Demolition for ageing community centre in Pickering, Ontario with new facility to open in ’26

With the $65 million Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre set to open up its doors in the spring, the ageing Greenwood Community Centre – located just a few hundred metres away – must come down as Pickering’s Executive Committee agreed on a plan for ‘remediation and demolition’ on Monday.

The city has awarded professional consulting services and associated costs required for the work to Barry Bryan Associates, who submitted the winning bid out of 15 prospective bidders for the contract.

The top ranked proposal was for just under $61,000 of a total project cost of $149,000, with permits and approvals, surveys, testing and inspections eating up most of the rest.

The new Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre, located on the upper site of the Pickering Museum Village, will open next year and will replace the Greenwood facility, which was built in 1970.

Councillor David Pickles asked staff at committee if Greenwood users have been taken care of in the period between demolition and the opening of the new community centre and was assured all events and activities have accommodated at other facilities.

“It will be a smooth transition,” Pickles was told.

Greenwood Community Centre is an 8,400 sq. ft. two-storey structure built of concrete block and steel framing. The facility is 55 years old, is in poor condition, does not meet accessibility requirements, and performs poorly in its energy use due to its age and construction.

Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre – the local developer agreed to a $1 million, 15-year agreement naming rights agreement in June – will offer an array of amenities, including:

• exhibit gallery
• multi-purpose hall
• kitchen, suitable for public programs
• Library Express Kiosk and Local History Experience Centre
• collections storage
• gift shop
• outdoor program spaces

With its distinctive architecture and picturesque setting, the facility will also provide opportunities for private rentals, such as weddings, celebrations, corporate functions and other milestone events, and will serve as a hub for future residents of these emerging neighbourhoods, bringing community, connection, and culture to the area.

“Our residents will be blown away by the new facility,” Pickles said.