HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 07-26Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: CS 07-26
Date: March 2, 2026
From:Laura Gibbs
Director, Community Services
Subject:
Northern Community Halls Update
File: A-1440-001
Recommendation:
1. That Report CS 07-26 regarding the Northern Community Halls Update be received for
information.
1.0 Executive Summary:
The purpose of this report is to provide an update for northern community halls, including
Green River Community Centre, Greenwood Library, and Mount Zion Community Centre, that
were reviewed as part of the Facilities Renewal Study and the Recreation & Parks Ten Year
Plan. At the Council meeting of May 26, 2025 (Resolution #733/25), Council provided four
directives that have since been advanced by staff:
A. Staff were directed to investigate the option to sell Green River Community Centre, with
Infrastructure Ontario (IO) being offered the first right of refusal to purchase for $2.00 as
per the original sales agreement, and report back to Council with recommendations in
Q1, 2026.
Staff presented the option to sell the Green River Community Centre to IO in September
2025, and IO expressed interest in the property but asked for additional time to consider
the opportunity. On January 29, 2026, IO requested 120 days to complete a due
diligence review of the property, and the City granted IO permission to enter. Staff also
completed a Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report of the property and a market valuation.
Further action on this property depends on the outcome of IO’s due diligence review.
The 120-day period expires on May 29, 2026, and an update on this property will be
returned to Council after the expiration date.
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B. Staff were directed to investigate options to sell the former Greenwood Library back to
the Durham District School Board (DDSB) or lease the facility at a market rate and
report back to Council with recommendations in Q1, 2026.
Staff met with DDSB regarding the Greenwood Library, and recent discussions
identified additional specific constraints on the original conditions included in the deed of
sale that was executed in February 1980. The original deed of sale specified that the
building could be used only as a municipal library for 50 years after the purchase. This
condition expires on March 21, 2030. Continued discussions with DDSB are
recommended in future years.
C. Staff were directed to renew the management agreement for the Mount Zion
Community Centre with the Mount Zion Community Centre Association for a two year
term from July 1 2025 to June 30 2027 returning said agreement to Council in Q2, 2025
for endorsement; and to investigate options to reduce the net capital cost of Mount Zion
Community Centre and report back to Council with recommendations in Q1, 2026.
Council approved the renewal of the management agreement with the Mount Zion
Community Centre Association at the June 23, 2025 Council meeting. Staff have also
completed a market valuation of the property. An update with recommendations on this
property will be returned to Council in Q2, 2026.
D. City Development staff were directed to evaluate the Mount Zion Community Centre
(School Section #13 Schoolhouse) and Green River Community Centre (Green River
Baptist Church) under Regulation 9/06 of the Ontario Heritage Act to determine whether
the properties merit designation under Part IV of the Act, and report back to Council with
recommendations in Q4, 2025.
Staff retained Heritage Studio Inc., a qualified heritage consultant, to complete Cultural
Heritage Evaluation Reports for both the Mount Zion Community Centre and the Green
River Community Centre and found that they met two or more criteria for designation
under Section 29(1) of the Ontario Heritage Act, and are considered to be a significant
built heritage resource under the definition provided in the 2024 Provincial Planning
Statement.
2.0 Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan:
The recommendations in this report respond to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of:
Advocate for an Inclusive, Welcoming, Safe & Healthy Community; and, Strengthen Existing &
Build New Partnerships.
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3.0 Financial Implications:
There are no direct financial implications arising from the recommendations of this report.
4.0 Discussion:
The purpose of this report is to provide recommendations for northern community halls,
including Green River Community Centre, Greenwood Library and Mount Zion Community
Centre that were reviewed as part of the Facilities Renewal Study and the Recreation & Parks
Ten Year Plan.
Following the Council meeting on May 26, 2025, and the directions received from Resolution
#733/25, the following actions have been undertaken by staff:
4.1 Investigate the Option to sell Green River Community Centre to Infrastructure
Ontario
On September 25, 2025, staff provided a letter to Infrastructure Ontario (IO) to inform them of
Council’s direction to staff to investigate options to sell the Green River Community Centre and
property back to IO, as required by the original deed of sale. IO responded and requested
more time to review the matter. On January 7, 2026, staff sent a letter to IO requesting a status
update. On January 29, 2026, IO requested 120 days to complete a due diligence review of
the property, and the City granted IO permission to enter the property. IO informed staff that
they would like to complete a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment of the property and fulfill
their duty to consult with First Nations. The 120-day period expires on May 29, 2026.
In addition, it is important to note that, since IO is a provincial entity, and any municipal
heritage designation of the Green River Community Centre, under Section 29 of Part IV of the
Ontario Heritage Act, will have no legal effect after the sale is complete. Therefore,
recommendations on the heritage designation of the property will be considered pending the
outcome of IO’s due diligence review of the property.
Following the 120-day period that has been granted to IO to complete a due diligence review
of the property, expiring on May 29, 2026, an update on the Green River Community Centre
property will be returned to Council.
4.2 Investigate the option to sell the Greenwood Library to the Durham District
Schoolboard
On September 25, 2025, staff provided a letter to the Durham District School Board (DDSB)
informing them of Council’s direction to investigate options to sell the Greenwood Library, a
designated heritage building under the Ontario Heritage Act, back to the DDSB. Staff held
several meetings with a DDSB representative between September 2025 and February 2026.
On February 3, 2026, staff met with Lygia Dallip, Manager of Property and Planning for DDSB.
Ms. Dallip confirmed that the DDSB would be interested in purchasing only the property owned
by the City, but not the heritage building.
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Ms. Dallip advised that Valley View Public School serves residents of Greenwood and North
Seaton. Due to growth in the Seaton community, DDSB anticipates enrollment pressures of up
to 550% of the current student population. Valley View Public School currently has 365
students, according to the DDSB website, and several portables are in use.
Based on staff’s discussions with DDSB, the following key concerns were identified regarding
the purchase of the property with the heritage building:
a. Given the current operations of Valley View Public School, DDSB has no functional
need or use for the heritage building. The potential to use the heritage building as a
childcare centre was also discussed. DDSB advised that, due to the number of staff
required to meet standard adult-to-child ratios and the building footprint required to
provide childcare services, the heritage building is not suitable for that purpose.
b. DDSB is prioritizing the construction of new schools in growth areas, including opening
another school in Seaton, rather than investing in or acquiring properties with existing
structures requiring significant capital investment and maintenance. They further
advised that additional costs associated with heritage building repairs are not accounted
for in provincial funding models upon which DDSB’s budgets rely.
c. Existing parking at Valley View Public School is already significantly constrained. DDSB
is concerned that introducing additional operational use of the site would further
exacerbate parking needs that are already over capacity.
Through discussions with the DDSB, the following additional constraints affecting the property
were confirmed:
d. The City and DDSB have joint use of the water well located at 3530 Westney Road. An
agreement dated October 23, 2002 (effective October 1, 2002), confirms that the DDSB
would undertake modifications to the water extraction system to enable the well to serve
both the Greenwood Library building and Valley View Public School. The agreement
also confirms that DDSB would assume responsibility for testing the well water as
required.
e. The City and the DDSB entered into a licence agreement on December 15, 1980,
granting the City non-exclusive use of the DDSB lands for the purpose of parking for
staff and patrons of the Greenwood Library. The licence agreement permits the City to
use Valley View Public School parking lot after 5:00 pm on days when the school is
open for student attendance, and at any time on other days.
f. The deed of sale, dated February 27, 1980, includes a condition that the property may
only be used for the operation of a municipal public library, for a period of 50 years. This
condition expires on March 21, 2030.
Based on the recent discussions with DDSB, it is clear that the deed of sale does not allow for
any operational use of the Greenwood Library other than as a municipal library. The
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Greenwood Library closed in December 2015 due to low usage. In addition, the new
Greenwood Heritage Branch library, located less than one kilometre away, will open to the
public this spring with consistent daily operating hours.
Constraints associated with the heritage building, including its deteriorating condition and
restricted footprint, were outlined in Report to Council CS 07-25 (Attachment 1). The potential
use of the building as a community centre or leased space is significantly hampered by the
current non-exclusive licence agreement that restricts the City’s ability to use the parking lot
during Valley View Public School operating hours, the conditions of a shared space with the
DDSB, limitations on operational use, and the lack of a viable alternative operational use.
Given DDSB’s limited interest and the constraints described above affecting any other
potential third-party sale or alternative use, no further action is recommended for the
Greenwood Library at this time. Continued discussions with DDSB are recommended in future
years.
4.3 Renew the management agreement at Mount Zion Community Centre and
investigate options to reduce the net capital cost
The management agreement with the Mount Zion Community Centre Association was
renewed by Resolution #764/25 for a two-year term, from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027.
Staff completed a valuation of this property, which included the resale value of the land without
the heritage building, the value of the property with the building, and the current estimated
market lease rate. An update on the market valuations and recommendations for this property
will be returned to Council in Q2, 2026.
4.4 Evaluate the Mount Zion Community Centre and the Green River Community
Centre to determine if the properties merit designation under the Ontario Heritage
Act
Currently, neither the Mount Zion Community Centre, nor the Green River Community Centre,
are designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Additionally, neither are included in
the City of Pickering’s Municipal Heritage Register under Section 27 of the Act. Therefore,
without any heritage protection in place, both properties could be demolished through a
standard demolition permit.
To implement Council’s direction, staff retained Heritage Studio Inc., a qualified heritage
consultant, to complete a Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report (CHER), one for each property.
The CHERs focused specifically on assessing each property’s potential cultural heritage value
as defined in Ontario Regulation 9/06. These criteria are utilized by municipalities to determine
whether a property merits designation under Part IV of the Act. The CHERs did not consider
operational viability, capital costs, or future service delivery models.
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a. Mount Zion Community Centre (4230 Sideline 6)
The CHER confirmed that the Mount Zion Community Centre (c.1876), originally known as
School Section No. 13, does contain significant potential cultural heritage value, and meets
five of the nine criteria under Ontario Regulation 9/06.
The building stands as a representative example of a mid-to-late nineteenth‑century one‑room
rural schoolhouse that closely aligns with the standardized educational architecture promoted
through Egerton Ryerson’s reforms and published patterns such as the “Cheap Country
School House” in the Canada Farmer of 1866. Despite being physically altered by the addition
of a small front extension, staff confirmed from the consultant that the addition did not
physically impact the original construction of the building. Overall, the building retains key
heritage features, including its original massing, red brick exterior cladding with buff brick
quoining, wooden arched windows, stone sills, and bell tower.
The property has associative value for its direct connection to the development of public
education in Ontario in the mid-19th century. Its construction closely aligns with significant
legislative milestones, including the Common School Acts and the 1871 School Act, which
introduced free and compulsory education. The schoolhouse is directly associated with this
period of educational expansion and standardization of teaching programs in rural Ontario and
stands as a tangible symbol of Pickering’s early commitment to the new public school system.
In addition, the building physically reflects the influence of Egerton Ryerson, whose
educational philosophy and standardized schoolhouse plans shaped the form and function of
rural schools across the province.
Contextually, the property has contributed to the rural character of the Mount Zion area, for
more than 150 years, first as a school and later as a community centre. Even with modern
interventions, it continues to read clearly as a nineteenth‑century rural schoolhouse and serves
as a familiar and enduring element of the local landscape.
Together, these attributes indicate that the Mount Zion Community Centre is a potentially
significant built heritage resource that merits designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage
Act. Based on the foregoing, staff will consult with the Pickering Heritage Advisory Committee
and prepare a subsequent report to Council recommending the designation of the Mount Zion
Community Centre property under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.
b. Green River Community Centre (190 Highway 7)
The CHER found that the Green River Community Centre (c.1848), originally known as the
Brunswick Hill Baptist Church, meets five of the nine criteria under Ontario Regulation 9/06.
Physically, the building’s material and physical evolution is its most unique and endearing
feature. Constructed as a wood-clad church in 1848, it has been relocated three times and
altered over its lifetime. In 1888, the church was disassembled and relocated 1.7 kilometres
CS 07-26 March 2, 2026
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from its original location, adjacent to the Brunswick Hill Cemetery, to the more economically
prosperous hamlet of Green River. The frame structure was reassembled, an elaborate tin
ceiling was installed in the sanctuary, and the sanctuary was completed in buff beige brick. In
1951, as part of the widening of Highway 7, the structure was moved again, further back on its
current lot and reclad with red rug brick veneer. Overall, the building retains its original form,
massing, and simplistic character that is representative of Baptist meeting houses, which
renounced elaborate ornamentation, that was popular in 19th-century church architecture.
