The Wilmot Park bandstand in Fredericton is being restored after being badly damaged by flames in early July.
Cassandra LeBlanc, councillor for Ward 10, confirmed the restoration work had begun and said the city’s engineers estimate it will take three to four weeks.
“The fire didn’t, you know, impact the stand too much, so restoration is still possible, which we’re very excited about,” she said.
On the night of July 2, the Wilmot Park gazebo was set on fire, according to fire officials at the time. The ceiling of the bandstand had to be pulled down as the flames had spread to the attic space.
It was determined at the time that the fire was deliberately set and police were investigating. Fredericton Police say the file is still under investigation and no charges have been laid yet.
The gazebo, which is located across from Government House on the Woodstock Road, was the first domed or covered bandstand in Fredericton, according to the city.
It was also an important location for the city’s music scene. Before the 1930s, dance halls and bandstands were the only places to listen to live music. The gazebo also functioned as a place for kids to play.
LeBlanc said everything is being done to maintain the historic elements of the structure.
She said restoration work was already planned for the bandstand, but the fire delayed things.
City spokesperson Shasta Stairs said in an email that the original budgeted cost for the restoration work was $185,000. But she said the scope of work has changed because of the fire.
“We do expect an increase to the final numbers,” she said in the email. “Too soon to say what that will be, but we should have a better idea in the next few weeks.”
LeBlanc wasn’t sure of the ins and outs of the restoration plan.
She said she thinks it’s important for efforts to be made to maintain all historic heritage places, buildings or structures like the bandstand.
“Particularly with this, it’s the last bandstand in Fredericton and there’s a long history of, you know, bands using this, and it is a beautiful addition to Wilmot Park,” she said.
“I think it’s really important that we keep these things alive and remember our history and be able to honour our history and also be able to enjoy our history.
“It’s very exciting that despite the fire, we’re able to restore the bandstand to its former glory.”
This story was originally published in CBC News on Aug. 14, 2024.
Hannah Rudderham Portfolio 