The Chronicle- December 24, 2008

Human Resources and Social Development Canada has awarded The Arts & Cookery Bank of West Lorne a $40,600 grant through their Enabling Accessibility Fund Program. This grant provides the funds to retrofit the existing 1914 heritage Bank of Montréal building with an accessible lift which will enable all “visitors” regardless of physical ability, to participate in the Bank's programs Joe Preston, MP for Elgin-MIddlesex-London, visited the bank Dec. 16 to say a few words about the grant.

“The grant we're talking about is about accessibility,” said Preston. “I love old historic buildings, but one of the things they have in common is we never thought about accessibility back in the days when we used to build buildings like this. As much as I like to save old historic buildings, sometimes you can't get inside to see them, and this is something that's going to make a difference”

The Arts and Cookery Bank is a not-for-profit community hertiage center. Once completed, the building will showcase the heritage of Dutton-Dunwich, Newbury, Southwest Middlesex and West Elgin through photography and food.

“This is great news that our community got this grant. I think it's wonderful. These types of projects are so important for our little towns. We've been talking about downtown revitalization in Rodney and West Lorne, and one of the best things to do with an old building is to put something in it. This is a fantastic idea,” said West Elgin Deputy Mayor Bernie Wiehle on Dec. 16.

The Bank is expected to be completed in Fall 2009.