The Town of Lunenburg is pleased to announce that Parks Canada will contribute up to $300,000 toward the restoration of the roof at the Lunenburg Academy National Historic Site, helping protect one of the community’s most treasured heritage buildings for generations to come.
The Town has been approved for up to $300,000 in Government of Canada funding through Parks Canada’s National Cost-Sharing Program for Heritage Places to support critical roof repairs at the Academy.
"National historic sites connect us to our shared past and help tell the stories that shape the Canada we know today,” said The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister responsible for Parks Canada. “Through Parks Canada's National Cost-Sharing Program for Heritage Places, the federal government is supporting the conservation of nationally significant heritage places so they can continue to inspire future generations. This investment in the Lunenburg Academy National Historic Site will help protect an important piece of Canada's built heritage while ensuring its long-term preservation for the local community and visitors."
The project will focus on the north and east sections of the Academy’s roof, addressing worn and damaged shingles and other roofing materials, repairing areas where water can enter the building, and improving ventilation and moisture management beneath the roof.
New roofing materials will be carefully selected to complement the Academy’s existing appearance, including its distinctive red roof, while ensuring the work respects the building’s important heritage character.
Once complete, the work will help protect the Academy’s historic features from further deterioration and support its continued use as a home for community, educational and cultural organizations.
"The Lunenburg Academy is a key landmark in the town of Lunenburg and a source of pride for the community,” said Jessica Fancy, Member of Parliament for South Shore—St. Margarets. “The federal investment of $300,000 supports critical roof replacement work, helping safeguard this remarkable national historic site and the cultural, educational, and tourism benefits it brings to the region. By investing in places like the Lunenburg Academy, we are helping preserve our heritage while supporting vibrant communities."
The roof restoration represents a significant investment in the long-term future of the Lunenburg Academy, with a total project budget of $1.27 million, supported by three partners:
Up to $300,000 from the Government of Canada through Parks Canada
$605,000 from the Town of Lunenburg
$365,000 from the Lunenburg Academy Foundation
“This building has watched over Lunenburg for more than 130 years, and it has watched over generations of people who have passed through its doors,” said Bruce Hebb, President of the Lunenburg Academy Foundation. “Today’s announcement from Parks Canada is a vote of confidence in the enduring value of Lunenburg Academy and its place in the life of our community.”
The Town is grateful to the Government of Canada and Parks Canada for recognizing the importance of the Lunenburg Academy and investing in its preservation. The Town also acknowledges the significant contribution of the Lunenburg Academy Foundation, whose support continues to demonstrate the strong community commitment to ensuring this National Historic Site remains an important part of Lunenburg’s future.
“The Lunenburg Academy is one of the most recognizable and important buildings in our community, and protecting it is about much more than preserving bricks, wood and shingles,” said Mayor Jamie Myra. “It is about protecting a place that has played an important role in the life of Lunenburg for generations. We are extremely grateful to Parks Canada for this investment and to the Lunenburg Academy Foundation for its continued commitment to this incredible building.”
The Lunenburg Academy National Historic Site remains an important part of the town’s heritage landscape and a living community asset. This investment will help ensure that its distinctive character and historic features are protected while allowing the building to continue welcoming the people and organizations that make Lunenburg such a vibrant community.
River Ridge Common now closed Thursday to Saturday