Historically, the building is directly associated with early Baptist settlers from New Brunswick
and England who first established the congregation in 1821 and held services at local houses
before construction of the current structure began in 1848. As such, the church had a
significant and long-association with the early social fabric of the area. Its relocation away from
Brunswick Hill to the flourishing community of Green River is associated with the rapid
demographic and economic changes of this era. Finally, the church’s eventual closure in 1979
is directly linked to the expropriation of the lands and the proposed potential construction of the
Pickering Airport. These historical events together provide the Green River Community Centre
with a uniquely local associative historical narrative.
Contextually, the former church contributes to the historic character of the Hamlet of Green
River. Its location at the eastern edge of the community and its adjacency to Duffins Creek
provide both a physical entry point and a rural pastoral setting for the simple church structure.
Its one‑storey gable‑front form, tall segmental‑arched windows, and prominent orientation
toward Highway 7 helps to reinforce the nineteenth‑century rural village identity that remains
evident along this corridor. Its longstanding presence in Green River since 1888 has made it a
recognizable local landmark along Highway 7. These characteristics support the property’s
potential significance and its eligibility for heritage protection under the Ontario Heritage Act.
It is important to note that, since IO is a provincial entity, any municipally based heritage
protection, whether through Section 27 of Part IV designation, will have no legal effect after the
sale is complete.
IO may consider properties for provincial historical significance under Ontario Regulation 10/06
of the Ontario Heritage Act. This designation is generally reserved for properties that have
previously been listed or designated by a municipality. To qualify, a property must meet the
criteria for provincial significance as set out in the Regulation in order to receive Provincial
Heritage Property status.
It is staff’s opinion that while the former Green River Baptist Church has municipal cultural
heritage value, it would not likely meet the threshold for Provincial Heritage Property status
under Regulation 10/06. Accordingly, if the property is sold to IO and not designated as a
Provincial Heritage Property, it could be eligible for demolition.
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Conclusion & Next Steps
Staff have advanced Council’s directions related to the northern community halls following the
Facilities Renewal Study and the Recreation & Parks Ten Year Plan. Progress has been made
on each of the three facilities through market valuations, stakeholder discussions, and
completion of Cultural Heritage Evaluation Reports to assess potential heritage value under
the Ontario Heritage Act.
With respect to the Green River Community Centre, staff are awaiting the outcome of IO’s due
diligence review, which will inform next steps regarding the future of the property and the
potential for municipal heritage designation. For the Greenwood Library, discussions with the
Durham District School Board have confirmed significant constraints that limit the feasibility of
sale or alternative use at this time. The Mount Zion Community Centre continues to operate
under a renewed management agreement, and further analysis has been completed to inform
future Council consideration.
Next Steps include:
•Awaiting Infrastructure Ontario’s decision regarding the potential purchase of the Green
River Community Centre and reporting back to Council following the completion of the
due diligence period;
•Continuing to monitor the Greenwood Library property and reassessing future options
as conditions change, including ongoing dialogue with the Durham District School
Board;
•Consulting with the Pickering Heritage Advisory Committee regarding the designation of
the Mount Zion Community Centre under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act and
returning to Council in Q2 2026 with an update on the Mount Zion Community Centre,
including market valuation information and recommendations related to heritage
designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.
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Attachments:
1. Report CS 07-25
2. Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report Summary
3. Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report, Green River Community Centre
4. Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report, Mount Zion Community Centre
Prepared By: Matthew Somerville, CAHP, MCIP, RPP, Senior Planner, Heritage
Prepared By: Nilesh Surti, MCIP, RPP, Division Head, Development Review & Urban Design
Prepared By: Vince Plouffe, OAA, MRAIC, Division Head, Facilities Management &
Construction
Prepared By: Cam Murkar, BA, B.Ed., L.L.B., Associate Solicitor
Approved/Endorsed By: Laura Gibbs, MBA, MSc., Director, Community Services
Approved/Endorsed By: Kyle Bentley, P. Eng., Director, City Development & CBO
LG:snc
Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council By:
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: CS 07-25 Date: May 5, 2025
From: Laura Gibbs Director, Community Services
Subject: Northern Community Halls Recommendations for Facility Renewal File: A-1440-001
Recommendation:
1.That staff be directed to investigate the option to sell Green River Community Centre,with Infrastructure Ontario being offered the first right of refusal to purchase for $2.00 asper the original sales agreement (Attachment 1), and report back to Council with
recommendations in Q1, 2026;
2.That staff be directed to investigate options to sell the former Greenwood Library back to
the Durham District School Board; or lease the facility at a market rate and report back toCouncil with recommendations in Q1, 2026;
3.That staff be directed to renew the management agreement for the Mount Zion
Community Centre with the Mount Zion Community Centre Association for a two yearterm from July 1 2025 to June 30 2026 returning said agreement to Council in Q2, 2025for endorsement; and to investigate options to reduce the net capital cost of Mount ZionCommunity Centre and report back to Council with recommendations in Q1, 2026;
4.That staff be directed to renew the management agreement for the Whitevale CommunityCentre and the Whitevale Arts and Culture Centre with the Whitevale and District
Residents’ Association for a five-year term from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2030 returningsaid agreement to Council in Q2, 2025 for endorsement;
5. That City Heritage staff evaluate the Mount Zion Community Centre (School Section #13Schoolhouse) and Green River Community Centre (Green River Baptist Church) underRegulation 9/06 of the Ontario Heritage Act to determine whether the properties meritdesignation under Part IV of the Act, and report back to Council with recommendations in
Q4, 2025; and,
6.That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessaryactions as indicated in the report.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to provide recommendations for northern community halls, including Green River Community Centre, Greenwood Library,
Mount Zion Community Centre and Whitevale Community Centre, that were reviewed as part
of the Facilities Renewal Study and the Recreation & Parks Ten Year Plan. These types of
Attachment 1 to Report CS 07-26
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Subject: Northern Community Halls Page 2
community spaces are commonly referred to as “community halls” because they consist of a large room or building with basic amenities, run by community groups, and used primarily for
community rentals and events.
While Brougham Hall is also considered a northern community hall, that facility is owned by the
Federal Government and leased to the City. The City of Pickering entered into a lease agreement with Transport Canada approximately 30 years ago that has been renewed several times. The current lease agreement has expired, and the City of Pickering now leases the building on a month-to-month basis. The City and Federal Government have been meeting to
review the building condition and the terms for renewal of the lease agreement. Staff aim to report to Council with recommendations regarding the lease of Brougham Hall by Q4, 2025.
The City of Pickering is facing the acute and combined challenges of funding for new growth
while also maintaining aging existing infrastructure. Many of the City’s northern community
halls are repurposed buildings that were originally constructed as one room schoolhouses or
similar use institutional buildings. Many of these facilities are at the end of their serviceable lives and now require significant capital investment to remain operational, including structural repairs, roof replacements, building envelope repairs, electrical, HVAC, and accessibility
upgrades to meet and maintain standards for safe and accessible community spaces.
PSD Citywide Inc. prepared the City’s Asset Management Plan in 2020 and were retained in the fall of 2023 to review and analyze key factors affecting facilities assets. Their task and objective was to recommend a fact-based methodology by which future investment in existing
facilities should be prioritized. On January 22, 2024, Council endorsed the Facility Renewal Study (Report OPS 02-24, Resolution #389/24), also prepared by PSD Citywide Inc., that
identified key factors affecting city assets and how to establish priorities. Facility condition index (FCI) provides a valuable metric when evaluating the state and long-term viability of
investment in City facilities including the northern community halls.
FCI is an industry standard representing the total deferred maintenance cost of a building, typically over the next five years divided by the building’s estimated replacement cost, assuming only like-for-like replacement. This means enhancements like upgraded electrical,
lighting, WIFI or modernization repairs are not included in the costing. The northern community halls scored poorly, overall, indicating that significant repairs are required to meet the minimum standards for safe and accessible community spaces. City facility assets with an FCI above
0.40, or 40%, are considered to be in poor condition and suitable for surplus or disposal.
On September 3, 2024, Council endorsed the Recreation & Parks – Ten Year Plan (Report CS
22-24, Resolution #575/24). The plan identified that historic facilities that have been used as community halls are not fully accessible, often located in remote locations, cannot accommodate a wide range of recreational activities, and are not conducive to multi-use
community programming. Their potential is primarily serving as venues for occasional rentals, meetings, or small-scale community events. These legacy facilities are located in rural areas, serving smaller local markets. Although these facilities are typically inexpensive to operate as they rely on volunteer groups or third-party operators, capital renewal will be costly due to their
age and condition.
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Subject: Northern Community Halls Page 3
Increasingly, these facilities present financial challenges and require investment in the order of $2.5 million over the next five years if they are to remain in the City’s asset inventory. The
Green River Community Centre has been used exclusively as storage for the past ten years and Greenwood Library has been used as storage for the past nine years, with no public use.
The Recreation & Parks Ten Year Plan recommends consideration for the closure of underused community halls, particularly where their functions can be accommodated within other nearby facilities that are in better condition.
Construction of the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre (PHCC) began in 2024 and is
expected to be complete by the end of 2025. The PHCC will provide a range of culture and recreation programs, library services, and rental spaces for the community in a fully accessible, staffed facility with regular operating hours. The PHCC has been designed as an
energy efficient, net-zero-carbon facility. Upon the completion of the PHCC, residents living in
central Pickering will have improved access to a nearby location for recreation, culture and
library services.
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond
to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priorities of Champion Economic Leadership and Innovation; Advocate for an Inclusive, Welcoming, Safe & Healthy Community; Advance Innovation &
Responsible Planning to Support a Connected, Well-Serviced Community; and, Strengthen Existing & Build New Partnerships.
Financial Implications: FCI is a measure of deferred maintenance required divided by the
replacement value of the asset and is tracked to benchmark the general condition of City assets. Based on the FCI ratings of the existing inventory, significant investment will be required for Mount Zion Community Centre, Whitevale Community Centre, Green River, and
Greenwood Library. Where FCIs are particularly high and usage is low, consolidating services into new facilities enables the option to dispose of older assets in poor condition, using savings generated by eliminated deferred maintenance to offset capital costs for new construction.
Based on FCI alone, which only examines like-for-like replacement of existing assets over a
five-year forecast, these six facilities will require an investment of $2,514,845 million to address their projected and deferred capital needs. Any upgrades beyond existing materials
and design would incur additional costs. As a comparison, the full replacement cost of these facilities is $4,328,719, which demonstrates that most of these facilities are in poor condition.
Facility Replacement Cost FCI Deferred Maintenance
City’s Operating Cost Greenwood Library $1,133,071 0.39 $441,897 $5,700 Mount Zion Community Centre $1,049,113 0.65 $681,923 $17,250
Green River Community Centre $987,765 0.63 $622,292 $5,300
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Subject: Northern Community Halls Page 4
Whitevale Arts & Culture Centre $283,890 0.15 $42,583 $12,800
Whitevale Community Centre $874,880 0.83 $726,150 $16,800
Total Costs $4,328,719 $2,514,845 $57,850 Note: Replacement costs and FCI scores noted in the table above are as of January 1, 2025.
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to provide a recommendation for the northern community hall facilities, in accordance with the Facilities Renewal Study and the Recreation & Parks Ten Year Plan.
A. Greenwood Library Background and Historic Use:
Located at 3540 Westney Road the Greenwood Library is historically known as the School Section (S.S.) #10 Greenwood Schoolhouse (c.1860). The building remained in use as a
school up until the late 1970s when it was purchased by the City.
In 1980, the interior was refurbished to provide space for the Pickering Public Library. At the time, air conditioning was added and some improvements to the septic system were made. The 1980 restorations were sympathetic to the building, allowing for its modernization while preserving its historic appearance. In 1995, the west foundation wall
was repaired at approximately $25,000. A new well was drilled in 2001 at a cost of $15,000. In January 2008, a leak was found in the basement wall which led to the basement flooding and a malfunctioning furnace. Repairs were made in 2008 for approximately $50,000.
