Ontario Construction News staff writer
The governments of Canada and Ontario have announced funding for the restoration of the Griffin House National Historic Site.
The upgrades to an important cultural and historical landmark of Black settlement in Upper Canada will improve accessibility for all visitors, while restoring the heritage features of the house built in 1827, a statement says.
Griffin House was owned by Enerals Griffin, a Black immigrant from Virginia who was likely born a slave but settled as a free man in Canada in 1834. The home remained in his family for 154 years.
The federal government is investing $399,960 in this project, while the provincial government is providing $333,267, while the City of Hamilton is contributing $266,673.
The project will restore the interior structure and finishes, as well as the major components of the building’s exterior, including the foundation, siding, windows, roof and chimney. Additional improvements to the pathways and the installation of porch ramps will make the building accessible to all visitors.