Gazebo restoration nears completion
Originally constructed as bandstand in 1894, Wilmot Park structure damaged by fire July 2
A century-old gazebo that sustained extensive damage in a fire this summer is almost as good as new, as the City of Fredericton announced restoration work will be finished in the coming weeks.
The municipality announced on social media this week that restoration work on the Wilmot Park gazebo proceeds apace, with workers installing cedar shingles.
A deliberately set fire caused devastating damage to the gazebo - which was constructed as a bandstand in 1894 - on July 2. It’s located in the park next to the city’s splash pad.
After a structural engineer examined the structure, the city decided to restore it.
“As Fredericton continues to grow and change, the city strongly believes in the preservation and protection of historically significant buildings and sites, while maintaining the overall character of the community,” city hall said on social media this week.
It said the restoration work is expected to be finished in November.
The Fredericton Police Force investigated the fire and eventually charged Jesse Cole Jackson, 36, of no fixed address, with an indictable charge of arson.
He’s scheduled to return to court later this month to elect mode of trial and enter a plea.
Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.