• The buildings are known locally as:
  • 2291 Highway 12 – The former Standard Bank of Canada building.
  • 2287 Highway 12 – The former St. Andrew's Hall.
• Combined, the buildings represent approximately 8,166 sq. ft. of space. Both are currently vacant.
• The properties sit immediately adjacent to Highway 12, which is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO).
• Both buildings do not meet current MTO setback requirements, meaning they are too close to the highway.
• Any major renovation or redevelopment would require the buildings to be moved back from the highway to meet current standards.

• In 2023, the Township secured funding through the Rural Economic Development (RED) program to complete preliminary engineering work and assess building conditions.
• Council subsequently authorized staff to apply for funding through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program for construction.
• That application was unsuccessful, and at present there is no secured capital funding to redevelop the buildings.

Because both buildings sit immediately adjacent to Highway 12, they do not meet current MTO setback requirements. Any major renovation or redevelopment would require:

• Move and renovate the buildings to meet current setback standards, or
• Demolishing and build new structure to meet the setback.

These requirements significantly affect both the cost and feasibility of any future project. Preliminary estimates indicate costs of at least:

• $400,000–$700,000 to move both buildings and install new foundations
• Approximately $160,000 for demolition of both buildings

A full scope has not yet been determined or priced.

The St. Andrew’s Hall and Standard Bank buildings have played a significant role in Brechin’s commercial and community life for over a century.

St. Andrew’s Hall

St. Andrew’s Hall (2287 Hwy 12) has served a variety of purposes over time. According to the Ramara Historical Society, it was originally a wagon repair shop, later became a farm equipment dealership, then a car dealership, and eventually served as a parish hall for St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church. The parish used both floors for community events. The building has been unusable for at least two decades due to its current condition.

Standard Bank Building

Standard Bank Building (2291 Hwy 12) originally housed the Standard Bank of Canada, later becoming a branch of the Imperial Bank, which evolved into today’s CIBC. CIBC relocated across the highway in the 1980s, and the building later housed a print shop, hair salon, and pizza place before becoming vacant. It still features a carved stone “Standard Bank of Canada” sign above its façade.