Kemptville’s Rebirth

680 words

Diana Leeson

The year 2007 marks the 150^th anniversary of the town of Kemptville. To some, our sleepy little village may seem like it is just beginning to grow, as new businesses spring up along County Road 43 and housing subdivisions spread out around the perimeter. But this isn’t the first time our village has been called “the fastest growing community in Eastern Ontario.” It first earned that claim back at the end of the 19^th century, according to KEMPTVILLE Past and Present by J. Carr Anderson, 1903:

“Among the many natural advantages that have contributed to the growth and development of Kemptville, none are more prominent or more worthy of special mention than her facilities for shipping by navigation. The fact that during the entire season, passengers and merchandise are brought to our very doors from both Montreal and Kingston, without trans-shipment, is a fact which is important at once to both the business man and the town.”

Imagine walking over the bridge on Prescott Street just as a huge steamer pulls into port. The “Olive”, as she was known, was captained by George Depencier for many years. The Captain gained a reputation for promptness in delivering merchandise to Kemptville by water between the months of May to November.

Kemptville was also ideally located for travel by rail, as it was on the main line of the C.P.R. “Business men can leave in the morning, transact business in Montreal or Ottawa and return the same evening.”

The only town with a twenty-mile radius, Kemptville was a thriving trading point: “Here goods can not only be bought but sold to the best possible advantage. Indeed, its stores and places of business are such as to rank with those of any town twice its size. The amount of business done is of such proportions as to amaze anyone not conversant with the actual facts.”

Many of the original buildings were destroyed in “the Great Fire” of 1872, which began in a machine shop and shingle mill on Asa Street, belonging to Ambrose Clothier. But those structures which remain standing are some of our most prized possessions.

Those of us born and raised in Kemptville remember several incarnations of each old building. Having them restored and brought back to life is something we can all be proud of.

Things have been happening along highway 43 for years now, but recently there have been signs of life in the “old town” core as well. Boutiques and salons are attracting tourists and locals alike to the main streets of Kemptville again, while an Irish pub is packed to its warped rafters with happy customers every Friday night.

Of course, not all old buildings were of the same high quality, and some will eventually be torn down. But where a destruction has to occur, something new and unique is promised in its place. However, there will be no art-deco eyesores here. Realtor Rob Thompson and Oxford Construction’s Nik Wellstein are working on a vision that is “historically correct” as they design buildings in the modern-heritage style.

Along with Ottawa architect Tom Blood, Nik and Rob plan to change the face of downtown Kemptville with their new project on Prescott Street. An artist’s concept is now on display at the site, depicting “The Lofts of Market Row”. The front building foundation has already been laid, and approval on the completion isn’t far away. If all goes according to plan, we may have an Italian bistro, bookstore, and café in that spot by next summer. The buildings will be in keeping with the traditional architecture of the street, blending in with the sturdy edifices on either side.

The design calls for an elegant courtyard beyond the front building, leading to a residential block in back. When the project is complete, there will be more than one reason for travelers on the 416 to turn off at our exit.

By the end of her 151^st year, the town of Kemptville should be well on her way to looking like her “old self” again.

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