Peterborough
Event information
Saturday, May 5, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Doors Open Peterborough 2018 is taking a look at Peterborough’s rich industrial heritage with the theme of Peterborough Works: Industry Past and Present.
Peterborough is home to many unique and exciting industries and businesses. Take the opportunity to come and explore sites that showcase Peterborough’s industry and learn about its history and role in the community today. The day will also feature special displays, demonstrations, tours and free rides on a historical trolley.
Doors Open Peterborough, in partnership with Peterborough Transit, is pleased to offer free bus passes for Doors Open visitors. In addition, Doors Open Peterborough is partnering with the 2018 Shifting Gears Challenge to encourage people to cycle to participating sites. Bus passes and maps outlining a suggested cycling route will be available at all participating sites.
Check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Community information
Peterborough is located in the heart of the Kawarthas and boasts a wealth of activities for everyone. From museums and art galleries to the Trent Severn Waterway, lakes and trails throughout the region, Peterborough is a great place to get out and try new things.
One of the city’s defining features is its incredible array of heritage buildings. Both those featured in Doors Open this year and those throughout the community offer an amazing glimpse into this historical city.
Peterborough is located just one hour away from the Greater Toronto Area and is an ideal spot for a day trip for Doors Open or a longer getaway to see some more of the things the community has to offer.
For more information, visit thekawarthas.ca.
Become a volunteer
Doors Open Peterborough is looking for people who might be interested in volunteering their time to make this great day possible!
Join us as we partner with sites and organizations from across the city to bring Peterborough’s industrial heritage to life. In order for Doors Open to be a success, a large group of volunteers is needed to provide visitors with a friendly, informative and fun experience. Volunteer duties will include directing visitors to the sites, providing general information, ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained and keeping a record of the number of visitors to each site.
Volunteers do not need any previous experience to participate in Doors Open and will be provided with information and a formal training session prior to the day of the event. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, contact Jessica Bisson.
Thank you!
Contact info
12 sites found
Comstock and Kaye Life Celebration Centre Doors Open Peterborough
The Comstock and Kaye Life Celebration Centre was formed in 2016 as a merger between two well-established Peterborough businesses: Comstock Funeral Home, founded over 150 years ago, and Kaye Funeral Home and Memorial Chapel, founded in 1946. Tour this business, located in an 1882 building, and learn about their history and work today.
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
Contact info
356 Rubidge StreetPeterborough, Ontario
Telephone: 705-745-4683
Architecture
Year built: 1882Architect: David Gamble
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 5, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown Industry Walking Tour Doors Open Peterborough
New
Join local historians Don Willcock and Elwood Jones on a downtown walking tour that will explore the industrial heritage of Jackson Creek. Although few of the buildings remain, there are still lots of interesting stories to hear. There will be only two tours during the day, starting at Confederation Square.
- Parking
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Contact info
Meet at Confederation SquarePeterborough, Ontario
Architecture
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 5, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
East City Industry Walking Tour Doors Open Peterborough
New
Join local historian Gord Young from Lakefield Heritage Research on a walking tour of some of East City’s former industrial sites. Learn about how industry shaped the East City landscape and see what's there today. Tours will operate throughout the day, ending at 2:30 p.m., starting at the Cambium Consulting and Engineering parking lot. Easy walk; no special footwear required.
