News Release

MIRAMICHI (GNB) – The Rankin House property has been sold to the City of Miramichi for $1.

The announcement was made today in Miramichi. The house will be demolished and the property will be used as a park.

“We understand that buildings can have a significant meaning to people,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bill Fraser. “I am pleased our government is working with the community as a whole, including the City of Miramichi and the Miramichi Highland Society, to establish a park which will benefit the area while respecting the heritage of Rankin House.”

Rankin House, at 2224 King George Highway, was erected in the 1830s. It was used as a home and then a school until 1980. It was leased to the Miramichi Historical Society from 1983 to 2010. Following a flood, mould was found throughout the building. The cost of fully restoring the house would have been almost $900,000.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will pay to demolish the house and clean the site, while the City of Miramichi will be responsible for the park.