From 1950-2000, the Biggar Lagoons were sewage treatment lagoons for neighbourhoods in Grimsby’s west end. After decommissioning the lagoons in 2001, the Town of Grimsby and the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club worked to lobby against intentions of draining and levelling the land. Today, each of the six bodies of water provides different habitats for the breeding and migrating of rare shorebirds.

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This facility – a Class 3 anaerobic digester with a capacity of 1,000 kilowatts of electricity – takes farm waste (such as grape pomace, silage, peppers, potatoes, hay and straw and non-agricultural materials including dog food, fats, oils and grease) and converts it into electricity, thereby avoiding dumping it into landfill. The facility represents a modern, progressive look at green energy.

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An outstanding example of a Carnegie library influenced by the beaux arts style, this building was constructed in 1911 with a grant from the Carnegie Corporation. The building is named for the late 19th-century Scottish-American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Stop by to view a display on the history of Main Street plus some historical maps.

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Farewell House, now home to Casa Toscana, was built by the Woolverton family in 1839. This house features an eclectic combination of architectural elements. The Woolvertons ran a medical practice here until the 1980s. A memorial iron gate from the original house is now in the gardens at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, commemorating the family’s contribution to Grimsby health care.

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Discover the Casablanca Waterfront Trail – Grimby's newest walking trail along the water! This west-end trail begins at Casablanca Beach Park and stretches to Hunter Road, featuring beach access and bridge access over Forty Mile Creek. During Doors Open, the Active Grimsby Advisory Committee will be leading walking tours and encouraging an active lifestyle.

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This waterworks facility was in continuous use until the early 1990s. It sits on the location of the Engagement of the Forty, a battle that took place in 1813. It is now home to the International Peace Garden. During Doors Open, enjoy live music and food trucks. And the Lakeside Pumphouse Artists will hold their annual Art Exhibition and Sale.

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Grimsby’s newest fire station will be hosting its open house to coincide with Doors Open. In addition to fire safety public education, the open house will feature a live burn demonstration, a free barbecue, jumpy castle and more. Don’t miss out!

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The regency-style entrance of the Grimsby Museum is the original doorway from the Marlatt Inn that once stood on Main Street. During Doors Open, the museum will open its storage rooms for visitors to explore some of Grimsby’s hidden secrets. Enjoy the Main Street Then and Now exhibit and activities for the whole family.

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This gallery is an active community space, dedicated to the exhibition, encouragement and collection of art with local appeal and national significance. Guided tours of the gallery and storage areas will be available. Activities include viewing works by Canadian women artists from the exhibit Epics and Odes, learning about art techniques in the studio and touring the storage vault.

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This library brings information, ideas and people of all ages together to enrich lives, promote literacy and build community. During Doors Open, staff will show you around the building and highlight resources and services that you might not know about. Activities include viewing a timeline and display that features women’s suffrage. Join a virtual suffrage march on the green screen.

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This former school, built in 1913, is an excellent example of a two-storey school structure from the early 20th century. Constructed of red brick, the building features substantial stonework and brick quoins. This site is now home to the Bible League of Canada, who restored the building in 2013.

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Built in 1927, Harmony Jewellers purchased this former Canadian Bank of Commerce building in 2009. Following an extensive six-month renovation, the building has been restored to its former glory. The renovations included original historical features of the building – the cornice, the Bank of Commerce crest, original brickwork, stone window sills and the original limestone entrance.

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Built by United Empire Loyalist Colonel Robert Nelles, this stone mansion is the oldest continuously inhabited house between Niagara-on-the-Lake and Kingston. The house has passed through four successive generations. In 2016, owners Barry and Linda Coutts generously donated it to a charitable, non-profit corporation. Now run by volunteers, the manor has been converted into a museum and heritage house.

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This house has been adapted for commercial use as an art gallery. Only the front section is open to the public. It was used as a train station years ago and was part of the Underground Railroad. A man and his son who died here after having safely escaped from the United States are said to haunt the property.

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Sentimental Farm is an example of a modern urban homestead. Producing 60 to 70 per cent of the food needed for your household, this farm has become a teaching centre for those wishing to lead a more independent lifestyle. During Doors Open, explore the backyard chickens, intensive gardening, bee hives, homesteading skills demonstrations and the Nigerian dwarf dairy goats.

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The Old Bank of Hamilton – Grimsby’s first bank – is representative of early-20th-century downtown commercial buildings. Ownership has changed over the years. It is currently occupied by Simply Moto – a motorcycle gear, parts and apparel shop. The original bank vault remains in use as the changeroom for shoppers. During Doors Open, try to "crack the safe" from the night deposit box.

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The oldest church in the Niagara peninsula, St. Andrew’s has welcomed people for 225 years – from the original 1794 log church to the current 1825 stone building, replete with stained-glass windows. Today, a small community regularly attends Sunday services. During Doors Open, the site’s history will be featured, along with the graves of United Empire Loyalists and Grimsby’s founding families.

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This greenhouse dates back to 1890; it has housed everything from cucumbers to azalias and ferns. Today's greenhouse is run by the Van Geest Bros. Limited., and grows 27,870 square metres (300,000 square feet) and 76 varieties of gerbera daisies that are sold throughout North America. Come and explore the rows of colourful flowers at this unique Doors Open location.

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