Guelph City Hall 1856

This fine example of classical architecture was begun in 1856 following the incorporation of Guelph as a town. It was designed by William Thomas, architect of St. Lawrence Hall, Toronto, and other important buildings throughout the province, and was completed in 1857. Constructed of Guelph stone, it contained a market house, offices and an assembly hall in which many notable persons were entertained, including the Hon. John A. Macdonald, later Canada’s first Prime Minister. Alterations to the building were made in 1870 and a new hall was added in 1875. Except for the clock tower, which was removed in 1961, the front portion of the structure retains its original appearance.

La construction de ce bel exemple d’architecture classique commence en 1856 après la constitution de Guelph en municipalité. Conçu par William Thomas, architecte du St. Lawrence Hall de Toronto et d’autres bâtiments majeurs de la province, l’édifice est achevé en 1857. Construit en pierres locales, il abrite alors un marché, des bureaux et une salle de réunion accueillant de nombreuses personnalités, dont l’honorable John A. Macdonald, qui deviendra par la suite le premier titulaire du poste de premier ministre du Canada. Des modifications sont apportées à l’édifice en 1870 et un nouveau vestibule est ajouté en 1875. À l’exception de la tour de l’horloge, retirée en 1961, la façade de la structure conserve son aspect d’origine.