The tower situated on top of the Truro Farmers’ Market building is scheduled for removal following an engineering assessment indicating 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 on the municipally designated heritage property raised concerns about the structure’s condition.
Rural Roots Engineering & Design, based in Debert, N.S., conducted an evaluation and highlighted 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 dismantling the tower by July 2027 to prevent falling bricks from causing damage.
Originally used for drying hoses when the building served as a fire hall in 1899, the tower has been a part of the town’s fire protection history for over a hundred years. The structure has been repurposed as a farmers’ market for approximately 15 years. Amanda Oberswain, the president of the Truro Farmers’ Market, expressed the mutual goal of minimizing disruptions to the market while ensuring the building’s safety.
Opinions among Truro residents varied, with some showing little interest in the tower and others expressing regret at the loss of a piece of the town’s history. Concerns were raised about the demolition, with some suggesting exploring alternative solutions before proceeding. A fence has been erected around the tower as a safety measure.
The Town of Truro, as the building owner, did not disclose the cost of the tower’s removal or whether reconstruction would be necessary due to the building’s heritage status. The preservation of character-defining elements, including the masonry work on the facade, is mandated by the heritage designation. Discussions about potentially removing the designation were deemed premature pending further assessment.
Efforts are underway to explore green retrofit possibilities for the building to enhance energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve accessibility. While the market board is enthusiastic about the retrofit prospects, the town declined to comment on the tower or green retrofit plans when approached by CBC News.