20K donation brings restoration of historic Bathurst post office one step closer

A community group working to preserve Bathurst's old post office got a $20,000 gift this week.

The money, from the Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation, a Saint John-based organization that supports visual arts, will go toward turning the building into an arts and culture centre.    

The project is about halfway toward raising the money needed for the restoration, said John Mann, president of the Old Bathurst Post Office steering committee.

"That's support coming in at just this kind of critical time, as we head into winter, that will make sure that we have our funds in order to actually have heat on this winter," Mann said in an interview with CBC Radio's Shift.

Without heat, the renovations would have been suspended until the spring, he said, and the building could have deteriorated further.

The historic structure is located in the heart of downtown Bathurst on the corner of Main Street and Douglas Avenue.

"The building is just a real gem. It's been described as the castle of Bathurst," Mann said.

"It's special because the whole community really has history with the building."

Once transformed into an arts and culture centre, Mann said it will not only be a space for creativity but a catalyst for economic growth. The plan includes space to host events, such as weddings and reunions. Additionally, Mann said there will be a gallery and areas for musical performances.

"It will also enhance the city's cultural profile, making Bathurst a destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike."

While the building has been vacant for some years, Mann said it is a well-built structure.

The total fundraising needed for the full project is just under $2 million. "And we are doing remarkably well since we started with our fundraising initiatives there just in the past year."

According to the city, the Old Bathurst Post Office was built between 1881 and 1886 and remained in service as a post office and customs house until 1959.

Recently, the steering committee created Club 140 to recognize its 140th anniversary this year, which aims to have 140 people donate money to the project.

"It will be a centre for all to use. It's certainly overdue," Mann said.

Donor impressed with community involvement

Kathryn McCarroll, executive director of the Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation, said she was impressed with the post office plans after a visit to Bathurst.

"The arts are so important — to have a gathering place for the arts and a place where you're able to showcase the arts of a region."

McCarroll said she's impressed with how many community groups are involved in the plans to restore the post office.

"I think the fact that it's volunteer-driven in the Bathurst community is also a real hallmark of it. That needs to be celebrated," she said.

"So when you have a community that really looks at its needs and has people willing to give their time, it's pretty impressive."