Market Scales Building

The Market Scales Building is significant for its association with the Grand Trunk Railway (later CN). It was built at the same time as the “Spur Line”, a railway line which enabled the easier movement of livestock from the weighing facility to other destinations. The land on which the building was constructed was occupied, in 1833, by early settlers in a log home. One of these settlers, James Buist, was called “The Provost”, an appellation that was commemorated in the naming of the street.

The building was created entirely by local tradesmen. John Moffat, a carpenter, builder, and council member, designed the structure. The masonry work was completed by Thomas Wilkie and John Malcolm, and the carpentry work by John Smellie. The eaves trough and downspout installation was done by Robert Kerr, and the painting and plastering completed by D. Ritchie and James Bergin, respectively. The structure stands as a testament to the work ethic of the local community, and in particular to the contributions of these local men.

The Market Scales Building is one of few remaining scale buildings in Ontario. The structure is unique as it was constructed using limestone, whereas the majority of scale buildings that were constructed in the nineteenth century had timber frames and as such did not stand the test of time. Though the building is quite plain, made almost entirely of stone and brick with no elaborate features, it is an important part of Fergus's economy and a reflection of the past, making it unique and valuable.