A 2022 condition assessment of the Fairfield-Gutzeit House, located on Lake Ontario in Bath, found that significant, immediate repairs were needed to preserve the integrity of this historic building. In January 2023, Loyalist Township Council approved a project budget for 2023 and 2024 for inside and outside restoration of the building's structure and finishes. Loyalist Township contracted a construction manager, Roof Tile Management, to oversee the restoration project, and Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd. to complete the design.
Through the summer of 2023 as detailed design and site investigation proceeded, additional significant structural issues were discovered. Following this, in September Council approved an additional budget for 2024 to enable the project to proceed.
Permits were obtained from the Ontario Heritage Trust, the Loyalist Township Heritage Committee, and Cataraqui Conservation, as well as a building permit. Emergency shoring was done on the front porch, and construction began with foundation restoration work in late September 2023. Inside work continued through 2024 and into early 2025.
As part of the ongoing project, staff found that the white fence that outlines three sides of the property is in poor shape due to age and deterioration. In this state, it poses public safety concerns. Staff explored constructing a new fence; however, archeological testing would be required because of the historical nature of the site. This would come to a significant cost, in addition to the cost of replacing the fence. This information was presented to the Township’s Heritage Committee, to the Ontario Heritage Trust, and ultimately to Council. All consented to the removal of the fence as being appropriate for public safety.
The house remains closed to the public while the project continues. We're looking forward to welcome visitors again in the summer of 2025!
For information on this project, please contact Lyndsay Tee, Heritage, Culture, and Tourism Manager, or Luke MacDonald, Engineering and Environment Manager.
Funding provided by the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Read the funding announcement.
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