Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre
The City of Pickering is making an investment in arts, heritage, and culture with the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre (previously referred to as the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre). This innovative project will bring the Museum, Library, and Community Centre into one dynamic facility.
Construction of this 44,000 square-foot facility has commenced, and is being undertaken by J.R. Certus Construction Co. Ltd.
What amenities will the new facility have?
- Exhibit gallery
- Program room
- Multi-purpose hall (with a stage)
- Kitchen suitable for public programs
- Storage for the museum artifact collection (over 11,000 artifacts), City's archives, and the Public Library's local history collection
- Gift shop
- Outdoor program spaces (with an art garden and patio)
A New Pickering Public Library Branch
Pickering Public Library is bringing two new spaces to the community; a new library branch with extended hours and the inspiring Local History Experience Centre.
The new library branch will offer a cozy space to read, work, or unwind. Home to Pickering's first self-serve holds locker, residents will be able to pick up their requested items, browse a thoughtfully curated selection of books, and access technology. Comfortable seating with direct views of nature will offer a fresh take on the library experience you know and love.
Step into the Local History Experience Centre and watch the stories of Pickering come to life. Browse historical photos, documents, and records in an interactive setting designed for students, researchers, and anyone curious about the city's history. Connect with knowledgeable staff to support your journey of discovery, whether you're tracing your family's roots, learning about local landmarks, or diving into decades of community history.
Together, these new spaces will offer something for everyone; connection, reflection, and the chance to embrace new possibilities.
Where will the facility be located?
The facility will be located on the Pickering Museum Village site. #1 on the map marks where the Dorsay Heritage & Community Centre will be located (previously referred to as the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre).
During construction, the Pickering Museum Village, located on the lower site of the property, will remain open. Vehicular traffic can enter the site via Gate #3 from Greenwood Road.
Invest in Culture
- Work towards reconciling our histories through interpretation, participation, and displays in partnership with Indigenous communities.
- Conserve and promote Ontario’s diverse heritage with dedicated climate-controlled collections storage and exhibit display spaces for Pickering Museum Village.
- Offer year-round access to arts, heritage, and culture, expanding the scope of culture-based programs and services available in the community.
- Connect people and communities by sharing and celebrating diverse pasts and bright futures through public programming and events.
Invest in Infrastructure
The City is committed to maintaining safe and accessible infrastructure for all community members, and as such, replacing the aging Greenwood Community Centre, which dates back to 1970, has been identified as a priority for the City.
Located immediately to the east of the Museum's lower site, at 3551 Greenwood Road, the Greenwood Community Centre is a roughly 8,400 square-foot, two-storey structure built of concrete block and steel framing. It was constructed in 1970 and has no wall insulation. Lack of insulation, aging windows, and the poor condition of the building envelope also makes it expensive to heat and cool.
By replacing with the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre, the City will be able to provide a modern an accessible space for community groups to gather and host a variety of programs, services, and events.
Serve the Community
- Transform the Museum into a year-round operation, significantly increasing access to programs, services, and spaces.
- Improve access to Local History collections and other community collections by centralizing in one location.
- Improve public access to Library services, technology, collections, programs, and spaces.
- Be more accessible. The new facility is expected to welcome up to 300 users at one time.
This project is guided by the City’s Cultural Strategic Plan(External link), which sets a vision for the place of arts, culture, and heritage in the City and identifies strategic directions for policy, investment, partnerships, and programs.
The Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre has a strong vision and seven guiding principles in place (Belonging & Wellbeing, Learning & Storytelling, Innovation, Adaption & Responsiveness, Discovery & Play, Sustainability, and Decolonization). View the entire PHCC Vision & Guiding Principles document here.
Engagement Opportunities
Stay tuned to this project page for upcoming community engagement opportunities!
Ask a Question
Do you have questions about the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre? Ask the Project Team, and we'll get back to you!
Renderings
Site Progress Photos
Videos
Who's Listening
Project Milestones
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November - December 2018
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre has finished this stageStakeholder consultations.
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December 2018 - February 2019
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre has finished this stageBuilding Design Community Survey
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June 2018
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre has finished this stageAward-winning architect, Hariri Pontarini, began designing the facility.
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January 2019
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre has finished this stagePublic community consultation at Greenwood Community Centre and George Ashe Community Centre.
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April 2019
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre has finished this stageWorkshop with community members who expressed their interest in participating in a design charrette.
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September 2019
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre has finished this stageGovernment of Canada, Department of Canadian Heritage, committed $4,000,000 to the project.
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June 2022
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre has finished this stageFacility is upgraded to a zero-carbon design to meet the requirements of the Government of Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Building Fund.
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December 2022
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre has finished this stageFacility design completed.
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January 2024
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre has finished this stageReport to Council.
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March 2024
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre has finished this stage- Construction begins.
J.R. Certus Construction Co. Ltd begins site preparation. This includes:
- Installed a perimeter fence.
- Installed construction signage.
- Cleared and graded the site.
- All trees removed on the site were subject to the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority's ecosystem compensation policy, where all removed natural features are replaced.
Construction site, south of Highway 7. - Construction begins.
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April 2024
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre has finished this stage- Site excavation took place.
- Trenches for footings were dug, and footings were poured.
Building design includes a basement under a portion of the building (see photo).
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May 2024
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre has finished this stage- Heritage Schoolhouse was moved. It's new location will be over a full basement, and will receive upgraded heating, air conditioning, and ventilation, which will allow for year-round use of the heritage building. The schoolhouse is planned to be used for public-facing education and museum-based programs.
- City staff continue to regularly meet with a staff team from the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority to discuss project updates, archaeological work, and planning for the Greenwood Conservation Area.
