GALT CITY HALL
This attractive public building was designed and built in 1857-8 by H.B. Sinclair, a local resident, as a "Town Hall and Market House". Galt had become an incorporated town on January 1, 1857, and the first mayor, Morris C. Lutz, was elected by the new Council that month. On May 13, he laid the corner-stone of this structure. It is classical in general style, and the "Italianate", particularly Tuscan, influence is quite predominant. Various additions were made in later years, and in 1963-64 a thorough rehabilitation of the building was carried out.
Cambridge City Hall
In 1858, the citizens of Galt (population 3,500) celebrated the opening of the new Town Hall and Market House. The Town Hall was built for $3,650.00 and was on the same site as the original Township Hall.
The building was designed by architect H. B. Sinclair and was meant to reflect Galt's rapid growth, prosperity and influence in the region. However, not everyone was pleased with the design. On December 17, 1856 what was described as an unusually stormy 'indignation meeting' was held to protest the proposed design of the new Town Hall. Those present at the meeting condemned the Italianate design was inadequate and not at all reflective of Galt's growing importance. However since the building's design had already been approved by the building committee and the contract was to be awarded the following day the recommendations of the meeting were ignored. The building went ahead as designed with construction beginning in May 1857. However because of financial difficulties and disagreements between the architect and the contractor construction was not complete until November 1858.
The materials included a base and trim in Galt limestone and split fieldstone used on the upper floors. The bell was placed in the tower in 1863 and rang at 6:00 am, 12:00 noon and 6:00 pm. The Jubilee Clock was placed in the tower in 1897 in honour of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. Galt was said to have the finest Council Chambers this side of Toronto.
In 1965, the City Hall was renovated. The plans were drawn up by Peter Stokes, well-known architect specializing in the reclamation of old Ontario buildings. The City Hall was further renovated in 1990 to become the permanent home of the City of Cambridge Archives. The building is deemed an historic site of local and provincial significance.
In the Autumn of 1981, the Corporation of the City of Cambridge moved its municipal offices to Cambridge Place, 73 Water Street North, in an effort to better serve the citizens of Cambridge.
City Council and Committee Meetings have remained at Historic City Hall.
These meetings are conducted in the Council Chambers on the third floor at 46 Dickson Street. An elevator is available.
Information taken from: Visit