The tower situated on top of the Truro Farmers’ Market building is scheduled for removal following an engineering assessment that determined it has reached the end of its lifespan. Jason Fox, the town’s planning director, informed council members recently that a mason working on another project raised concerns about the structure located on the heritage-designated property.
Rural Roots Engineering & Design, based in Debert, N.S., conducted an evaluation and highlighted various issues such as visible cracks and loose bricks, brick debris on the roof, and problems with the brick veneer at the tower’s peak. The engineering firm strongly recommended the tower’s removal by July 2027 to prevent potential damage to the building’s roof from falling bricks.
Originally used for drying hoses when the building served as a fire hall built in 1899, the tower has been a prominent feature for over a century in providing fire protection services to the town. Converted into a farmers’ market approximately 15 years ago, the building’s preservation and safety are key priorities for both the market and the town.
Some members of the community expressed mixed sentiments regarding the tower’s removal. While some residents had never paid much attention to the tower, others lamented the loss of a piece of the town’s historical architecture. Residents like Alicia Ferguson voiced a desire for the tower to be repaired due to its significance as a historic landmark.
There is ongoing debate about the preservation of heritage elements within the building, with discussions around potentially removing the heritage designation to address maintenance costs. The Town of Truro, as the building owner, has yet to disclose the cost of the tower’s removal or whether reconstruction is necessary considering the building’s heritage status.
In addition to the tower’s situation, the building is under review for possible eco-friendly renovations. A federally funded study aims to explore energy-efficient solutions, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance accessibility within the structure. Despite the potential for green retrofits, the town declined to provide further details to CBC News regarding the tower or the proposed environmental upgrades.
