Reverend James Peter Scanlon formed an Anglican congregation in the late 1950s. This congregation purchased land for a new church that was officially opened on May 1, 1959. After being partnered to various Anglican parishes, St. Peter’s became its own parish on July 1, 1979. Learn more about this church and its history during Doors Open Loyalist Township.

Built in 1955, this church is recognized as Canada’s first mid-century modern sacred structure. Constructed by Estonian refugees forced to leave Europe during the Second World War, the church maintains their social, linguistic and cultural ties. The 1972 addition and alterations were based on the original design. During Doors Open, enjoy organ concerts accompanied by a male choir.

Newly renovated in an innovative and ambitious adaptive reuse project to share space with Indwell’s Magnolia Apartments, St. Peter’s boldly holds space for faith, community, justice and the arts. Their grand architecture, upgraded Hallman pipe organ, beautiful courtyard and multi-use spaces provide an inspiring, completely modernized, accessible and climate-controlled setting. (Indwell’s Magnolia Apartments is also part of Doors Open; see both.)

In 1970, a fire consumed the church of St. Raphael’s, one of the earliest Roman Catholic churches in English-speaking Canada. Fortunately, the outer walls were spared and today its impressive scale and fine masonry work continue to attract tourists to the site. The ruins were declared a National Historic Site in 1999.

The Parish of St. Thomas was established in Belleville in 1818 when the first church was consecrated by Charles Stewart, the second Lord Bishop of Quebec. The first St. Thomas' Church was a brick structure completed in the 1820s. It is now a traditional Norman-style church, joined to a modern, glass-enveloped Parish Centre. The church is beautifully illuminated by skylights.

Established in 1874, St. Thomas's Anglican Church was one of Canada’s earliest Anglo-Catholic parishes, known for its liturgical and musical traditions. The congregation moved into the present building in 1893. Architectural highlights include the hammerbeam roof, the stunning reredos with its hand-carved statues, the octagonal First World War baptistery and the magnificent stained-glass windows by England’s Bromsgrove Guild.

St. Thomas’ Anglican Church has been a St. Catharines landmark since 1879. Designed by noted Buffalo architect, Milton Earle Beebe, this Richardson Romanesque church is notable for its magnificent turrets and elaborate stained-glass windows. The church is also known for its long-standing daycare centre and Annual Civic Carol Concert, which showcases the wonderful acoustics under its expansive domed roof.

This unique marketplace has taken unused land in the heart of downtown Toronto and transformed it into a culture and community hub, providing Torontonians with a new space to gather and discover — supporting liveability and vibrancy. Made entirely out of shipping containers, stackt is a sustainable, modular space that is easily erected and dismantled with minimal intervention on the land.

A congregation has worshipped on this site since 1791, with the current 1870 building erected on existing foundation. During the War of 1812, the church was used a military barracks and hospital. The cemetery is recognized as a United Empire Loyalist burial site. Members will be on site to answer questions. A historical display, pamphlet and light refreshments will be offered. 

Learn about this brewery in the historical John Street Roundhouse. During regular 30-minute tours, guides will share the railway history and unique features of this building, followed by its current use as a brewery. The Roundhouse is one of the best examples of preserved railway roundhouses; it has been skilfully restored. Walk on the catwalk and view the turntable outside. (Photo: Neil Zeller)

This mental health charity turns an outdated candy factory into a modern, welcoming facility for teens and young adults to access mental health services. Understanding how the built environment influences health and well-being, the architect’s young design team worked directly with participants, counsellors and staff. Explore this site and see what architectural elements have been retained from the original structure. (Photo: Stantec)

A restored local landmark, Unionville’s Stiver Mill now serves as a rental space. Originally built as a grain elevator, the western portion of the structure is one of the last of its kind in the region. A feed mill was added to the east end in the 1930s.
Note: The building opens at 11 a.m. Be sure to check out the historic photo display.

Stock & Crown is a local coffee shop and roastery offering coffee education. Learn about roasting, brewing and tasting and take part in tours. Tours are offered from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Enjoy a freshly roasted sample and enjoy coffee, tea and treats for sale in the café.

