The Al Purdy A-frame Association has won a 2023 Special Jury Award, bestowed by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, “for their efforts to restore the historic property and writer’s retreat, an important part of Canadian cultural and literary heritage.”

The rehabilitation of the storied A-frame, while preserving its vernacular architecture, supports Canada’s literary heritage. The Al Purdy house is the only writer’s retreat in eastern Canada, and one of only two in Canada that offer residents a stipend.

Writer Jean Baird and publisher Howard White established the Al Purdy A-frame Association in 2008 and began to raise the funds required to purchase and restore the property.

The Residency Program was launched in 2014. It ensures that the cottage is occupied by Canadian writers. The concept is a restoration in the truest sense of the phrase, it returns the A-frame to a time when it was a retreat for young writers.

The residency program has led to more than 40 published works and multiple literary prizes, including Governor General’s awards, not to mention a new and multicultural generation of Canadian voices.

The Purdys’ historic hand-made house is in excellent condition thanks to extensive upgrades. It was built on a flood plain, however, from mostly found materials, and the passing years and rising water levels have damaged the foundation.

To preserve the A-frame for the ages – so that the residency program can continue to serve the local and national community – the house needs to be raised and a new foundation completed at a total cost of $300,000. To date $145,000 has been raised.

Al Purdy’s widow, Eurithe, will match donations (up to $10,000) made before she turns 99 on November 10, 2023. Many donors are celebrating by donating $99 dollars. See: www.alpurdy.ca/donate/.

-Staff