- Parking
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Contact info
Meet at 52 Hunter Street EastPeterborough, Ontario
Architecture
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 5, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Innovation Cluster, The Doors Open Peterborough
New
The Innovation Cluster supports determined, innovative entrepreneurs as they create and grow technology-driven companies. Focusing on four key sectors – clean-tech, ag-tech, healthcare and digital – The Innovation Cluster’s dynamic programming ensures that startups find their best path to market. The Innovation Cluster operates The Cube – Peterborough’s two full-service business incubators, located at Trent University and in downtown Peterborough.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
Architecture
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 5, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Jackson Creek Retirement Residence Doors Open Peterborough
New
The Jackson Creek Retirement Residence is located on the site of the William Hamilton Foundry. The Hamilton Foundry produced castings used throughout Ontario and was, at one time, one of Peterborough’s most prosperous businesses. Visit this site to view a photo exhibit about the foundry and see the transformation of the site from industrial centre to a peaceful retirement residence.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
Contact info
481 Reid StreetPeterborough, Ontario
https://chartwell.com/retirement-homes/chartwell-jackson-creek-retirement-residence
Architecture
Building type: CommercialDates/hours open
Saturday May 5, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
London Street Generating Station Doors Open Peterborough
New
The present London Street Generating Station consists of two plants – a 1902 plant designed by Charles H. Keefer to supply power to what is now Quaker Oats, and a second plant added in 2016. It was acquired by Peterborough Utilities in 1975. Come and see one of the facilities that provides electricity to the city. Note: Closed-toe shoes are required.
- Parking
Contact info
49 London StreetPeterborough, Ontario
Architecture
Year built: 1902; 2016Architect: Charles H. Keefer (designer)
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 5, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mattress Factory, The Doors Open Peterborough
New
In 1927, the Peterborough Mattress Company moved their factory into this building. The company manufactured mattresses that were used across Peterborough and Ontario. Now, this designated building has a new life as the workshop of Rivison Renovations, a local carpentry business that specializes in renovating old homes.
Architecture
Year built: 1927Dates/hours open
Saturday May 5, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Hunting and Fishing Heritage Centre Doors Open Peterborough
New
This centre houses a stunning collection of Canadian wildlife displays and an impressive antique lure and decoy exhibit. See Ontario’s warm water fish collection in our giant Shimano Aquarium. Through educational field trips, birthday parties and teaching youth how to fish at the pond, the centre celebrates the conservation success stories of Ontario’s anglers and hunters.
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
Contact info
4601 Guthrie DrivePeterborough, Ontario
Telephone: 705-748-6324
Email: joe@hfhc.ca
www.hfhc.ca
Architecture
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 5, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Peterborough Lift Lock Doors Open Peterborough
New
Come and see Peterborough's iconic lift lock up close! Guided tours are available throughout the day. Space is limited and the last tour occurs at 2:30 p.m. Tours include numerous stairs and relatively confined spaces. Closed-toe shoes are required. This facility is not accessible. Children over 10 years old are welcome on tours if accompanied by an adult.
- Parking
- National Historic Site (Canada)
- Guided tours available
Contact info
353 Hunter Street East at Ashburnham DrivePeterborough, Ontario
www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/visit/services/ecluse-ascenseur-peterborough-lift-lock
Architecture
Year built: 1904Architect: Richard Birdsall Rogers
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 5, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Publican House Brewery Doors Open Peterborough
New
The Publican House Brewery is a family-owned craft brewery in downtown Peterborough. Their beer is small-batch brewed with natural ingredients. The adjoining Brew Pub is located in a 170-year-old building with a long history as a Peterborough pub and restaurant. Tours of their facility will be available throughout the day.
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Guided tours available
Architecture
Building type: Commercial, Food and drink, Historical landmarkDates/hours open
Saturday May 5, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Smithavens Brewing Company Doors Open Peterborough
New
The Smithavens Brewing Company is a family-owned and -operated craft brewery. They brew in small batches to ensure maximum freshness and the best taste. Tour the facility and learn more about the company’s specialization in traditional European beers – using premium malts, hops and yeasts. Guided tours occur on the hour, beginning at 11 a.m.
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Guided tours available
Contact info
687 Rye Street, Unit 6Peterborough, Ontario
Telephone: 705-743-4747
Email: info@smithavensbrewing.ca
www.smithavensbrewing.ca
Architecture
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 5, 2018Saturday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Town Trolley Doors Open Peterborough
New
Take a ride on a historical trolley through Peterborough’s downtown! Streetcars developed by Canadian General Electric were an important part of Peterborough’s early industry. Experience Peterborough’s public transit system from the turn of the 20th century. The trolley will depart throughout the day from Confederation Square, with parking available at the City Hall lot.
- Parking
- Kid-friendly
Architecture
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 5, 2018Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.