Ridley Office Timeline

1838 - Building constructed. See 2026 historical note. 

1978 - Ridley Office featured in the art exhibition Ten Historic Towns (later a book) by artist Jean Ball. Ms Ball noted that her purpose "is not to record everything of value, but to open the eyes of the general public to the treasurers in their midst, in the hope that they will preserve as many as possible of the buildings still not beyond repair."

1990 - Ridley Office designated as a Registered Heritage Structure because of its aesthetic and historic value.  

1991 - $10,000 grant approved for restoration by Heritage NL, disbursed in 1994. 

1991-06-05  - Plaque unveiled at Ridley Office. At this time the building had been purchased by the Town of Harbour Grace in order to save it.

1992 - Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (Heritage NL) releases the Harbour Grace Heritage District Report. Amongst its recommendations to the Town of Harbour Grace, it suggested that Ridley Offices should become the focus for the area, "ideally as a public operation."

1993 - Rather than keep the building as a public asset, the Town of Harbour Grace puts Ridley Office up for sale, stating "Interested parties should note the most important aspect of this offer is to preserve the property as a heritage structure."

2005 - As part of ongoing issues between the then property owner, the Town, and neighbours, Heritage NL encouraged all parties to work together "to find a solution that will ensure that the building is cared for, maintained, and used in a manner which befits such an historic property."

2012- $2,000 grant approved by Heritage NL and disbursed in the same year. 

2014 - Ridley Offices owner says Harbour Grace holding up permit to open.

2014 - Additional $15,000 approved by Heritage NL for restoration work; this grant went unclaimed and was eventually rescinded. 

2015-2017 - Property owner and Town of Harbour Grace in conflict, the Town offers to buy back the property, and explores expropriation. 

2015 - NL Historic Trust publishes article "Ridley Offices Under Threat"

2018 - Fire in the property. Town backs off from expropriation. 

2018 - Harbour Grace People, Places & Culture Workshop

Following an open, public town meeting hosted by Heritage NL, the workshop report suggested the Town strengthen designation and municipal heritage bylaws, and to introduce a small municipal subsidy for improving built heritage. It also made the following recommendation: 

• "The development of a communication strategy should be a high and short-term priority to ensure that all stakeholders in the community are informed of the development process. Without this, there is a real risk that trust and efforts will break down. It could take the form of a regular printed or online newsletter and/or use of social media."

2019 - Ridley Office Assessment Report. 

In September of 2019, an architect's assessment was made of the building. Numerous conservation recommendations were made, including immediate removal of English Ivy, and repairs to prevent water ingress. None of the architect's recommendations were followed. 

2019 onwards - Property vacant. Repeated flooding. 

2025-07 - Heritage NL hears rumours of demolition discussions, and writes a letter to the Mayor and Council, stating the following:

"We recognize that ownership has changed several times, and the current owner has not been in contact with the office. Heritage NL is very open to discussions around reuse and rehabilitation of the structure, which is eligible for both our annual restoration grants, and for our regular maintenance grants. We recognize a need for investment in the heritage infrastructure in your community, and feel that this building, with its important ties to the history of the fishing industry, could be a great asset and success story for the company, town, and province."

No response received. 

2026-03-24  Heritage NL contacted by owner Harbour Grace Ocean Industries, who stated that the inside of the building showed significant deterioration and appeared to present a threat to the safety of those around it, in particular with some of the walls caving in. 

2026-04–02 Ridley Office Site visit report. Failure to act on any of the 2019 recommendations has resulted in acceleration of building deterioration. Major internal failures of mortar, most second floor joists rotted. Badly burnt timbers from 2018 fire still in place.  Noticeable bowing of improperly repaired exterior masonry, top right half of front facade stone leaning dangerously away from the building. Ice buildup in rubble core of masonry walls. Daylight visible through multiple gaps in the stone walls, roof. 

2026-04-15 Letter to Town of Harbour Grace regarding condition of the building.  Discussion of high conservation costs, difficulty of moving building, possible salvage; note that approval or denial of a demolition permit is the responsibility of the municipality. 

2026-05-15 - Harbour Grace Residents Shocked by Demolition of Heritage Buildings