Heritage Significance:
The Greenwood Library (S.S. #10 Greenwood Schoolhouse) is designated under the
Ontario Heritage Act (By-law No. 6984/09). The By-law identifies the property as containing architectural, associative and contextual heritage value under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Architecturally, the structure is a rare, well-preserved example of a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse that features red pressed brick sourced from a local brickyard, fine classical design proportions, and original wood windows with delicate muntin bars. The building is historically associated with the development of the education system in Pickering as well as
the school of notable public figures, including former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker who attended the school while his father was the schoolteacher. Lastly, the building contains
contextual value as a highly visible landmark within Greenwood, due to its location just south of the four corners of the hamlet.
Facility Use: As outlined in Report CAO 05-08, the Pickering Public Library operated a service branch from the Greenwood Library from June 1980 until December 2015. The building is owned by the City of Pickering.
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Subject: Northern Community Halls Page 5
From 1997 onwards, the Greenwood library experienced consistently declining usage with 6,997 visitors in 2000, reduced to 3,362 by 2007. In late 2015, the Pickering Public Library
Board voted to close the service branch due to further declining use and escalating maintenance and capital costs. The facility has been used for library storage since its
closure in 2015 and has had no public use during that time. Library services will be offered in the new Pickering Heritage & Community Centre (slated to open in spring 2026) in a purpose-built space that will house the Library’s Local History Collection, provide users access to library services and provide dedicated storage for library collections.
The facility shares a well with the Valley View Public School. Furthermore, the facility has limited parking, and parking constraints during school drop-off and pick-up times due to
high volume of bus use and student pick-up. The facility is located within one kilometer of
the PHCC which will provide a high level of community programming to residents of the
Greenwood community, making the Greenwood Library a redundant space for recreational programming. To offset a portion of the deferred maintenance and ongoing operating costs for this facility, a market-rate lease may be a viable option for a service provider that could
potentially serve the school community. Facility Condition: The Greenwood Library had an FCI score of 39 percent, as of January 1, 2025, reduced
from the 58 percent shown in the Facilities Renewal Study due to masonry repairs completed in 2024. It still has significant capital costs identified in the next five to ten years.
The building has low utilization and low adaptability. It ranks among the ten highest FCI scores among City facilities, higher scores demonstrating worse conditions.
Recommendation: The City purchased the facility from the schoolboard in 1980. Due to the close proximity to the Valley View School, the Durham District School Board may be interested in purchasing
the building back from the City for its own use. Staff will also investigate options to reduce the capital cost of Greenwood Library by leasing the facility at a market rate. This includes a request for expressions of interest to determine if there is demand for this facility. Staff
will report back to Council with recommendations in Q1, 2026.
B. Mount Zion Community Centre
Background and Historic Use: Located at 4230 Sideline 6, School Section (S.S.) #13 Schoolhouse was built in 1875 as
and used as a one-room schoolhouse until its closure in 1965. Bylaw 8835 established Mount Zion as a Community Hall in 1967. The facility was originally managed by a Board that was appointed by Council.
Potential Heritage Significance: Currently, the property is neither listed in the City of Pickering Heritage Registry nor designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. The Mount Zion Community Centre (S.S. #13 Schoolhouse) is a late 19th-century rural schoolhouse built in red brick and
detailed with buff brick around the window and door, arches and corner quoining. The design shares many stylistic similarities with the Greenwood Schoolhouse and lends to the
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Subject: Northern Community Halls Page 6
narrative relating to the development of rural education and a unique educational architecture that was influenced by Egerton Ryerson’s school reforms. At some point in the
20th century a one storey addition was added to the front elevation of the building. While the addition materially matches the original building, it generally detracts from the building’s
visual design integrity. The impact of the addition to the original fabric of the building has not been fully established at this point and would require further investigation. The preliminary heritage review suggests that there may be potential architectural,
associative and contextual heritage value associated with the property. However, a Cultural Heritage Evaluation would be necessary to determine whether the property meets the criteria as defined under Regulation 9/06 of the Ontario Heritage Act for cultural heritage
designation.
Facility Use: In 2015, the City of Pickering entered into a five-year written lease agreement with the Mount Zion Community Centre Association (The Association) (Resolution #56/15). The
lease was renewed for the term from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2025 (Resolution #350/20). Under this agreement, the Association is responsible for coordinating facility rentals, maintaining regular operating hours, organizing community programs and events, and performing facility cleaning and maintenance at Mount Zion Community Centre. The
Association retains all revenue from their management of the facility. The Association maintains a webpage that is listed under the Mount Zion United Church site with contact
information. The Association does not maintain regular operating hours, organize regular community programming or events at the facility as community events in this
neighbourhood are typically organized by the Mount Zion United Church.
Year Annual Number of Permits/Uses
Revenue Earned Annual Expenses Cash balance, end of year
2021 0 $0.00 $9.00 $1,145.66
2022 27 $3,350.00 $514.50 $3,981.16
2023 24 $3,550.00 $691.20 $6,389.96
2024 52 $5,970.00 $3,066.15 $9,743.81
Mt. Zion Community Centre is located approximately 5.4 kilometers from the PHCC. It is located in a rural area that is only accessible by car.
Facility Condition:
Mount Zion Community Centre had an FCI of 58 percent noted in the Facilities Renewal Study, which has risen to 65 percent as of January 1, 2025. A recently completed structural engineering assessment has also raised concerns about the condition of its floor framing
and load-bearing masonry. Significant repairs are required in order to maintain the facility in operable condition beyond 2026. Mount Zion Community Centre currently has the fourth highest FCI among City facilities.
CS 07-25 May 5, 2025
Subject: Northern Community Halls Page 7
Recommendation: Staff recommend renewing the lease agreement with the Mount Zion Community Centre
Association for two years; and to investigate options to reduce the net capital cost of Mount Zion Community Centre which may include a market-rate lease and report back to Council
with recommendations in Q1, 2026. C. Green River Community Centre
Background and Historic Use:
Located at 190 Highway 7, the Green River Community Centre, was originally known as the Brunswick Hill Baptist Church (c.1848) as it was named after its founders who came from New Brunswick and Scotland. In 1888 the building was moved one mile west where
the congregation grew alongside the busy sawmill-based community of Green River. In
1951 the church again was relocated to its current site as a result of the widening of
Highway 7. In 1979, the church was ultimately closed as a result of the government expropriation for the future Pickering airport. In 1980, a brick and stone monument was erected at Green River Baptist Cemetery (600 Highway 7), commemorating the
congregation and its legacy. The City purchased the facility in 1982 from the Ontario Infrastructure and Land Corporation (OLC) for $2.00 for use as a community hall, and for rental to various community groups.
The original sale of the property (Attachment 1) came with a buy back provision that, “before the Town offers the Land for sale or ceases to use the Land as a Community
Centre, it shall first notify OLC in writing of the proposed sale, or the proposed change in use, and OLC share thereupon have the option of giving notice to the Town in writing within
14 days that OLC will purchase the Land, and in the event that OLC gives such notice, within 90 days after the date thereof, the Town shall sell the Land to OLC at the Total Purchase Price of $2.00 free of encumbrances and shall pay all applicable taxes, interest, public utility and other charges on the Land to the Date of Closing of the sale to OLC”
(Schedule C, 2). Potential Heritage Significance:
Currently, the property is neither listed in the City of Pickering Heritage Registry nor
designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Based on an initial historical review of
the building it does appear to have potential cultural heritage value. However, a Cultural Heritage Evaluation would be necessary to determine whether the property meets the criteria as defined under Regulation 9/06 of the Ontario Heritage Act for cultural heritage
designation. Facility Use: The facility has been used as storage for museum artifacts for the past ten years and has
not had any public use during that time. The PHCC is providing secure, monitored and temperature-controlled storage for artifacts, so this space is no longer required for that use. Green River Community Centre is located in a remote location with limited residential properties nearby. A City park with a playground is located adjacent to the facility. Due to the remote location of this facility, the limited versatility and size of the facility, it is not a suitable facility for the delivery of community services.
CS 07-25 May 5, 2025
Subject: Northern Community Halls Page 8
Facility Condition: Green River Community Centre had an FCI of 63 percent as of January 1, 2025. Having
primarily served as a storage location for over ten years, it would require significant investment to be suitable for public use.
Recommendation: Staff investigate options to sell the property, with OLC offered first right of refusal to purchase for $2.00 and report back to Council by Q1, 2026.
D. Whitevale Community Centre / Whitevale Arts and Culture Centre Background and Historic Use:
The Whitevale Community Centre located at 405 Whitevale Road and the Whitevale Arts
and Culture Centre located at 475 Whitevale Road are two separate facilities located within
the historic village of Whitevale. The facilities are owned by the City of Pickering and managed through a lease with the Whitevale and District Residents’ Association (WDRA).
The Whitevale Community Centre (405 Whitevale Road) is located on a 1.59 hectare community park that contains two heritage structures, the Miller House (c.1825-35) and the Christian House (c.1860). The Miller House is one of the oldest remaining structures in Pickering, built between 1825 and 1835. Both buildings were expropriated by the Province
of Ontario in 1972 as part of the North Pickering Plan. In the 1970s, the buildings fell into disrepair and became the subject of repeated vandalism.
By 1979, the residents of Whitevale advocated for the City of Pickering to assist with the
restoration of both the Miller and Christian Houses and integrate them into a larger community park. The outcome of this civic collaboration is that by 1990 both the Miller and Christian houses were restored and in active community use. Today, the Miiller House is regularly utilized for a broad range of community programming, while the Mary Christian
House is used primarily for storage purposes. The Whitevale Arts & Culture Centre (475 Whitevale Road) is the former Whitevale Library,
which closed in 2012 due to declining circulation and remained vacant until 2014. In 2015,
with support from residents, the facility became the Whitevale Arts & Culture Centre. A
group of volunteers, under the umbrella of the Whitevale and District Residents Association, made a proposal to the City of Pickering in 2015 and received the mandate to repurpose this heritage building and establish its role as a cultural resource for the
community. Identified Heritage Significance: Currently, both 405 and 475 Whitevale Road are designated under Part V of the Ontario
Heritage Act. The two properties include three heritage buildings, all of which are identified in the Whitevale Heritage Conservation District as contributing heritage structures. A summary of the heritage value of the individual structures is provided below:
CS 07-25 May 5, 2025
Subject: Northern Community Halls Page 9
i. Whitevale Community Centre
The Miller House (c.1825-35) is a unique structure within the City, in part due to its unusual construction which employs vertical plank walls, which are pegged to the upper beam and
lower sills. This type of construction is closely associated with the Lower St. Lawrence Valley in Quebec. In the early 1820s, Francophone loggers were active in the area as part of the clearing of the Great Pine Ridge and this house was constructed using wood from the first mill that was constructed in 1820.
The Christian House (c.1860) is a uniquely proportioned small plain frame house. The house consists of a one-and-half storey frame building with a side-gable plan and a rear
one storey kitchen addition. The unique proportions are enhanced by the off -hall entrance
door and single side window. The main structure is clad in vertical board-and-batten while
the rear kitchen is completed in a combination of clapboard and board-and-batten siding. The house is a rare example of a humble 19th century rural house.
ii. Whitevale Arts & Culture Centre The building located at 475 Whitevale Road is a small, modest arts and crafts style building (c.1900) that was originally used as a local bank branch. The design is a front gable plan
which is typical for Whitevale with white shingles used in the upper gables and clapboard siding on the lower elevations. Facility Use:
The WDRA maintains an active website and social media pages, with a published monthly newsletter informing the community of community events, programs, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. The Arts and Culture Centre also hosts small art exhibits that are open to the public. The WDRA organizes and hosts several community events annually
and publishes opportunities for residents to utilize the community facilities. As an example, last month the WRDA organized French Club, Ukulele beginner club, bird walks, an Easter egg hunt in Whitevale Community Park, Earth Day Clean up. The WDRA provides regular,
consistent community programs and events. Many of these events are in addition to the
rental of the facilities listed below.
Year Total Annual
Number of
Uses
Revenue
Earned from
use of facility
Expenses Cash balance,
end of year
2021 11 $750.00 $4,149.21 $23,443.23
2022 21 $3,770.00 $7,299.56 $16,785.85
2023 29 $7,739.00 $9,743.13 $13,909.54 2024 47 $11,316.81 $11,535.95 $13,811.18
Facility Condition: The Whitevale Community Centre buildings are in relatively poor condition with an FCI score of 0.83 and a deferred maintenance cost of $726,150. The Whitevale Arts & Cultural Centre is in good condition with an FCI score of 0.15. The City completed selective
cladding repairs in 2024 on this building. Based on the high degree of programming and
CS 07-25 May 5, 2025
Subject: Northern Community Halls Page 10
community use of these facilities, staff recommend extending the management agreement with the WDRA.
