Exposure of this masonry terra cotta to repeated freeze thaw cycles resulted in deterioration beyond repair by normal restoration methods.   Waterproof cladding in sheet lead was proposed because the extreme malleability of this material permits forming over almost any detail without excessive preparation or hand work.  Such work would not have been economically feasible in any other common metal.

Modernization of the Heaps building during the 1960’s to meet changing requirements was minimal and allowed the bank to maintain its 1910 terra cotta crafted façade. The lobby and banking hall contain sumptuous marble, mahogany, and brass and gilded details.  The bank moved to new offices at Portage & Main and the building currently houses provincial government services. Below, see how the dilapidated terracotta was beyond repair by conventional methods.