Opened in 2009, Stouffville Creek Retirement Residence provides seniors with independent, supportive and assisted living lifestyles. Participate in guided tours, speak with residents, staff, and volunteers, enjoy snacks and refreshments and take part in activities and entertainment. Don't miss the farm animals (goats, bunnies, sheep, alpacas, a mini horse and donkey), on-Site from 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM. 

Stratford City Hall, built in 1899, is a National Historic Site in the heart of downtown. This red-brick Victorian landmark, with its iconic clock tower, ornate detailing and auditorium, showcases the city’s rich history. Doors Open visitors can explore the auditorium and council chambers, and discover the stories behind the building’s past and its role in the community.

This museum comprises a buff brick house and extension, woodlots and trails. The home was built for early settler Thomas Holliday, who raised 10 children here with his wife, Mary. The property was sold in 1946 to Wesley Thurston, who developed an equine operation. The museum's collection of 35,000-plus artifacts now sits on the footprint of the Thurston horse barn.

The Stratford Public Library, built in 1903 with a $15,000 Andrew Carnegie donation, opened quietly after heated debate over accepting Carnegie’s funds. Originally featuring a grand north entrance and lower-floor custodian quarters, the library expanded in 1925-26, moving the entrance east. Today, its historical architecture reflects a century of evolving library service, from restricted stacks to vibrant community spaces.

Take a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the Collections Room and Conservation Labs at the Stratford-Perth Archives. Inspired by the architecture of the Perth County Courthouse and Registry Office, this 2015 building was purpose-built to preserve photographs, maps and other documents illuminating rich local history. If you can only make a quick visit, check out the Treasures Old and New exhibit.

Visit Toronto’s first emergency women's shelter and discover a rare intersection of architecture, social history and women's advocacy. This heritage home was purchased/donated by Street Haven's founder and has served women in crisis for 60-plus years. Much of the original architecture remains intact, allowing visitors to experience the building as it once was and as it continues to function today.

This is Street Health’s 40th anniversary of providing services for individuals who are homeless or lacking secure housing. During Doors Open, visit the renovated coach house, which serves as an overdose prevention site, providing a community space to promote harm reduction and help prevent overdose deaths. Come interact with staff and gain insight into their health-care and advocacy services.

Visitors are invited to explore this architectural and spiritual treasure, built in the 1940s by a devoted Ukrainian community. Designed by priest-architect Philip Ruh, the church blends Ukrainian Greek Catholic tradition with rich ornamental design. Inside, icons by Igor Suhacev add colour and meaning. Designated a heritage site in 1997, it stands as a testament to faith and cultural identity.

Suntech is a commercial greenhouse that supplies Ottawa's grocery stores with tomatoes and cucumbers. They use hydroponics to reduce water consumption and give exact nutrients to the plants in conjunction with LED lights in certain crops. They also focus on providing the highest quality vegetables to local markets, meaning that their carbon footprint is reduced. Don’t miss the tasting tables!

A tour of this site by one of the guide-interpreters is a unique way to learn about the building, its massive scale and commanding entrance hall. Architect Ernest Cormier’s art deco design enhances the natural beauty of the exquisite woods and marble interior. For Doors Open, only the Grand Entrance Hall, the judges’ gallery and the courtroom will be open.

The former Sydenham Community School, built in 1967, was an elementary school until 2017. In 2018, Grey County purchased the 4,200-square-metre (45,000-square-foot) building and turned it into a regional hub now called Sydenham Campus. The partners and tenants form a collection of trainers and businesses that support workers, entrepreneurs and local organizations by providing access to education and training.

Once a 19th century limestone foundry, Tapestry Hall is now a striking event venue in Cambridge’s Gaslight District. Guests can experience its soaring two-storey hall, restored industrial architecture and Meander, an internationally recognized interactive installation suspended above. Outside, Gaslight Square offers a vibrant pedestrian space with a permanent stage, large screen and public art.