Recommendation:
Due to the regular and consistent community use of the facility, and the WDRA’s continued community services, staff recommend extending the management agreement with the Whitevale and District Residents’ Association for management of the Whitevale Community Centre and the Whitevale Arts and Culture Centre from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2030.
Attachment:
1.Green River: Agreement for Dedication of Community Lands
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Matthew Somerville, CAHP, MCIP, RPP Laura Gibbs, MBA, MSc. Senior Planner, Heritage Director, Community Services
Vince Plouffe, OAA, MRAIC Kyle Bentley, P. Eng. Division Head, Facillities & Construction Director, City Development & CBO Management
LG:snc
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Marisa Carpino, M.A. Chief Administrative Officer
Attachment 1 to Report CS 07-25
AGREEMENT FOR DEDICATION OF COMMUNSTY LANDS
B E T W E E N
ONTARIO LAND CORPORATION
hereinafter called OLC
y r y ti
OF THE FIRST PART
and
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF PICKERING
hereinafter called the TOwn
OF THE SECOND PART
WHEREAS OLC is the registered owner in fee simple of the Land described
in Schedule A hereto and
WHEREAS OLC proposes to dedicate the land to the Town for the purpose
of a Community Centre
NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH THAT
1 DEFINITIONS
The iollowing words and expressions wherever used in this Agree
ment shall have the ollowing meanings
a Acceptance of this Aqreement means execution and delivery by
the Town to OLC
b Agreement means this document as originally signed and
delivered and as amended from time to time
c Date of Acceptance means the date that this Agreement is
executed by OLC and delivered to the Town as indicated in the
signature paqe of this Agreement
d Date of Closing means the 30th day of April 1982 unless
extended as provided for herein
e Land means the land described in Schedule A hereto attached
together with all buildings and structures presently located
thereon
2 CONSIAERATION
In consideration of the premises and of the covenants herein
2
z
3
4
5
CONSIDERATION Cont d
a OLC shall convey on the Date of Closing the Land in fee
simple free of encumbrances to the Town for the sum of
2 00 Two Dollars upon and subject to the terms and con
ditions of this Agreement
b The Town shall from time to time reduce by a total of
0 5392 hectares its requirements for community park dedi
cations relating to the development of future residential
subdivisions of the Land of OLC in the area described in
Schedule B of this Agreement
PAYMENT OF TAXES OTHER CHARGES
The Town shall assume allfrom and after the Date of Closing
ratesproperty taxes charges and assessments now existing
against the Land
TITLE
1 The Town may examine the Title at the Town s own expense and
the Town may not call for production of any Title Deed or
Abstract of Title or to have urnished other copies thereof
other than those in OLC s possession or under its control
2 The Town is allowed thirty 30 days from the Date of Accep
tance of this Agreement by OLC to examine the title and if
within that time the Town furnishes OLC in writing with
any valid objection to the title which OLC is unwilling or
unable to remove and which the Town will not waive this
Agreement will be null and void and neither OLC nor the Town
will be liable for any costs or damages but if no valid
objection to the title is made within the said time the Town
is conclusively deemed to have accepted the title of OLC to
the Land
CONVEYANCE POSSESSION OF THE LAND
1 On the Date of Closing OLC shall convey the Land to the Town
by a good and sufficient Deed or Transfer
2 OLC shall give the Town possession of the Land on the Date of
Closing subject to any lease agreements in force on the Date
of Closing
3 OLC and the Town acknowledge that certain of the leases on
the Land may include additional land to the Land being the
subject of this Agreement when a survey is prepared which
is being prepared by OLC at OLC s expense and which will be
prepared on or before the Date of Closing OLC and the Town
will apportion the rental revenue so that the Town will
receive only that portion of the rental revenue that applies
to the Land conveyed to the Town
COMMUNITY CENTRE USE
1 The Town covenants with OLC that the Town will use the Land
and Buildings thereon for the purpose of a Community Centre
and no other purpose and if the Town uses the Land and
Buildings thereon for any other purpose OLC may exercise its
Option to Purchase contained in Schedule C of this Agree
ment
6
3
6 COMMUNITY CENTRE USE Cont d
2 The Town shall on or before December 31st 1983 renovate
the Land and Building for use as a Community Centre and if
the Town fails to renovate the Land and Building for use as a
Community Centre by December 31st 1983 OLC shall forthwith
after such date purchase the Land including all improvements
for the sum of 2 00 Two Dollars without interest or comp
ensation for improvements or taxes or outgoings of the Town
in relation to the Land it is agreed between the Parties
hereto that a section to be drafted by OLC enforcing this
section may be included in the Deed of Land from OLC to the
Town and such Deed shall be signed by the Town as well as
OLC
7 OPTION TO PURCHASE
1 The Town shall sign and deliver to OLC on the Date of Closing
an Option to Purchase in the form attached to this Agreement
as Schedule C which is for all purposes an integral part
of this Agreement and if such Option is not signed and
delivered to the Town on the Date of Closing this Agreement
will at the option of OLC be nu11 and void
2 OLC shall have the privilege of registering the Option to
Purchase described in this section on the title of the Land
at or after delivery to the Town of any Deed or Trans er
8 GENERAL CONDITIONS
1 All documents necessary to transfer title including surveys
shall be prepared by OLC at its expense but each Party
shall be responsible for its own legal and registration
costs
2 Tender of documents or money may be made upon the solicitor
for either Party
3 This Agreement when accepted constitutes a binding Agreement
and time is in all respects of the essence hereof
4 This Agreement is op n for acceptance by OLC until one minute
1982 after whichbefore midday on the 3lst day of March
time if not executed by OLC and delivered to the Town or its
solicitor it shall become null and void
5 The Land remains at the risk of OLC until the Date of Clos
inq
6 The Town and OLC shall adjust applicable taxes grants in
lieu of taxes and utility charges if any as of the Date of
Closing
7 This Agreement enures to the benefit of and is binding upon
the Parties hereto and their successors and assigns but no
assignment of this Agreement is valid unless it has first
been approved in writing by OLC
8 Any of the covenants and conditions of this Agreement not
completed on or before closing survive the closing of the
conveyance of the Land and do not blend or meld or merge with
the delivery of title to the Land by OLC to the Town as
provided herein
4
8 GENERAL CONDITIONS Cont d
9 Schedules A B C and D attached hereto for all
purposes Porm an integral part of this Agreement
10 The captions and headings in this Agreement are for reference
only and do not affect the meaning of anything in this Agree
ment
11 demand consent approval disapprovalAny notice request
acknowledgement or other matter which either Party hereto
may desire or be required to give to the other Party hereto
with regard to any matter or thing in this Agreement con
tained shall be in writing and shall be personally served
upon OLC addressed to Ontario Land Corporation 60 Bloor
Street West lOth Floor Toronto Ontario M4W 3K7 marked to
the attention of the Director Land Operations or upon the
Town addressed to The Corporation of the Town of Pickering
1710 Kingston Road Pickering Ontario L1V 1C7 marked to
orthe attention of the Town Clerk and every such notice
other document referred to above shall be deemed to have been
given on the date oahen it was so personally served either
Party may from time to time give notice in writing to the
other Party of any change of address of the Party giving such
notice and from and after the giving of such notice the
address therein specified shall be the address of such Party
for the giving of notices thereafter
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Partie hereto have signed this Agreement under
Seal this day of c LL 1 19
SIGNED iEALED DELIVERED
THE CORPORATION OF THE POWN OF PICKERING
C
o r
t C
rk
Accepted by OLC this jS day of l 19 8 7
SIGNED SEALED DELIVERED
ONTARIO LAND CORPORATION
SCHEDULE A
In the Town of Pickering in the Regional Municipality of Durham in
the Province of Ontario and being that portion of Lot 34 Concession
6 designated as Part 3 on Ontario Land Corporation Plan 6350 406 as
shown for illustrative purposes on Schedule D hereto
SCHEDULE B
In the Town of Pickering in the Regional Municipality of Durham in
the Province of Ontario and being those lands designated as Part 1 on
Ministry of Housinq Expropriation Plan 6350 036 duly registered in the
Land Registry Office for the Registry Division of Durham at Whitby as
No 263 EXP
1
SCHEDULE C
OPTION TO PURCHASE
THIS AGREEMENT made this 198day of
B E T W E E N
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF PICKERING
hereinafter called the Town
OF THE FIRST PART
and
ONTARIO LAND CORPORATION
hereinafter called OLC
OF THE SECOND PART
WITNESS that in consideration of other valuable consideration and the
sum of 2 00 Two Dollars of lawful money of Canada now paid by OLC to
the Town the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged the Town hereby
qrants to OLC an Option and a right of first refusal irrevocable within
a period of 3 three years from the date hereo to purchase the Land
described in Schedule 1 hereto hereinafter called the Land upon
the following terms and conditions
OLC may exercise this Option to Purchase
a if the Town offers the Land and Building or either of them
for sale before substantially completing the renovations to
convert the Land and Building thereon for use as a Community
Centre or
b if the Town ceases to use the Land and Building thereon as a
Community Centre
2 Before the Town offers the Land for sale or ceases to use the Land
as a Community Centre it shall first notify OLC in writing of the
proposed sale or the proposed change in use and OLC shall there
upon have the option of giving notice to the Town in writing
within 14 fourteen days that OLC will purchase the Land and in
the event that OLC gives such notice within 90 days after the
date thereof the Town shall sell the Land to OLC at the Total
SCHEDULE C Cont d
Purchase Price of 2 00 Two Dollars free of encumbrances and
shall pay all applicable taxes interest public utility and other
charges on the Land to the Date of Closinq of the sale to OLC
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties hereto have signed this Agreement under
seal this 198day of
SIGNED SEALED DELIVERED
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF PICKERING
Mayor
Clerk
ONTARIO LAND CORP ORATIO
By its Authori g Signiy g Officers
i
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t D AN BE CONVERTED TO FEET ANtdiP GSCHEDULE D
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SCHEDULE 1
In the Town of Pickering in the Regional Municipality of Durham in
the Province of Ontario and being that portion of Lot 34 Concession
6 designated as Part 1 on Ontario Land Corporation Plan 6350 406 duly
deposited in the Land Registry Office for the Registry Division of
Durham at Whitby as Plan 4 R
W
2
H0 O2
H NNmrni EaW
E a
X C7 Oa
W O O
w rn ro
r a Ez c i z ro0OxHi
w0U O Ns C Ci ox ro
W c x o0HUN C I Uli Qa O U ai Nrnca a
a o O E i
x s vxM
c E O HCa 3 3
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txi 7C1 O O t
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2
9
5
6
7
A
B
C
D
E
U I Ulli lI11R 9CIEF IUp
AFFIDAVIT OF RESIDENCE AND OF VALUE OF THE CONSIDERATION
0pt i on IN THE MATTER OF THELQVIQ umaG OF Inasrl DNS dsscrlption of lar That Portion of Lot 34 GA P G CSS VA 6
deslSnatad as Par t l on Rnxaria I and Curpoxaxian k lan No b350 4A6 zeglscered in Land
Re83stzY O f cR at 5 ti11CbY as PJ an 40R b9 0
BY print nemea o alI nena erois in lulll T 1C CRIRQF i RA 9 bR KD O P 1F kl T RB
TO s s atrucNon t na pnnr n msa oi en rrens erees in ru q Ontarlo Land Corporation
ERIC W CHODAKI sss lnatructlon 2 siM pinr neme a In ul
MAKE OATH AND SAV THAT
I em p ace eber meik wifhin fhe squere opposife fhaf one o fha lollowing paregrap s f af tlescriDes he capeclty o fhe deponent a aea
insfruetion
e A peraon In truat tor whom the lend conveyed in the abovodescribatl conveyanee is boing conveyeA
b A trustee nemed in the above0escrfbed tonveyance to whom the IenC is being conveyed
c A transieree named in the aDove described conveyance
