For the first time since the pandemic began, Doors Open Peterborough is returning as an in-person event on Saturday, May 7th.
The annual celebration of architectural heritage is a city-wide event in which private and public heritage buildings open their doors to the public for viewing for free.
The family-friendly event, with this year’s theme “Design and Adaptive Re-use,” highlights five once-shuttered or underused historic buildings that have been repurposed for different uses. The event also includes three walking tours.
Doors Open Peterborough is funded by the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee. This year’s event is sponsored by the Peterborough & Kawarthas Association of Realtors.
Below is information about the five Doors Open Peterborough sites and the three walking tours.
Doors Open Sites
Y Lofts (475 George St. N,)
This will be the first and possibly last chance to see the only heritage suite and the stunning view from the rooftop terrace of this modern new apartment complex in the former Peterborough YMCA building. Y Lofts is an exemplary model of adaptive reuse by Atria Development. Modern residential lofts now fill the old YMCA where the exterior of the 1896 façade and corner tower have been preserved. Free parking is available at the PCVS lot or at City Hall. Masks are required. Hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
King George Public School (220 Hunter St. E.)
This building was one of four “Royal” schools constructed in Peterborough early in the 20th century. It was designed with children’s health and safety in mind, with state-of-the-art heating, ventilation, and sanitary systems. The building closed as a school when its replacement opened next door in 2021. Doors Open visitors will be treated to a multi-arts festival called Erring at King George, hosted by Public Energy Performing Arts. There will be exhibits and, after 3 p.m., onsite performances. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Peterborough Theatre Guild (364 Rogers St.)
After fire gutted St. Luke’s Anglican Church in 1959, author Robertson Davies (then-editor of the Peterborough Examiner, spearheaded a fundraising drive to buy and convert the building into a community theatre. The Peterborough Theatre Guild staged its first play there in 1965 and has been entertaining audiences ever since. Come for a behind-the-scenes look at the costume wardrobe, set building workshop, lighting and sound booths, and stay to watch actors rehearse a play reading. For something extra, venture into the Gwen Brown Studio at the back of the building to view an exhibit by six local artists. Masks are required. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Peterborough Collegiate Vocational School (201 McDonnel St.)
Built in 1908, this school is a significant example of collegiate architecture, melding romanesque revival and beaux arts styles. Its main entrance faces George Street and blends with the civic buildings surrounding Confederation Square. A wing was added in 1927 and a modern cafeteria and gym in 1970s. Follow in the footsteps of famous alumni Serena Ryder, Jim Balsillie. and Lester B. Pearson and step through the arched doorway to view the original grand staircases, woodwork, terrazzo floors and stained glass of this heritage gem, now home to Peterborough Alternative and Continuing Education (PACE) at Peterborough Collegiate. Head downstairs to see the school’s Downtown Youth Space, open to mark National Youth Week (noon to 4 p.m.). Free parking is available at the PCVS lot or at City Hall. Masks are encouraged. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Peterborough Museum & Archives (300 Hunter St. E.)
Peterborough Museum & Archives tells the story of Peterborough/Nogojiwanong and the surrounding area. Constructed in 1967 to mark Canada’s centennial, the building at the top of Armour Hill was expanded and refurbished in 2017. See the new exhibit “Home and Away: Stories of Travel from Peterborough and Beyond,” curated by Fleming College’s Museum Management and Curatorship students and featuring artifacts, stories, and interactive displays about tourism. The Heritage Pavilion (salvaged from an early Peterborough church) offers a place to picnic and a playground for children. Free parking is available onsite. Masks are encourage. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Walking Tours
Hunter Street Bridge and the American Cereal/Quaker Oats Plant (Driscoll Terrace and Hunter St. E.)
In 1902, American Cereal (later Quaker Oats) began producing breakfast cereal, baking flour, and farm feed at its new Peterborough plant. In 1916, an explosion and fire destroyed the twice-expanded eight-storey mill and 24 men died. A century later, local historian Gord Young published a book about this devastating event. Take a 30-minute walk with him to learn more about it and how Quaker Oats rebuilt on the condition the city construct an improved Hunter Street Bridge. Free parking is available at Kawartha Credit Union. Meet in the lot near the sidewalk as you approach the bridge. Tours hourly between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Ashburnham from the Top (90 Hunter St. E.)
Join local historian Elwood Jones for a 45-minute walk in East City around the block at the top of Ashburnham. Learn how local landmarks — Immaculate Conception Church, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Westclox, St. Luke’s Church, and others — have evolved or been adapted for reuse into apartments, office space, and a theatre. Meet at the corner of Armour Road and Hunter Street East on the lawn of King George Public School. Parking available at King George School. Tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Around the Block, Around the Town (501 George St. N.)
Join local historian Don Willcock in Confederation Square to learn about the buildings framing this civic space. Playing on the theme “Community in a Nutshell,” Don will discuss the former YMCA, PCVS, Carnegie Library, and many other largely early 20th-century structures around this block. Hear how they have provided recreation, education, civic administration, worship space, places to work, and places to live. Tours last about one hour. Parking available at the PCVS lot or at City Hall. Tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
For more information, visit www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/peterborough. An interactive map of the five buildings is available at maps.peterborough.ca/DOP2022.
