Give Paul Martin Building heritage status, committee says

The Windsor heritage committee has taken steps to get the Paul Martin Building in downtown Windsor designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

The building already has federal heritage status because of its history and architectural and environmental value.

Coun. Fulvio Valentinis believes the limestone used in its construction was brought in from Montana.

It was named after late Senator Paul Martin, who was a long-time Windsor area MP and cabinet minister.

Should the government sell the building, as it already has indicated it plans to do, to a new owner the current heritage status would cease.

That would allow the new owner to make changes to the building or apply for demolition.

Valentinis, who represents the downtown, says designating the landmark building under the Ontario Heritage Act protects it from such action:

"It's a very impressive building, it's a very majestic building. It's the major federal presence we have here. It's very prominent on main street.

City council still has to give its formal approval to have the building designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.