d T e au horized apent or aolicitw ading in this tranaection for QIItaLio Land CoipOZatip1mn n n mM a oNncw i 1i
described in peraprapA s 1 6Di c above sfrike ouf re erences o inapplicab e paregrepAS
e TM PrWdent Vice President Maneger SecreUry DireCWr or Treasurer auMOrized p act fw N
described in paragreph s a b e above sfrike ouf references to inappliceble peregraphs
Q Atransfereedescribedinparagraph in5ertonlyonBOlperegrapA aJ b or c abOVe asapplicaDlejandammakingthia
aHidavit on my own beheN anO on behalf of M d M
who is my spouse dexribed in paragraph insen only one o paragraph e b oi Ic above as applieeble
and es such I have personal knowledge of the fects herein Oeposed to
I have read and considered the de inflions of non resident corporation and non resident person set out respectively in ciauses 1 tx
and p of the Acl see JnsfrucNon 3
Thefo lowingpersonstowhomorintrusiforwhomthelandconveyediniheabove describedconveyanceisDeingconveyeAerenon resident
persons within the meaning of the Att see instruction D1One
THE TOTAL CONSIDERATION FOR THIS TRANSACTION IS ALLOCATED AS FOLLOWS
Nile Monies paid or to be peid in casA S
b MoAgeges i Assumed show principal and inferest fo be credifed
againstpuroheseprice s Nil
N Given beck to vandor S
c Property iransterred in exchange detatl below S
d Securitiesiransferredtothevalueoi defailDelor 5 Ni
suwKs
e Liens Iegacie5 annuities and maintenance charges to which transfer MUBT E
IS SUbjBCi S Nir FILLED IN
1 Othervaluableconsideretionsubjecttolendtransfertax detailbelow S Nil INSEIIT 711L
WNEqE g VALUE OF LAND BUILDING FIXTURES AND GOODWILL vxiwu
SUBJECT TO LAND TRANSFER TAX fofal 0 a fo J S N a S e1i 1
h VALUE OF ALL CHATTELS items ot langible personal property
NSbIIS NS7 rlapey Aleonf ev lueN llMenelaunbssaremO
fM flet ll Na bf AeP fl SO 1pBp c I51 s men0e0J
eerf prov sloniol f 1
i Other consideration for iransaction not included in g or h above s Nil
j TOTAL CONSIDERATION j Nil
if consideration is nominal describe relationship belween transteror end transle ee end state purpose ol conveyance see instrucfion 5
No t appl icable
Iftheconsideralionis nominal Isthelandsubjecttoanyencumbrance7 4
Olher remarks and explanations f necessary This transacti on is exemp t fzom land transf er tax
because the Optionee is an Ontario Crown Corporation
i
SwoaN betore me at tne Town of Pickering
ntne Regional Municipality of Durham
this i Sf V dax o1 May t982 i r uiui CL 4 fc c Cl1 t C
IC W CHO OEA
qCor s pne uoN akin g N18dapODDAU
tr a a amun a H y i l40PERTY INFORMATION RECORDe rrisuw ne sancnon
DeuA7flkN cloOnflb9Bitnent OFt OA
1 Address oT proDerty being conveyeA il available Nat availabl e
No ava3lableII Assessment Roll N il availebls
Mallinp address es 1or future Notices of Assessment under ihe Assessment Act for property beinp conveyed see insfrucfion 6
7 7 O Ri oBsxon Road Picker 1ng Antario L1Y 1C7
i Repiatration number for last conveyence ol property beiny Gonveyad evsilabls RF ORe ty AOt heing ConVeyed
II Layal descripUon ol property conveyed Same as in D i abovs Yee No Not Known
Neme s end address es of eech trenslereeY
HUXLEY 6 CHODAKi
Barristera 6 Solicitors Fw endae istryOnkeuseon
Suite 510
solicitw
qEGISTRATION NO
1305 Sheridan Ma11 Parkway
LANDREGISTRYOFFICENOPICKERINC Ontaiio
L1V 3P2 REGISTRATION DATE
6
SCHEDULE 1
In the Tawn of Pickering in the Regional Municipality of Durham in
the Province of Ontario and being that portion of Lot 39 Concession
designated as Part 1 on Ontario Land Corporation Plan 6350 406 duly
deposited in the Land Registry Office for the Registry Division of
Durham at Whitby as Plan 40R 6910
Purchase Price of 2 Q0 Two Pollars free of encumbrances and
interestshall pay all applicable taxes public utility and other
charges on the Land to the Date of Closing of the sale to OLC
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties hereto have signed this Agreement under
April 198 zseal this 30th day of
SIGNED SEALED DELIVERED
THE O E TOWN OF PICKERING
tCORPOG7
C i r
ONTARIQ LAND WRPORATION
fficersBy its Autho i d Sigry g
ce
OPTION TO PURCHASE
i
I
THIS AGREEMENT made this 30th day of April 1982
B E T W E E N
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF PICKERING
hereinafter called the Town
OF THE FIRST PART
and
ONTARIO LAND CORPORATION
hereinafter called OLC
OF THE SECOND PART
WITNESS that in consideration of other valuable consideration and the
sum of 2 00 Two Dollars of lawful money of Canada now paid by OLC to
the Town the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged the Town hereby
grants to OLC an Option and a right of irst refusal irrevocable within
a period of 3 three years from the date hereof to purchase the Land
described in Schedule 1 hereto hereinafter called the Land upon
the following terms and conditions
1 OLC may exercise this Option to Purchase
a if the Town offers the Land and Building or either of them
for sale before substantially completing the renovations to
convert the Land and Building thereon for use as a Community
Centre or
b if the Town ceases to use the Land and Building thereon as a
Community Centre
2 Before the Town offers the Land for sale or ceases to use the Land
as a Community Centre it shall first notify OLC in writing of the
proposed sale or the proposed change in use and OLC shall there
upon have the option of giving notice to the Town in writing
within 19 fourteen days that OLC will purchase the Land and in
the event that OLC gives such notice within 90 days after the
date thereof the Town shall sell the Land to OLC at the Total
t mv d v r
J01 n Juctinn l n r
nn nr
i je egi trp ct
IN THE MATTER of the PLANNING ACT as amended
AND IN THE MATTER of the TITLE TO
Part Lot 34 Concession 6 Pickering Part 1 Plan 40R 6910
Deed Mort4a e
Axreement of AND IN THE MATTER OF A Deed
Sale Leue ete
THEREOF FROM Ontario Land Corporation
TO The Corporation of the Town of Pickering
DATED April 22nd 1982
I C M Timothy Sheffield
of the Town of Pickering in the Regional
Municipality of Durham
AIAKE OATH AND SAY AS FOLLOR S
1 Iam the 5olicitor for the Grantee
named in the above mentioned Instrument and have knowledge of the matters hereinafter
sworn
2 The said Instrument and the conveyance or other dealing with land affected thereby do
not contravene the provisions of The Planning Act as amended because
l T ie 3r e3eRCTe isCeied 6wnZ Ztbe 7 IIr eTd T iltefZ a tlte QBft affe7lerifp aniS arPeleteif not power or n Yiio ianfasshnorerC3 Ese aj6wer 75 aJ3J birtiment u itfi res3ec77o anyrnrf
a u n ternc aj e r i7f1 e
aPO cable
s a e
cn
r or The land is being acquired by a municipality
S11 ORN before me
at the Town of Pickering
i
yin the Regional Municipality of Durha y
C M Timothy Shef ii c
thi 30th
da of Apri1 7 82
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AFFIDAVIT OF SURtiCRIIiING W TVEtiS
1
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in the
make oath and snv
am u subscribing witness ro the nttxched inshument and 1 wns present and saw it executed
at bysKrM a
See Lwrtmle
I verily believe that each person whose signature 1 witnessed is the party of the same nume reEerred
to in the instrument
SWORN before me at the
this 19day oF
co wuuon n roe i c nio vns vc
Whrrt o partY u uw61e M read tM irutr ment or whne o porty sipv by makin h4 mark or in oreiyn chawcfm add
n tn the iruhumrnt had 6em read W him and hr appeared ully m unde rtand iY WMe esecuted undo a po uer o ottomry
imer name o attomey m attomry Jw namt o party aM jor nert ckwe aubHRute 1 cedly Aelisve eMt t
aiqmhoe wiMeptd wa autMrized to ei cule thc inrtmmmt oa attnmry for mme he prnan oMaeNid
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AFFIDA 17 F Sl iitiCKIHItiG A l I E5S
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in the
make oath and sav
I am a subscribing witness to the attached instrnment nnd t was present and saw it executed
at by
s tm o
Scr footnote
I verily believe that each person whose signature I witnessed is the party of the same name referred
to in the instrument
SWORN before me at the
this day of 19
co issiowu ron nxi c wrnownra x
Whert a yartY ia ura6le N read tht irufrommf or ehne a pa tV iBN W k ne Fia mork or in gn cMractm add
Mtn the imtrumrnt had 6em ead W him aM he o9V ared u lV b undentnrd iY Whne ezeculed under a yourn a aNOmey
i uen name of attomey na aHOrney jor rwme o po ly ard or neat clawe ru6ttitut oe i1V beiiece tMt the pe on ohoie
a yrat ne I u tn s ed uav auiMnzed W erecute 1he imhumenf ai altnrney m lioame
AFFIDAVIT AS TO AGE AND SPOUSAL STATUS
1 WE
of the
in the
u cce er make oath and say When executed the attached instrument
ee footnote
I WE at least eighteen years old
Within the meaning oJ section 1 J oJ The Family LaH ReJorm Act 1978
Strike out a I was a spouse
innpD e ble
cinuw
b We were spouses of one a o her
w as m spousec
Not n
Malrimonid
Hame eU
ee footno4
Re ident of
Can Aa ete
SEVERALLY SWORN before me at the
this day of i
ownwowin roe rwnwo nio vir vc
Where nffiJnidt malr ry nttornry u1 titute N l rH rr e po lk a crA rl nitrummt rz o nni nr nn nrl Ar xhr rra q w a lafux und Q aYPlirahtr nao e oJ yuu el ritAie fAe m in0 0l SrAiw p o 7 M m ulu i air Cr unn Art la x onA i hrn hr M
err Wed thr romer o affurnry he he Aad af amtd As aUr o uojority
I 6 r p unr d i l y 1 I IL or Anr ifl
d
AFFIGAVIi OF RESIDENCE ANUUF VALU G THe COfV51DCFA iU
W THE MATlER OF 7HE CONVEYANCE OF insertbrieldescnpr oqcflend1Concession 6 Part l Plan 40R 6910Part Lot 3 4 Pickering
B V piin7 names of all Vanslerors in fulll
Ontario Land Cnrporation
TO Isee instrua on 1 and prinr names o all vans eiees in fullJ
TRE C JRPORATION OF THE T041N OF PICKEAING
I sre instrutiion 2 and P inf name 51 in 1ulll
C M TIMO THY SHEFFSELD
MAKE OATH FND SAY TNAT
1 I am place a dear mark within the square opposite that one of the fotlow ng paragraphs that describes the capacity ot he deDOnentlsll
see ins7iuction 2
a A person in trust for whom the land conveyed in the above described conveyance is being conveyed
b A irustee named in the above described conveyance to whom the land is being conveyed
c A transieree named in the above described conveyance
d The authorized agent or solicitor acting in this transaction tor
G sen namel l ol prmuPatlslTHE CORPORATION OF THE TOS9N OF PICKERING
described in paragraphQp d above svike out ieferences to inapplicab e paragiaphs
e The Pres dent Vice President Manager Secretary Director or Treasurer authorized to act tor
msen namelsl o co oo anon s 1
described in paragraphls al b c above srrike out releiences ro inapplice6le parag aphs
f A transteree descrlbed in paragraph insert only one of paragraph a l6J or cJ above as appllcable and am making
this afiidavit on my own behalT and on behalf of
insen neme o spovse
who is my spovse described in paragraph linsert only one o7paragiaph al l6J or lcJ above as applica6 eJ
and as such I have personal knowledge of the Tacts herein deposed to
7 I have read and considered the definitions of non resident corporation and non resident person set out respectively m ciauses
t t t and g of ihe Act see instruction3
3 The following persons to whom or in trust for whom the land conveyed in the above described conveyance is being conveyed are nom
resfdenl persons within the mt aning of lhe Act see in57ruction 4
NQNE
4 THE TOTAL CONSIDERATION FOR THIS TRANSACTION IS ALLOCATED AS FOLLOWS
Ial Monies paid or to b pa d in cash 5 0 0
l61 Mortga9 s i Assumed shov principa end interest to be c edired
doains purchdse p icel S Nil
iilGiaen back to vendor S jQ1 j A eLF K
c
d1
Property transferred in exchange de ai belowl
Secunues transtened to the vafue o1 detail belowJ
5
5
l l
N1 A1VST BE
e Liens legacres ennuities and maintenance charges to which eo in
t ansler is subject g N11
f Other raluable conslderatlon subjett to land t ansfer tax
detai below S N 11
g VALUE OF LAND BUILDING FIXTURES AND GOODWILL SUBJECT NSERT Nii
TO LAND TRANSFER TAX rota of a to f J S 2 D O S 2 Q0 tvHERE
h VALUE OF ALL CHATTELS items of tangible peisonai property aaPUC eu
fReiaif SaJes Tax is payabJe on ihe value ot al chaitels unJess exempt
undei the provisions of the Retail Sales Tax Act R S O 1 95i7
c 454 asamendedl 5 N11
i Other consideration tor transaction not induded in g or h above 5 N11
Ij 10TALCONSIDERATION S 00
5 H cuns derztion is nominal describe ielationshin bet veen transf no relationshin between trans51 a
ro and iranster e and st eror and etrans e urpose oi conveyanceeree see insvucrion
b conyeyance of parkland to municipality
6 I tiip COnsl e 2LCn i5 ncriiinel Is h Innd su i 7 ny n umbrsnce NO
7 G hc n KS d er o s nc ss r
Pred edication of parkland for future subd vision development
OF J o uieniedjthe TOFAI 0 PiCkeYi7l j
ine Reai on of Dt rha 1
U is day ot 1 1982 I
I
tt tj
A C missioner io t in 1 daoits etC I ea sll
PROPERTY WFORi 9ATION RECORD
DeedA D scribe nat irc of st m e t
o o c6 61 F PS o e ed if o ab el
Green Ri er Ontario
Gil AssesSmenl Roll i1 a aiiab e1 h d
