The Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs, today announced the designation of the Alberton Courthouse as a heritage place under the Heritage Places Protection Act.
"I am so pleased to make this announcement today which will ensure that the heritage character of the Alberton Courthouse will be preserved for the benefit of all Islanders and visitors for generations to come," said Minister MacFadyen. "The Alberton Courthouse is an important part of the history and culture of the Town of Alberton and surrounding areas. It has played a significant role in the Province's judicial history and continues to be a fine existing example of judicial architecture on Prince Edward Island."
The Alberton Courthouse was one of six circuit courthouses constructed following the passage of the County Courts Act of 1873. Erected in 1878, the former town courthouse differed from most of its counterparts in that it had a basement gaol and two large front windows. The outside of the structure has remained largely unaltered since its construction.
Currently, the Alberton Museum is housed in the former Alberton Courthouse and jail. Through special exhibits and artifacts, it tells a story of the people who settled here and built the communities and industries that we see today. The museum's artifact collection depicts the struggles and activities of PEI's early settlers including the early fishing industry, military history, the silver fox industry, Mi'kmaq culture and local historic crafts. The museum also houses the largest collection of historical photographs and the most comprehensive compilation of genealogical information in the area.
Designation is the higher of two levels of recognition under the Heritage Places Protection Act's Register of Heritage Places. 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.
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 the heritage character of a property.
To date, four other places have been designated under the heritage legislation. These include Government House in Charlottetown, Green Park in Port Hill, the Atwell House in Clyde River and the Kings County Court House.