'The Mansion, The Mayor, & The Mission' or: A Conversation With The New Mayor On How Brampton Can Rise.

As I slowly crept past the imposing, yet stately manor, my mind and heart began to race.

"W.T.F?” I immediately thought to myself, “did Google maps betray me?” I reviewed my e-mail to confirm if this was indeed the correct address. It was.

photo credit: http://ataarchitectsinc.ca/

Alderlea House on 40 Elizabeth Street, owned by the City of Brampton, is a rare and invaluable part of Brampton's heritage. At over 7000 square feet, the "Italianate" style mansion is a sight to behold. Construction of the house went from 1865-1879. The year 1865, for the history aficionados, was 2 years before Confederation; I wonder how much construction was slowed by the bureaucracy of the newly established Canada? What were internet speeds like in 1867? Or better yet, I wonder if it was as controversial as a present “grand” Brampton landmark.

The original builder of the house was Peel MPP, Kenneth Chisholm (1829-1906), who was also a son-in-law of one of the founders of Brampton. However, he was forced to relinquish ownership of the house after having some personal financial issues. The Royal Canadian Legion bought the building in 1944 to use as their Brampton base, but eventually the city bought the house in 2002. Finally, after years of planning and development, the restoration of the 149-year-old heritage building is almost complete.

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However, Alderlea really wins once one discovers that Brampton gem we now call Gage Park, was once a part of the Alderlea property. Consensually Gage Park is a top destination in Brampton, and the city's oldest, most charming park. A place where my associates and I would spend malaise filled afternoons wondering, "what's the deal with Brampton?" And, "I wonder who owns that place?" as we would gaze at the mysterious, yet dignified Alderlea Manor just a few yards away.

Finally, I was entering the other side - so to speak. I was at the Alderlea House about to go inside for my first time. However, my assignment was not writing about the freshly restored heritage site; I was actually there to meet the person who had been elected to restore the entire city of Brampton. I was going to get an interview with Brampton's new mayor, Linda Jeffrey..

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