Deadline for relocating historic McHugh House extended to June 30

The City of Calgary and Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary have agreed to extend the deadline for the relocation of historic McHugh House from April 6, 2014 to June 30, 2014. This extension will allow The City to conduct a competitive bidding process for the contractor that will move the home, ensure that the building is moved safely due to a thawed ground, and is expected to reduce the estimated cost of the move.

“Throughout this process, The Diocese and Bishop Fred Henry have been excellent partners as we work together to preserve this important part of Calgary’s history,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “This extension shows how, collaboratively, we’ve come up with a win-win-win for Calgarians, The City, and the Diocese.”

At the February 24 meeting of City Council, councillors voted unanimously to approve up to $450,000 to relocate McHugh House (110 18 Ave. SW) to Humpy Hollow Park (17 Ave. SE & Centre St.) beside the Catholic Pastoral Centre. This decision ensures the preservation of Calgary’s sixth-oldest home that was the residence (built in 1896) for John Joseph McHugh, one of three brothers originally from Ottawa who were Calgary pioneers and prominent ranchers. The house is an early, rare, and intact example of Queen Anne Revival-style architecture in Calgary, and it is the best and earliest example in the Mission district. For more information about the historical significance of McHugh House, please click here.

“It is an honour to give McHugh House to the citizens of Calgary,” said Bishop Henry. “The Catholic Church has been a part of Calgary’s history since before the city even existed, and we’re proud to play a role in preserving that history.”

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