C lailing addiess esl tor futwe Novices o1 Assessment under The Assessment Act tor property being conveyed lsee insriutrion 6
1710 Kingston J o ad
Pickering Ontario I 1V 1C7
D Regis atVon numUer tor lest ronveyance oS pioperty being conveyed lil availab e nf 3
1 Lenal description o p operty conveyed Same as in D i above Q Yes No pC Not Kno vn
E Na nels and a Idiessles oi each transteree s sol icitor V
C A7 T1mOt j Sh2ffleld Fo LandRe9 stryOfficeuseonly
710 3 nqston Road
i i nn n lt i I i n
I
L e HHnw Cti L Mii Clieed H uhoul Spousal Consent
FJVM rv0 1r a nendedlu v 97Vi
i t Jr d t u
madeindupticatethe twenty second dayof April
onethousandninehundredand eighty two
Jn ursunnce uf tf e hurt arms nf anuegttnces ci
ctween
ONTARIO LAND CORPORATION
hereinafter called the Grantor
OF THE FIRST PART
and
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF PICKERING
hereinafter called the Grantee
OF THE SECOND PART
111IPSSPt hat in consideration of TWO
2 00 D011ars
and other good and valuable consideration
now paid by the said Grantee to the said Grantor the receipt whereof is hereby by him
acknowledged he the said Grantor DOTH GRANT unto the said Grantee in fee simple
THOSE lands and premises located in the following municipaiity namely in the
Town of Pickering in the Regional Municipality of Durham
formerly the Township of Pickering in the County of Ontario
andbeingcomposedof that portion of Lot 34 Concession 6
designated as Part 1 on Ontario Land Corporation Plan 6350 406
which plan has been duly deposited in the Registry Office for
the Land Registry Division at Whitby as Plan 40 R 6910
Uccd i nnu Spoutinl omer
I e n rnora l n Y 4i
TO HAVE 4ND TO HOI D unto the said Grantee his heirs eaccuiors adminisirators
successors and assigns to and for their sole and only use fore er
SUBJECT NEVERTHELESS to the reservations limitations pro isoes and conditions
expressed in the original grant thereof from the Crown
The said Grantor COVENANTS with the said Grantee that he has the right to convey the
said lands to the said Granree notwithstanding any ac of the said Grantor
AND that the said Grantee shall have quiet possession of the said lands free from all
encumbrances
AND the said Grantor COVENANTS with the said Grantee that he will execure such further
assurances of the said lands as may be requisite
AND the said Grantor COVENANTS with the said Granree that he has done no act to
encumber the said lands
AND the said Grantor RELEASES to the said Grantee ALL his claims upon the said lands
PROVIDED hat in wnstruing Ihese presents the wofds Granmr and Grantee and he pro iouns he his
or him relating here o and used therewith shall be rcad and construed as Grentor or Gramors Gramee
or Gren tts and he she his ha i s or their or him her it or themit of hey
Rspecti ely as the number and gender of the party or partia rcferred to in each case require and the numbcr o he
verb agreeing herewith shall be cons rued as agrecing with the said word or pronoun so substituted
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the said parties hereto have hereunro set their nd nnd als
SIGNED SEALED AND DELIVERED ONTARIO LAND CORPORATION by its
authoriz ieersInthePresenceof 1 s ignincy
c nie
ecuLigG
Co porate Secretary
Heritage Brief
December 8, 2025
Purpose
The purpose of this Heritage Brief is to summarize the key findings of the Cultural Heritage
Evaluation Report (CHER) for the Mount Zion Community Centre and Green River Community
Centre and to quickly/clearly tell the property’s background story and potential heritage value
under Ontario Regulation 9/06 of the Ontario Heritage Act.
Mount Zion Community Centre (4230 Sideline 6)
Mount Zion, 2025 Mount Zion School, undated
Property Background
The Mount Zion schoolhouse is a rare surviving example of a 19th-century rural public school
constructed immediately following the major provincial educational reforms that created Ontario’s
public school system. Built in 1876, it replaced an earlier 1852 frame school on a nearby site and
reflects the implementation of the Common School Acts (1846/1850) and the School Act (1871)
that made education free and compulsory.
Its form, detailing, and layout demonstrate the influence of Egerton Ryerson’s standardized model
schoolhouse plans, disseminated across rural Ontario. Despite a 20th-century front addition, the
building retains high physical integrity, including:
x Red brick masonry with buff brick detailing,
x Original arched window openings with stone sills,
x The rare oculus window,
x Evidence of separate boys’ and girls’ entrances, and
x The original one-room school layout.
Attachment 2 to Report CS 07-26
December 8, 2025 Page 2 of 4
Northern Facilities – Heritage Brief
For nearly 150 years, the building has served as an uninterrupted civic anchor. First as a rural
school, then as a community hall reinforcing its longstanding role in the rural Mount Zion
community.
What’s the Potential Heritage Value?
The CHER confirms that the property meets five of the nine criteria under O.Reg. 9/06, more
than double the minimum threshold for designation under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Design / Physical Value
• A representative and elevated example of a mid-late 19th-century Ontario schoolhouse.
• Above-average craftsmanship: buff brick arches, quoining, and an oculus window
uncommon in rural examples.
Historical / Associative Value
• Directly tied to the origins of public education in Ontario and Ryerson-era reforms.
• Expressive of community commitment to education through taxation and civic development.
Contextual Value
• Important in defining the historic rural character of Sideline 6.
• Historically linked to the settlement of Mount Zion through 150+ years of continuous civic
use.
Degree of Heritage Potential
High
The property is a strong candidate for full Part IV designation. Physical integrity is excellent aside
from one modern addition, and its historical and contextual significance is well-established.
December 8, 2025 Page 3 of 4
Northern Facilities – Heritage Brief
Green River Community Centre (190 Highway 7)
Green River CC, 2024 Green River Baptist Church, 1930
Property Background
The Green River Community Centre is the physical continuation of the earliest Baptist
congregation in Pickering Township, established by New Brunswick and English settlers in the
1830s and 1840s. The original 1848 frame church, known as the Brunswick Hill Baptist Church,
was later dismantled and reassembled in Green River in 1888, upgraded with buff brick cladding,
and then relocated within the same property in 1951 due to the widening of Highway 7.
Despite multiple relocations, the building has retained its essential form and massing for nearly
two centuries. Its tall, narrow, segmental-arched windows and simple gable-front design reflect the
paired-down Gothic Revival vocabulary common to rural Baptist churches.
From 1888 to the late 20th century, the building served as both a religious and civic hub of the
Hamlet of Green River and today remains one of the most recognizable structures along Highway
7.
What’s the Potential Heritage Value?
The CHER demonstrates that the property meets five of the nine criteria under O.Reg. 9/06.
Design / Physical Value
• An early Baptist church retaining its 1848-origin heavy timber structure within the attic.
• Continuous form and massing preserved through the 1888 and 1951 reconstructions.
• Exterior evolution illustrates community-driven adaptation to cultural and infrastructural
change.
Historical / Associative Value
• Strong associative value with the founding Baptist families (e.g., Vardon, Turner, Bice).
December 8, 2025 Page 4 of 4
Northern Facilities – Heritage Brief
• Represents migration patterns from New Brunswick and the building of religious institutions
in early Pickering.
• Its relocations reflect demographic shifts, growth of Green River, and the community’s
determination to maintain the church as a focal point.
Contextual Value
• Integral to the historic rural character of Green River and Highway 7.
• A longstanding landmark and civic identifier within the hamlet.
• Historically and functionally linked to village development for over 135 years.
Degree of Heritage Potential
Moderate–High.
Although the building has undergone more exterior alteration than Mount Zion, its core historic
form, structural evidence of 1848 origins, and deep associative and contextual significance make
it a strong candidate for designation.
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION REPORT
Green River Community Centre
190 Highway 7, Pickering, Ontario
Prepared For:
Matthew Somerville
Senior Planner, Heritage
Development Review and Urban Design
City Development Department
City of Pickering
One the Esplanade
Pickering, ON, L1V 6K7
905.420.4660 ext. 1147
msomerville@pickering.ca
Prepared By:
Alex Rowse-Thompson & Andrea Gummo
Heritage Studio
Kingston, ON, K7K 1G9
alex@heritagestudio.ca
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Report Issuance
Draft: November 13, 2025
Final: December 4, 2025.
Attachment 3 to Report CS 07-26
1 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
CONTENTS
1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 2
2. Property History .............................................................................................................. 4
The Baptist Church in Pickering .................................................................................... 4
The Brunswick Hill Baptist Church ................................................................................ 4
The Move to Green River ............................................................................................... 7
The Second Move ........................................................................................................... 8
Closing of the Green River Baptist Church ................................................................ 10
19th Century Church Architecture in Ontario ............................................................ 11
Village of Green River ................................................................................................... 13
3. Condition Assessment ................................................................................................. 14
4. Ontario Regulation 9/06 Evaluation ........................................................................... 16
5. Draft Statement of Cultural Heritage Value ............................................................... 18
6. Conclusion & Recommendation ................................................................................. 21
7. References ..................................................................................................................... 22
8. Project Personnel & Qualifications ............................................................................. 23
9. Appendix ....................................................................................................................... 24
Photographic Documentation – Matthew Somerville, City of Pickering ................ 24
Excerpt from Report to Executive Committee, Report Number CS 07-25 ............ 29
2 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
1. INTRODUCTION
Heritage Studio was retained by the Owner, the City of Pickering, to prepare this
Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report for the property known municipally as the Green
River Community Centre at 190 Highway 7. The property is located on the north side
of Highway 7, between Sideline 34 and Sideline 32 in the former Township of Pickering,
now the City of Pickering, in the Region of Durham (Figure 1). The property is
approximately 0.54 hectares (1.33 acres) and contains a one-storey church building
and Green River Park, which is characterized by an open grass field and a small
playground (Figure 2). The church building was constructed circa 1848 and
reconstructed circa 1888 and clad with buff coloured bricks. Following the widening of
Highway 7 in 1951, the church was relocated within the property to maintain its general
setback from the road and reclad in red rug bricks.
Currently, the property has no heritage status. It is not included on the City of
Pickering’s Municipal Heritage Register as a designated or non-designated or ‘listed’
property pursuant to Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA). The City of Pickering is
in the process of evaluating the renovation/retention or sale of Community Halls in the
northern area of the municipality. The Report to the Executive Committee, dated May
5, 2025, includes Recommendation 5 “That City Heritage staff evaluate the Mount Zion
Community Centre and Green River Community Centre under Regulation 9/06 of the
Ontario Heritage Act to determine whether the properties merit designation under Part
IV of the Act, and report back to Council with recommendations in Q4, 2025.”
