$2 million gift will help to restore Rosseau Memorial Hall

Robert Foote

Robert Foote (right) and friends.

A $2 milllion bequest from the Robert Foote will help to support the restoration of Rosseau Memorial Hall 

The estate of Robert (Bob) Foote and Seguin Township are pleased to announce a gift of $2 million to support the restoration of Rosseau Memorial Hall. The gift was committed as a bequest and comes at a pivotal time for the hall with restoration plans now underway and its centennial celebration approaching in August.

Foote was born in Rosseau and attended the local Rosseau Public School. He moved with his older sister Rena to Toronto when his mother Sara died in 1942.  A lover of the outdoors, Foote retired early from his career with Bell Canada so that he could travel and explore, but he always remained connected to his home village. "Bob had a clear passion for Rosseau, in particular this building's history and legacy,” says Douglas Grenkie, Foote's cousin. "Bob often returned to Rosseau and stayed with Bill and Stella Grenkie, sons Edward and Douglas, and would take his grandmother, Frances Grenkie, for rides in his M.G. He was always proud of his family."

Rosseau Memorial Hall was built in 1924 as a tribute to local veterans. Over the decades, the hall has been a hub of community activity, hosting weddings, exercise classes, concerts, dinners, plays and more. Rosseau Memorial Hall houses memorabilia from the Royal Canadian Legion and other items managed by the Rosseau Historical Society. The Rosseau branch of Seguin Public Library is also located in the hall.

In February 2024, Seguin Township Council adopted a vision for the future of the hall as proposed by heritage consultants from ERA Architects. The proposal was created based on the building’s most urgent needs and feedback and suggestions from the community.

“Seguin Township is incredibly grateful for this generous bequest,” says Seguin Township Mayor Ann MacDiarmid. “These funds will help to ensure that this cherished historic asset is restored for our community today and for generations to come.”

Seguin Township will be hosting events this summer to celebrate the Rosseau Memorial Hall’s 100th anniversary, this bequest, and the start of the revitalization project.  For more information on the consultation process and revitalization plans, visit www.letsconnectseguin.ca.