Mount Allison University Memorial Library gets temporary protected status after successful application from heritage group

A longtime fixture on the Mount Allison University campus that had been facing the wrecking ball may have a new lease on life. The provincial government has granted temporary protected status to the Memorial Library following an application by the Tantramar Heritage Trust. Earlier this year, Mount Allison announced plans to demolish the building, save for its brick entrance, and build a $30-million fine arts and performing arts centre. The university's proposal shows the entrance to Memorial Library preserved and incorporated into an amphitheatre to be located at the heart of the quadrangle formed by Centennial Hall, Flemington, the Bennett Building and the new centre. Trevor Holder, minister of culture, wellness and sport, issued an 'intention to designate' the library as a provincial heritage place last week under the Heritage Conservation Act. Under the Act, the 86-year-old building has temporary protected status.