Accordingly, the purpose of this Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report is to assess
whether the Green River Community Centre meets the criteria for designation as
outlined in Ontario Regulation 9/06 and, if necessary, to prepare a Statement of
Cultural Heritage Value (SCHV) for inclusion in a future designation by-law. This CHER
provides a summary overview of the property’s history, describes its current physical
condition, evaluates its cultural heritage value using Ontario Regulation 9/06, presents
a draft SCHV, and concludes with a professional recommendation regarding its
designation.
Alex Rowse-Thompson (Heritage Studio) did not visit the subject property. Instead,
Matthew Somerville, Senior Planner, Heritage, provided photographic documentation,
which is included in the Appendix of this report. This CHER has been prepared with
respect to Parks Canada’s Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic
Places in Canada (the Standards and Guidelines); the Ministry of Citizenship and
Multiculturalism Ontario Heritage Tool Kit; the Ontario Heritage Act; the 2024
Provincial Planning Statement; the Region of Durham Official Plan; the City of Pickering
Official Plan; and other charters and guidelines that exemplify best practice in the field
of cultural heritage conservation.
3 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
Figure 1: Location of subject property shown with dashed yellow line. (City of Pickering mapping,
annotated by Heritage Studio)
Figure 2: South and west elevations of the Green River Community Centre. (Mattew Somerville, City of
Pickering, September 2025)
4 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
2. PROPERTY HISTORY
Long before the first land grants were made to United Empire Loyalists and Scottish,
English, Irish, and other immigrants, in Pickering Township, the subject property
formed part of the ancestral lands of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg for time
immemorial.
Today, the property is located on the lands of the William Treaties and the Johnson-
Butler Purchase. The Williams Treaties were signed in October and November of 1923
between the Crown and seven First Nations groups, including the Chippewa of Lake
Simcoe (Beausoleil First Nation, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, Chippewas
of Rama First Nation) and the Mississauga of the north shore of Lake Ontario (Alderville
First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, and Mississaugas of
Scugog Island First Nation). The Williams Treaties were the last of the land cession
treaties to be signed in Canada, which transferred more than 20,000 square kilometers
of land in southern Ontario to the Crown.
Originally located on Lot 29 of Concession 6 in Pickering Township, in 1848, the
church building was relocated and/or reassembled in 1888 and now forms part of Lot
33 of Concession 6.
The Baptist Church in Pickering
The Baptist Denomination was the first to organize as a Christian church in Pickering
Township (Gostick 1968 and Wood 1911). The first Baptists in Pickering Township were
affiliated with the Baptist Church in Markham, but as early as October 1821, they had
developed a separate organization. The Wixons and the Johnsons were leaders in this
newly formed Baptist organization, and the group, which consisted of about 20
members, met for worship at various houses (McKay 1961).
By the late 1830s, two groups of loyal Baptists from New Brunswick, including the
Vardon and Turner families, and England together established a church. The first
services were held at a schoolhouse on the corner of the Vardon’s farm (Wood 1911
and Gostick 1968). One of the earliest ministers was Reverend Thomas Gostick, who
began as pastor in 1843 and appears to have been their regular pastor for some time
(Wood 1911).
The Brunswick Hill Baptist Church
Gostick (1968) describes the church at Brunswick Hill being constructed in 1843, while
other sources note the construction dates as 1847-48, with a formal dedication on May
28, 1848. The details of the formal dedication give the 1848 more credibility. By 1848,
the Brunswick Baptist Church was constructed and is described as a wooden structure
with clapboard siding. According to Gostick, there was also an open shed for the
horses “as the only means of transportation was by horse and buggy in the summer
5 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
and horse and sleigh in the winter” (1968). A review of the attic space in the present-
day church building by Mathew Somerville, Senior Heritage Planner, revealed a heavy
timber frame structure that aligns with barn structures of the era, and the original
church’s 1848 construction date (Figure 3).
Figure 3: Attic space in present-day
church showing physical evidence of
a heavy timber structure. Note the
heavy timber wall plate. (Matthew
Somerville, City of Pickering,
November 2025)
There are no known photographs or drawings of the frame church. Although located
in southwestern Ontario and within an urban setting, the First Baptist Church in
Amherstburg, constructed in 1849, may provide a helpful reference (Figures 4 & 5). Its
basic form, other than the front vestibule, mirrors the form of the later 1888 remodelled
Green River Baptist Church (Figure 7). The shape of the window openings on the 1848
church is unknown.
Figures 4 & 5: First Baptist Church in Amherstburg, constructed 1849. (Ontario Heritage Trust and
Google Streetview)
6 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
The church was located on the north side of present-day Highway 7, between North
Road and 28th Sideline Road (Figure 6). The land was donated by David and Mary
Haley of New Brunswick (memorial plaque for the Pioneer Baptists of Pickering
Township, Green River Baptist Cemetery). The deacons at the time were William
Winter, W.B. Clark and Robert Vardon.
Brunswick Hill, which was generally located in Lot 29 of Concession 5, was named after
the New Brunswick settlers (e.g., the Vardon, Turners, etc.). Accordingly, this first
church building was called Brunswick Hill Baptist Church. The exact reasons for the
migration of these specific New Brunswick families to Pickering Township are not
known. An article by Fisher notes the large outmigration that occurred in the 1860s
and 1870s from New Brunswick. Some social historians attribute the migration to the
economic depression as the “golden age of wood, wind and sail” came to an end, or
more specifically, that exports to the United States fell sharply when demand for
Maritime products dried up with the termination of the Reciprocity Agreement in the
mid 1860s (Fisher 1999).
Figure 6: Original location of Brunswick Hill Baptist church annotated with dashed red circle and N.
Bice’s land, the future location of Green River Baptist Church on. (1877 Illustrated Historical Atlas of the
County of Ontario, H. Belden & Co.)
7 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
Most migrants left for the United States, specifically, New England, attracted by higher
wages and an expanding economy. Many also went to Ontario and western Canada.
Although, the population declined in Pickering Township in the second half of the 19th
century, the village of Green River grew as did the congregation of the Baptist Church.
It is very likely that Baptist migrants from New Brunswick chose to settle in Brunswick
Hill or Green River given the presence of the church. The congregation would have
provided a community for newcomers and likely there were established family
networks resulting from the earlier New Brunswick immigrants.
An article in the Pickering News on November 1, 1946, celebrating the 103rd
anniversary of the Brunswick Hill (later Green River) Baptist Church notes that in 1879,
the Church had an assistant pastor to aid in the services of Majorville, Pickering,
Markham, and Stouffville Churches. The addition of an assistant pastor demonstrates
the growth and establishment of the Brunswick Hill Baptist Church in Pickering
Township in the second half of the 19th century.
Figure 7: Historic photo of a portion of the side elevation of the 1888 relocated and/or reassembled
church in Green River, dated 1930. Note the buff coloured brick and window openings. (John Sabean)
The Move to Green River
In the late 1880s, Baptist Church services were held in the village of Green River at the
Green River Hall, about one mile west of the Brunswick Hill Baptist Church (Gostick
1968). Specifically, a newspaper article celebrating the 103rd anniversary of the church
8 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
in 1946 notes that in 1887, Pastor W.M. Freed held services in the Green River Hall
(Pickering News, November 1, 1986). Given the increase in industry and the village,
members of the Brunswick Hill Baptist Church believed that the church would better
serve the community by being moved to the village (Gostick 1968).
In November of 1888, the original frame church (i.e., Brunswick Hill Baptist Church) was
moved about a mile west to the village of Green River where it was clad in buff coloured
brick instead of the original clapboard (Figure 7). The 1930 photograph shows tall
narrow window openings with segmental arches. The windows appear to be vertically
sliding sash windows with a four-over-four glazing pattern and a fixed transom light
under the arch. Presumably, the interior of the church was also renovated at this time.
Based on physical evidence of a heavy timber (barn-like) structure within the attic of
present-day church, it appears that the original 1848 church building was dismantled
and reassembled on a new foundation, and then re-clad with buff coloured bricks. Barn
structures of the era were relatively simple structures to erect, and so it is likely that the
original church building was deconstructed and reassembled rather than being
relocated in its entirety. Pastor W.M. Freed was a builder by trade and according to
Gostick, he helped to build the church and supervise its construction (1968). This
description supports reassembly rather than relocation. On November 18, 1888, the
church was formally opened in its new location.
The land for the newly located Green River Baptist Church was provided by Nelson
Bice. Note Bice’s property on the 1877 Illustrated Historical Atlas in relation to the
original location of the church building at Brunswick Hill (Figure 6). Today, the Green
River Baptist Cemetery continues to mark the original 1848 church site including a
monument that describes its history (Figures 13 & 14).
The Second Move
Following the widening of Highway 7, the church was relocated within the property to
maintain its general setback from the road in 1951. According to the memorial plaque
at the Green River Baptist Cemetery, the church was completely renovated at this time.
Gostick relays that in the 1950s, the bricks were removed from the church building by
the pastor, church members and friends of the community, and that a basement was
made to accommodate the Sunday School (1968). The church was erected on the new
foundation, which was located north of the 1888 site, and clad with new red rug bricks
(Figures 9, 10, 11 & 12). The circa 1888 buff coloured bricks would have rested on the
circa 1888 foundation and therefore, likely had to be removed for the relocation to a
new foundation. The small gabled vestibule entrance on the south elevation was likely
added at the same time. Based on the review of the attic space, it appears that they
also inserted modern trusses at this time (Figure 8).
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Figure 8: Attic space in present-day church building. Note the modern trusses alongside the original
purlin, struts and braces. (Matthew Somerville, City of Pickering, November 2025)
Figures 9 & 10: Façade (south) with 1950s vestibule addition and modern red brickwork and cement
foundation. (Matthew Somerville, City of Pickering)
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According to Gostick, the interior was also redecorated, and new pews were added.
Of note, the pressed tin ceiling which remains today likely dates to the 1888
remodelling and was maintained during the 1950s interior renovations. Physical
evidence confirms Gostick’s account, including the modern red rug brickwork and
raised concrete foundation.
Figures 11 & 12: Pressed tin ceiling and tall narrow windows with segmental arches. (Matthew
Somerville, City of Pickering)
Today, the Green River Community Centre building’s form and massing (excluding the
front vestibule) appear to align with the form and massing of the 1888 church building
and quite possibly, the original 1848 frame building. Accessing the church’s roof space
may help to confirm its construction type and further reveal the possibility of its 1848
origin. The simple one-storey gable roof form with regularly spaced windows and
segmental arches along the side elevations, reflects the Baptist architectural tradition
of simple meeting places with relatively minimal decoration. The window openings
appear to match those in the 1930 photograph of the 1888 church building. However,
the window style reflects their mid-century installation. It not clear if they are operable,
but the transom light appears to be hinged, and the bottom sash may be able to slide
vertically (see Appendix).
Closing of the Green River Baptist Church
In 1979, the Province of Ontario expropriated the property for the construction of the
proposed Pickering airport, and the church officially closed. A brick and stone
monument were erected at the Green River Baptist Cemetery to commemorate the
congregation and its legacy in 1980 (Figures 13 & 14). In 1982, the City of Pickering
purchased the property from the Ontario Infrastructure and Land Corporation (OLC)
for $2.00 for use as a community hall. According to the Report to the Executive
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Committee, dated May 5, 2025, the church building has been used as storage for
museum artifacts for the past ten years without any public use (see Appendix).
Figures 13 & 14: Monument erected to celebrate the legacy of the Brunswick Hill Baptist Church in
1980. (Matthew Sommerville, City of Pickering)
19th Century Church Architecture in Ontario
From the early 19th century (e.g. 1820s) for almost a century, the Gothic Revival style
was the predominant architectural style for almost all denominations throughout most
of Canada. The Gothic Revival style was expressed in a highly decorative Gothic on
large churches in Ontario, and in a more paired down version for smaller churches.
With the publication of F.J. Jobson’s Chapel and School Architecture, the Gothic
Revival style was adopted by Ontario’s non-conformists (e.g. the Baptists). The central
aisle, a key aspect of Anglican Gothic, was eliminated, and the focal point of the church
interior became the pulpit, stressing the importance of “the word”. The style quickly
spread to Presbyterians, Baptists and Congregationalists, “all of which adopted the
Gothic Revival style, but in a less strict manner than the Anglicans had.” (Thurlby and
Iron 2009).