- Heritage Schoolhouse was moved. It's new location will be over a full basement, and will receive upgraded heating, air conditioning, and ventilation, which will allow for year-round use of the heritage building. The schoolhouse is planned to be used for public-facing education and museum-based programs.
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June 2024
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre is currently at this stage- The concrete placement for all foundation walls is expected to be complete by the end of July.
- The Pickering Museum Village is running programs on the lower site of the Village, with access from Gate 3.
Looking ahead:
- Consultation for the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre programs is planned for November 2024. Stay tuned here for upcoming engagement opportunities!
- The concrete placement for all foundation walls is expected to be complete by the end of July.
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July - August 2024
this is an upcoming stage for Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre- The foundation of the facility continues to be constructed.
Over the summer, delivery and the first installation of the structural steel began. Progress was made on the foundation walls, and everything remains on schedule. - The heritage building (Harvey House) was moved over the summer and now rests in its permanent location.
The Harvey House has been placed over a new, full basement, which will ensure the long term preservation of this building. The building is planned to undergo a full rehabilitation after the opening of the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre, and will be used for public programs and available for rentals.This building is an Aladdin House Co. Ltd. mail-order bungalow with craftsman-style features.
This building was originally constructed in 1927, as the retirement residence for Albert (Bert) Harvey and his wife Susanna. The building originally sat south of the Bentley House in Brougham (south-west quadrant of the Brock Road/Highway 7 intersection) before being relocated to the Museum in 2012.
Bert Harvey (1869 - 1945), born in England, was a vaudeville entertainer, who immigrated Toronto when quite young. In 1893, Bert married Susanna Matilda Almond (1874 - 1956). Research indicates that Bert travelled across Canada, the United States, and to England to perform. Susanna is said to have accompanied him on stage as his pianist.
They had three sons: Robert (1894 - 1974), Charles (1896 - 1918), and Albert (1907 - 1966). His sons Bob and Al became singers and comedians.Bert and Susanna Harvey moved to Greenwood, Pickering Township, in 1919, having visited friends in the hamlet in 1918. They rented the original Green House on Greenwood Road (south of the museum property). In November of 1919, Bert purchased the local general store in Greenwood from M. Gleeson, proprietor, and operated it under the name Harvey and Son until 1928.
- The foundation of the facility continues to be constructed.
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November 2024
this is an upcoming stage for Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre- Facility construction on schedule.
The floor deck install on the ground floor is nearing completion. Concrete pouring of slab-on-grade is taking place over the next month. Metal stud framing of the walls has started, with sprinkler rough-ins taking place. The roof deck installation is expected to start in early November. - Community consultation on the programming of facility to begin this month.
Consultation will seek input from Pickering residents regarding program options, program times, and desired use of the facility. - New renderings showcase the facility spaces.
View these renderings in the 'News Feed' section on the project page or under the 'Renderings' tab on the right hand side.
- Facility construction on schedule.
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June 2025
this is an upcoming stage for Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre- Facility construction is about halfway complete.
Foundations and structural steel superstructure work is complete, including provision of floor slabs and roof decks. Roofing work and exterior wall construction are well underway with curtain wall installation to commence in June. The building should be enclosed during the summer, enabling focus to shift to interior finishing for the final stage of the project. Interior partitions, electrical, mechanical, and related rough-ins are advancing steadily.
Interested in getting a closer look at the building? Check out our video with Vince Plouffe, Division Head, Facilities & Construction Management here.(External link)(External link)
Staff are actively working with the project consultants to develop all aspects of wayfinding and signage that will be required, including interior and exterior signage, site orientation elements, and the potential addition of a pylon sign with electronic display boards along Highway 7.
Current construction highlights include:- Permanent power will be connected to the building shortly.
- Steel superstructure and wood-laminated beam installation are complete.
- Roof deck installation is complete, and roofing is underway.
- Cladding and curtain wall installation will begin shortly, with full building encloser anticipated this summer.
- Paving and landscaping work are scheduled to begin by late summer.
- The Puterbaugh Schoolhouse and Harvey House have been successfully relocated. Restoration of the Harvey House will proceed as a separate project, with design work already underway.
- Major HVAC equipment is on site and being placed in position on rooftop curbs. Elevator installation will proceed after the building is enclosed.
- Demolition of the former site administration building is scheduled for the fall.
- Naming rights for the facility are being considered.
The City of Pickering recognizes and supports sponsorship and naming rights opportunities as a revenue generating tool that offsets costs associated with the construction and operation of City facilities. Naming rights also play a pivotal role in building stronger relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders in the community who are operating a business and employing individuals or building new communities in Pickering. When a corporation invests in naming rights within a community, it elevates brand awareness and allows them to reach a broader demographic.
City staff have been in discussions with Dorsay Developments Inc. to provide naming rights for the Community Centre. Report to Council ECD 04-25 was presented at the May 26 Council meeting. Council asked for time for further consideration of the report and asked staff to return the report to the June Council meeting. A project progress report will be presented to Council at the June 9 Executive Committee meeting.
Report CAO 10-25 provides a progress update on the project and will be considered by Council at the June 9 Executive Committee meeting.
The report recommends that staff be directed to issue a formal request to Durham Region Transit for the provision of a bus stop in proximity to the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre.
- Facility construction is about halfway complete.
Documents
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News Release - City of Pickering Announces its New Net Zero Community Facility
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Pickering Heritage & Community Centre Package (11.9 MB) (pdf)
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Vision & Guiding Principles (5.11 MB) (pdf)
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Report to Council - December 10, 2018 (139 KB) (pdf)
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Report to Executive Committee - June 18, 2018 (1.76 MB) (pdf)
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Report to Council - April 23, 2019 (685 KB) (pdf)
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Location Map (3.38 MB) (jpg)
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Report CAO 05-24.pdf (274 KB) (pdf)
