Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

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Doors Open Ontario:

Hamilton Region

in-person event information

Saturday, May 3 to Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hamilton Region has many beautiful old properties that have found new lives through adaptive reuse. By far the most sustainable of building methods, the adaptive reuse movement recognizes that the greenest building is the one that is already there. This year, our buildings illustrate how you can use old buildings, restore old buildings and repurpose old buildings. The craftsmanship of the past is made vibrant through the technologies of the present.

Enjoy a walk through historical Ancaster and see the beautiful town hall — saved from demolition in 1967. Visit the old army barracks that have become an exclusive boutique hotel. Or explore the elementary school that is now a performing arts venue. Plus many more!

The industrial town of Dundas has been transformed into an inviting residential community. The forges and factories of the main street are now restaurants, grocery stores and boutiques. The character of the town remains intact, but the life lived within the town has changed.

Hamilton has many factories and office buildings that have been transformed into craft studios, residential lofts and restaurants. These locations have character, history and that undefinable quality of permanence. We hope that you enjoy the sites as well as the walking tours. We look forward to seeing you.


You can volunteer for Doors Open Hamilton Region by emailing doh2024@gmail.com.

Note: Due to the fluctuating schedules of the buildings, not all buildings are open every day or from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Please carefully check the day and time before you visit.

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Info from the Architectural Conservancy Ontario Hamilton Region Branch

The Architectural Conservancy Ontario Hamilton Region Branch is happy to invite participants to enjoy Doors Open Hamilton Region's tours in 2025 as part of the 24th anniversary celebrations of Doors Open Ontario!

Both guided and self-guided walking tours will be available. This year, we are focusing on Ancaster, Dundas and downtown Hamilton. Adaptive reuse is the answer to both fading historical buildings and businesses looking for new locations, or people looking for new homes. Many schools, factories and commercial buildings have been repurposed to provide elegant lofts and condos. Our Downtown Hamilton and Dundas walking tours will provide information on these. But, out of respect for the residents, we are not including the lofts or condos in the site line up. We thank the City of Hamilton for its ongoing support of Doors Open Hamilton Region.


Maps of the tours will be available in paper format as well as online.

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Contact information

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