Grey County is moving ahead with the final phase of a roof replacement project at Grey Roots Museum and Archives.
The latest section of the work will cost just over $300,000 and will force the museum to close from September 15 to October 14, 2026.
Grey Roots manager Jill Paterson says the project is part of the county's long-term capital planning.
"This is part of the county's 10-year capital plan, so it's been in the plan for many years," Paterson said.
She says sections of the roof were previously replaced in 2003 and 2024, with this year's work completing the remaining section.
The county has been setting aside money annually to help cover major capital expenses.
“As part of the capital plan, there are funds every year that go into reserve for big capital projects like this so that it can kind of stabilize the annual tax levy and spread out the cost of these capital expenses over a couple of years,” Paterson said.
The section being replaced sits above the museum's main public exhibit spaces.
Paterson says that is a major reason for the month-long closure.
"There’s really no experience for the visitor anyway," she said. "A lot of our permanent exhibits are going to be tarped with plastic. The other exhibit spaces are completely empty."
The closure will also help keep visitors away from any potential construction hazards.
Staff are taking additional precautions to protect artifacts and exhibits while the work is underway.
Paterson says larger exhibit cases will be covered, while more fragile items will be moved into collection storage.
"The staff here are extremely diligent on maintaining the safety of our collections," she said.
Grey Roots' main building opened in 2004 and Paterson says maintenance needs are increasing as the facility gets older.
The county is also looking at additional work in the heritage village next year, including upgrades to some roofs.
Grey Roots is expected to reopen October 15.
Paterson says a full slate of fall programming is planned after the closure, including lectures and seasonal events.
