The designation of the historic Kings County Court House under the Heritage Places Protection Act was recognized today with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
Honourable Gail A. Shea, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs; Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology and MLA for Georgetown-Baldwin's Road; and Michael Gallant, Mayor of Georgetown participated in the ceremony to honour one of the Island's most architecturally significant courthouses.
"The Kings County Court House has been designated as a heritage place because of its role as one of three principal court houses in the province and the quality of its design and construction," says Minister Shea. "The goal of designation is to preserve and protect the places that stand as the most important symbols of the history of Prince Edward Island. Designation ensures that the heritage character of a place will be preserved for the benefit of all Islanders."
The Kings County Court House was built in 1887 to house sittings of the County and Supreme Courts. It was designed by William Critchlow Harris Jr., one of the Island's most famous architects. In fact, the Kings County Court House was the only court house designed by Harris to be built. The building was constructed by Lemuel A. Wilmot at a cost of $8,000. The court house remains as one of the finest examples of Romanesque Revival Style on Prince Edward Island.
"It is a great honour to have the Court House, which has played and continues to play an instrumental role in the dispensation of justice," says Mayor Michael Gallant. "This distinction under the Heritage Places Protection Act means that this significant structure shall continue to be a jewel in the architectural landscape in Georgetown for future generations."
"I am very pleased that recognition has been given to the historical importance of this courthouse which has served such a significant role in the justice system in eastern Prince Edward Island," says Chief Judge John Douglas, representing the Provincial Court. "It is very gratifying to see an historic building being preserved and continuing to be used for its original purpose."
Designation is the higher of two levels of recognition under the Heritage Places Protection Act's Register of Heritage Places.
Places proposed for recognition are reviewed by the Ministerial Heritage Places Advisory Board in light of criteria such as age, architectural style and historical associations. Places deemed to be of exceptional significance to the heritage of the Province may then be designated by the Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs. Designation provides ongoing legal protection to a property ensuring that the heritage character of a place is maintained.
To date, four places have been designated under the heritage legislation. These include Government House in Charlottetown, Green Park in Port Hill and the Atwell House in Clyde River, in addition to the Kings County Court House."