Project Updates

Are you keeping up with the latest on the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre? Construction is well underway for this 44,000 square-foot, zero-carbon facility, which is slated to open in Spring 2026.

November

• 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.
  
  There are three Open Houses planned:
  
  
• Wednesday, November 13 at Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex
• Wednesday, November 20 at Greenwood Community Centre
• Thursday, November 21 at Dr. Nelson F. Tomlinson Community Centre
  
  A survey will be live at LetsTalkPickering.ca/PHCC on November 8.
  
  Consultation will seek input from Pickering residents regarding program options, program times, and desired use of the facility.
  
  
• New renderings showcase the facility spaces.
  
  1. The rendering below showcases the teaching and catering kitchen. Culinary programs will be offered in this space. The kitchen will also support programs and events that take place in the multi-purpose space.
  
  
  2. The rendering below showcases the program room. This space will be used for a variety of programs, from kids camps to music and language instruction; this program space will be suitable for many uses for all ages.
  
  
  3. This rendering showcases a concept of an art exhibit in the exhibit gallery. The exhibit gallery will feature rotating exhibits, including community-based exhibits.
  
  
  Regular project updates can also be viewed at pickering.ca/PHCC(External link).

July/August

• 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.
  
  

June 2024

• The concrete placement for all foundation walls continues, and is expected to be complete by the end of July.
  
  
• The Pickering Museum Village continues to run programs on the lower site of the Village, with access from Gate 3.
  
  
• Staff continue to meet regularly with the TRCA to discuss archaeological work.
  
  
• Log cabin was moved.

May 2024

Heritage Schoolhouse was moved to a new, permanent foundation.

This building has been the space for many of the Museum's educational programs - in its new location, it will receive upgraded heating, air conditioning, and ventilation to allow for year-round use.

April 2024

• site excavation took place
• trenches for footings were ug
• footings were poured

March 2024

J.R. Certus Construction Co. Ltd began site preparation. This included:

• installing a perimeter fence
• installing construction signage
• clearing and grading the sit