a new set of front stairs, but the project is a part of something much larger.

The Leir House holds deep history for the community, and the City of Penticton is trying to get federal heritage status for the structure.

That means restoring the building to it’s original architecture.

“It allows for more funding, so if we get the status federally there is more funding that can come if you are a heritage listed facility,” said Valei Walkden-Brown, executive director of the arts council.

“And on a cultural level I think it’s very important, there are not many heritage listed buildings within Penticton and this is very historically important to the city,” she added.

Hugh Leir kept the sawmill he owned running during the great depression by getting his workers to build him a new home. The walls of the structure are solid 2x4’s laid on end.

The building has changed hands several times over the years, but is now home to several art groups.

“Heritage and art go together, art is about the past but also very much about the future, but to have our feet in both places is important,” said Walkden-Brown.

The current metal eavestroughs will also likely have to be replaced with timber ones, and the exterior may need to be painted.

The federal heritage money would help pay for much needed maintenance and accessibility upgrades on the 89-year-old building.

Construction on the steps should take about one month.