A house in Olde Towne Okotoks has been designated a historic resource more than 100 years after it was built.
The house, at 38 Elma Street West, was found to have significant heritage value and it was designated a Municipal Historic Resource during the Okotoks council meeting on Oct. 28.
Shawn Rose, the homeowner, had approached the Town earlier this year about the Municipal Heritage Designation Program.
“We’re pleased that our family is able to contribute to the preservation of some of the culture of the town,” Rose said.
Known as the Lineham/Mitchell residence, the house was built around 1900, during Okotoks early settlement and railway period. The design includes a front gable, steep roof and wrap-around verandah that are characteristics of early homes in Okotoks.
The Town said the house is a well-preserved example of turn-of-the-century construction.
The property has symbolic significance for its location in a subdivision that was registered by John Lineham, who was an early pioneer and mayor of Okotoks.
Lineham’s daughter, Charlotte Mitchell, lived in the home following the death of her husband, and she resided there until her death in 1918.
Okotoks' Culture & Heritage team lead Allan Boss said the property holds a lot of meaning for the town.
“By designating this property and municipal heritage resource, we're working to preserve our heritage resources,” Boss said.
The house is on Elma Street, which is named for another of Lineham’s daughters.
Under the historic designation, approval is needed before certain repairs, alterations or restoration can take place.
The home will be registered as a Municipal Heritage Resource with the Province and the homeowner is eligible for up to $50,000 in annual funding to assist with care and maintenance of the heritage elements of the home, the Town said.
The Town is not required to pay the owner any compensation. Any work that is completed on the home should follow Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada.
