By Matthew Elder
The Musée Lac-Brome Museum is a big step closer to a major expansion of its main Centennial Building, thanks to a $2.2-million federal grant from the housing ministry.
The funding represents 60% of the estimated $3.7 million needed to add 6,000 square feet to the Museum’s main building.
The remaining funds will be raised through private donations.
Expansion Details
The project has been on the Brome County Historical Society’s planning agenda for five years.
The two-storey addition will include:
- Three new galleries, including a permanent exhibit of Abenaki First Nation art
- Multi-purpose rooms
- A larger reception area
The addition will be built onto the back of the existing building, ensuring that the historic Knowlton House view from Lakeside Road remains unobstructed.
Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program
The grant comes from the federal Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program, which supports the creation of community spaces for minority-language and Indigenous groups.
Project requirements include:
- Energy efficiency and a low carbon footprint
- A usage policy encouraging community use
- A handicapped-accessible design, including an elevator
Next Steps
Museum Executive Director Denis Piquette first learned about the grant opportunity last September and quickly mobilized to meet the mid-October application deadline, including the submission of an engineering report.
The expansion plans will now be submitted to the Town of Brome Lake urban-planning department for approval.
Piquette hopes to unveil architectural drawings and further details at the Museum’s season-opening gala in May.
Looking Ahead
The expansion is expected to be completed by the end of next year.
Following the addition, the Museum will focus on renovating its existing heritage buildings, Piquette said.
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