Old City Hall (Guelph) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old City Hall |
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Old City Hall in 2007
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| Former names | Guelph City Hall |
| Alternative names | Guelph Provincial Offences Courthouse |
| General information | |
| Type | Courthouse |
| Address | 59 Carden Street |
| Town or city | Guelph, Ontario |
| Country | Canada |
| Coordinates | 43°32′38″N 80°14′52″W / 43.54389°N 80.24778°W |
| Current tenants | Provincial Offences Court |
| Construction started | 1856 |
| Completed | 1857 |
| Owner | City of Guelph |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | William Thomas |
| Official name: Guelph City Hall National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1984 |
| Designated: | 1978 |
Old City Hall is a very old and important building in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. It is known as a National Historic Site of Canada. For many years, until 2009, it was where the city government of Guelph worked.
Today, the building is used as a special court called the Provincial Offences Courthouse. This court handles smaller legal issues, like tickets for driving or other minor rule breaking.
The Story of Old City Hall
The Old City Hall was designed by an architect named William Thomas from Toronto. He created it in a style called Renaissance Revival. This style looks back to the classic buildings of ancient Europe.
The building was constructed between 1856 and 1857. It was made using stone found right in the local area. When it was first built, it had many uses. There was a market inside, offices for city workers, and a big hall for meetings.
Why Old City Hall is Special
In 1984, Old City Hall was named a National Historic Site of Canada. This means it's a very important place in Canadian history. It earned this title for a few reasons.
First, it was a "multi-functional" building, meaning it served many purposes for the city. Second, it showed how much the city of Guelph believed in its own future. It was a symbol of their confidence.
Finally, the building's design itself is very special. The smooth stone and detailed carvings make it an elegant example of a public building built in a classic style.
The building is also protected by a special law in Ontario called the Ontario Heritage Act. This law helps make sure that important historical places like Old City Hall are preserved for the future.
