Heritage Issues

Like many cities, Peterborough has suffered the loss of outstanding examples of our built heritage. After the Second World War, an economic boom and wave of modernism nearly destroyed 150 years of unique heritage, and many of the surviving buildings were "renovated" almost beyond recognition.

PACAC's formation in the 1970s helped bring much-needed attention to the loss of these beautiful buildings. But the work goes on. In recent years, we have again seen segments of the community pitted against each other when heritage buildings are at stake. The loss of King Edward School to make way for the parking lot of the new YMCA is only one example of the issues that can arise. Out of controversy, however, comes some good.

Although King Edward School is gone, the Peterborough chapter of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario is a direct result of the activism that arose during the debate, and the community has come together to support the proposed new uses for the original YMCA building, a designated property.