Quinte West Council has voted to move forward with the process to declare the old Wooler schoolhouse a heritage building.
The property is located at 62 County Road 5.
Originally built as a log cabin, the building was renovated and expanded over the years, growing into a small red schoolhouse in 1870 and then expanding again into a three-storey prairie style building in 1928.
The building closed as a schoolhouse in 1966, however, it continued to be used by the community as an event space operated by the Provincial Council for Boy Scouts of Canada.
The building is being evaluated for heritage status as it is a rare remaining example of a prairie style school building, with some of the distinctive features of the building being projecting eaves, rectangular windows, and natural materials. The building is also being considered for its value to local history, and as a landmark in the surrounding area.
The next step in the process is for notice to be provided to both the owners of the property and the Ontario Heritage Trust, followed by a 30-day period during which the decision can be appealed.