The Green River Baptist Church of circa 1888 appears to have tall narrow windows with
segmental arches on the side elevations, which continue to exist on the 1950s
renovated church building today (Figures 7 & 12). The steeply pitched gable roof and
these tall narrow windows demonstrate a Gothic Revival influence, but very paired
down, reflecting its remote rural village location in Pickering Township. This paired
down Gothic Revival influence reflects the tradition of non-conformists building simple
meeting places.
From frame building in 1848 to a brick clad building in 1888 to the installation of a
basement in 1951, the congregation worked to upgrade their church’s appearance
with each physical move. These improvements reflect the congregation’s pride in their
local church.
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Two other Baptist Churches in the region include the former Baker Hill Baptist Church
(now operating as Face-to-Face Encounters Healing Ministry), located at 13441
Highway 48 in Stouffville, constructed in 1867 (Figure 15). The other being the former
Providence Baptist and Markham Baptist Church at 3885 Stouffville Road (present-day
Springvale Baptist Church), constructed in 1877 (Figure 16). Both have been highly
modified, and their original form/design are far less identifiable than the Green River
Baptist Church (now community centre). Arguably, the Baker Hill Baptist Church is
more Classical in its architectural style, whereas, the Providence Baptist Church has a
more distinctive Gothic Revival tradition. Nonetheless, they are both Baptist churches
with simple gable front buildings constructed shortly before the remodelling of the
Green River Baptist Church in 1888 and are both in formerly rural settings.
Figure 15: Former Baker Hill
Baptist Church at 13441
Highway 48 (Whitchurch-
Stouffville Museum Collection,
Accession No. 981.267.001b)
Figure 16: Former Providence
Baptist and Markham Baptist
Church at 3385 Stouffville Road.
(Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum
Collection, Accession No.
988.014.103
13 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
Village of Green River
Before there was a village, a number of families lived in the vicinity, including Osburn,
Bice, Runnals, Vardon, Ferrier, Turner, McIntyre, Poucher, and Winter families (Wood
1911). In 1849, Benjamin Doten established a wagon and blacksmith, known as the
Dotenville Carriage Works. In 1857, William Barnes built a sawmill, which sent lumber
to Whitby and Oshawa for construction purposes and shipped large quantities to
Frenchman’s Bay. Barnes added a factory in 1870 that turned out tubs, pails, and fork-
handles, and later brush handles, and blocks (Wood 1911). In 1875, Barnes added a
basket making business.
Wood also describes brothers, Edward and John Smith, as founders of the village. They
purchased and renovated an old sawmill in the early 1870s. Apparently, the name of
the village, Green River, was chosen at a meeting organized by them to name their new
sawmill. They also built a large grist mill, a store, and a public hall and were
instrumental in securing the opening of a post office.
This industry would have spurred the development of the village, and hence Gostick
describes the meeting of the Brunswick Baptist Church in the Green River Hall (likely
the public hall referred to by Wood) in the late 1880s. The decision to relocate from
Brunswick Hill, ostensibly a crossroads, into the village in 1888 to better serve the local
population is a logical one.
Figure 17: Historic buildings along Highway 7 in the Hamlet of Green River. (Google Streetview)
Today, the village is identified as a ‘hamlet’ in the City of Pickering. The village is
centred on Highway 7 between Markham-Pickering Townline and Sideline 32. The 19th
century character of the village is still evident in the built environment along Highway
14 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
7 (Figure 17). The former Green River Baptist Church contributes to the sense of a
complete village (i.e., residential, commercial, civic, religious buildings, etc.). The
village is located at the beginning of the Seaton Hiking Trail and adjacent to the Rouge
Valley Urban National Park.
In summary, today, the Green River Baptist Church exemplifies the beginnings of the
Baptist Church in Pickering Township. Despite multiple relocations and renovations, it
appears likely that the church’s basic form and massing have been largely retained
throughout 177 years of its history. This endurance is symbolic of the building’s
religious and civic significance to the village of Green River.
3. CONDITION ASSESSMENT
The Green River Community Centre is 43 feet long by 32 feet wide and 19 feet to the
underside of the eave. Although the fire safety plan does not include dimensions, it
shows the current floor plan (Figure 18).
The Report to the Executive Committee, dated May 5, 2025, notes that the Green River
Community Centre had an FCI of 63 percent as of January 1, 2025. FCI is a measure
used by the City to track the general condition of City assets and is deferred
maintenance required divided by the replacement value of the asset.
Heritage Studio has not reviewed the specific deferred maintenance required for this
building and has not had the opportunity to visit the site in person; however, a review
of the photographic documentation of the exterior and interior of the building reveals
that:
• The asphalt shingle roof and aluminum clad eaves appear to be in fair to good
working condition;
• There is appropriate raingear (troughs and downpipes) installed on the building
and that water is largely directed away from the foundation (there are a couple
of downpipes missing sections);
• The modern 1950s brickwork appears to be in fair condition with some areas of
deterioration (primarily where it has experienced damp conditions and
undergone a freeze/thaw cycle);
• The parged cement foundation is in fair condition and displays some minor
cracking; and
• The storm windows are in poor condition; however, the interior windows appear
are in good condition. The transom windows appear to be original to the circa
1888 renovation.
All liturgical elements were removed from the interior when the church became a
community centre. The staff report concludes that “having primarily served as a storage
location for over ten years, it would require significant investment to be suitable for
15 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
public use.” In summary, the building appears to be in fair to good condition and is
largely protected from the elements.
Figure 18: Fire safety plan for Green River Community Centre.
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4 . ONTARIO R EGULATION 9/06 EVALUATION
The following table evaluates the property at 190 Highway 7, using Ontario Regulation
9/06, which sets out the provincial criteria for determining whether a property is of
cultural heritage value or interest. The evaluation is based on the property history
summary in Section 2 of this brief and the photographs provided by Heritage staff at
the City of Pickering.
Criteria Description Assessment Explanation
Design or
Physical
Value
1. it is a rare, unique,
representative or
early example of a
style, type,
expression, material
or construction
method.
√
The building has physical
value because is an example
of an early Baptist Church
building in Pickering that has
retained its circa 1848 form
and massing while
undergoing two significant
renovations. The renovations
relate to the relocation of the
church building and reflect
changing socioeconomics,
culture, taste and style
through time.
The Baptist architectural
tendency to reject excessive
detailing and instead adopt a
simplified design approach
has carried through the three
different exterior design
treatments from 1848, 1888
and 1951.
2. it displays a high
degree of
craftsmanship or
artistic merit.
N/A
3. it demonstrates a
high degree of
technical or scientific
achievement.
N/A
17 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
Historical or
Associative
Value
4. it has direct
associations with a
theme, event, belief,
person, activity,
organization or
institution that is
significant to a
community.
√
The property has direct
associations with early Baptist
settlers from New Brunswick
and England who were
instrumental to the
construction of the original
church. The church building is
representative of the history
of the Baptist Church in
Pickering.
The relocation of the church
building multiple times in
response to changing
population trends and
external government forces
demonstrates the importance
of the building in the Baptist
Church community and in the
village of Green River.
5. it yields, or has the
potential to yield,
information that
contributes to an
understanding of a
community or
culture.
N/A
6. it demonstrates or
reflects the work or
ideas of an architect,
artist, builder,
designer or theorist
who is significant to a
community.
N/A
Contextual
Value
7. it is important in
defining, maintaining
or supporting the
character of an area.
√
The property is important in
defining, supporting, and
maintaining the former
historic rural character of the
village of Green River and of
18 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
Highway 7, which beginning
with its widening in the 1950s,
continues to evolve.
8. it is physically,
functionally, visually
or historically linked
to its surroundings.
√
As a former religious building,
and now civic building, the
church building is physically
and historically linked to the
village of Green River. The
building was relocated to
Green River in response to a
growing village population
and has been on the same
property in almost continuous
use by the local community
between 1888 to circa 2015.
9. it is a landmark.
√
The Green River Baptist
Church (now community
centre) is a local landmark as
a recognizable civic building
within the community of
Green River.
In summary, the property at 190 Highway 7 meets five of the nine criteria under Ontario
Regulation 9/06. In accordance with Section 2 (3) of the regulation, the property must
meet two or more of the criteria to be designated under Section 29 of the Ontario
Heritage Act. Therefore, the property qualifies as a significant built heritage resource
under the definition provided in the 2024 Provincial Planning Statement and is a strong
candidate for designation under Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act.
5 . DRAFT STATEMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUE
The following draft Statement of Cultural Heritage or Interest is recommended for
inclusion in a future designation by-law for the subject property.
Description
The Green River Baptist Church, now known as the Green River Community Centre, at
190 Highway 7, is located on Lot 33, Concession 6, in the former Township of Pickering,
now part of the City of Pickering, in the Region of Durham. The property is on the north
side of Highway 7 between between Sideline 34 and Sideline 32, in the Hamlet of
Green River. The property is approximately 0.54 hectares and contains a one-storey
19 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
red brick church building constructed in 1848, reconstructed in 1888 and remodelled
in 1951. The property also contains Green River Park, which is characterized by an open
grass field and a small playground.
Cultural Heritage Values
The property has design value or physical value because it is a rare, unique,
representative or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction
method.
The church has physical value because is an example of an early Baptist Church
building in Pickering Township that appears to have retained its 1848 form and
massing, while undergoing two relocations and two significant renovations. The first
church building, which was constructed at Brunswick Hill, circa 1848, on Lot 29,
Concession 6, was a frame structure with clapboard siding. Its heavy timber structure,
which is visible in its attic space, was deconstructed and reassembled when it was
moved its new site in Green River on Lot 33, in 1888. The church building was then
renovated and remodelled.
Based on photographic evidence, the 1888 church building was characterized by its
one-storey gable front building with buff coloured brick cladding and segmental
arched window openings. Following the widening of Highway 7, the church was
relocated within the property to maintain its general setback from the road in 1951.
The remodelling appears to have retained the 1888 church’s massing, form, and
window openings, but included a modern red rug brick veneer and a front vestibule
entrance.
The changes to the exterior treatment and interior renovations are partially the result
of the relocations; however, they also reflect shifting socioeconomics, culture, taste and
style through time. The tendency of non-conformists, such as the Baptists, to create
simple meeting places is reflected in all three exterior design treatments from 1848,
1888 and 1951. The 1888 remodeling demonstrates a paired down Gothic Revival
influence through the tall narrow windows with segmental arches, the steeply pitched
gable roof, and minimal, if any, detailing on the exterior.
The property has historical value or associative value because it has direct associations
with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is
significant to a community.
The property has associative value for its direct connection to early Baptist settlers from
New Brunswick and England who were instrumental to the establishment of the Baptist
Church in Pickering Township and to the construction of the Brunswick Hill Baptist
Church circa 1848. By the late 1830s, loyal Baptists from New Brunswick and England
together established a church. They first met in a schoolhouse on the corner of the
20 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
Vardon family’s farm (just south of the future church) and by 1848 built the first frame
Baptist Church building at Brunswick Hill. Today, the church building at 190 Highway
7 in the Hamlet of Green River symbolizes the long history of the Baptist Church in
Pickering and the early New Brunswick and English families who settled in the Green
River/Brunswick Hilla area.
The property also has historical value because it reflects local settlement patterns over
time and indicates the significance of the Baptist Church in this community. The
relocation of the church building multiple times reflects an increasing population in
Green River despite a decline in population in Pickering Township. As a relatively
remote village in the late 19th century in Pickering Township, the Baptist Church
building was an important religious building. The immense efforts required to relocate
the building twice and to undertake significant renovations demonstrate the
significance of the church building to the local Baptist community. The relocation of
the church within its existing site due to the widening of Highway 7 demonstrates the
continued importance of the church to the community well into the 20th century. In
1982, the building became the Green River Community Centre, allowing it to continue
its role as a civic space within the village.
The property has contextual value because it is important in defining, maintaining or
supporting the character of an area.
The property has contextual value because it plays an important role in defining,
maintaining, and supporting the historic rural character of the Hamlet of Green River
and Highway 7. The church building’s one-storey massing and gable front roof is
symbolic of Pickering’s religious rural heritage. The widening of Highway 7 in the 1950s
marked the beginning of the road’s evolution. As it continues to change, the church,
along with the Hamlet of Green River, and other historic buildings, are important
tangible features of its historic rural character.
The property has contextual value because it is physically, functionally, visually or
historically linked to its surroundings.
As a former religious building, and now civic building, the property has contextual
value because it is physically and historically linked to the development of the village
of Green River. The building has been on the same property and in almost continuous
use by the local community between 1888 to circa 2015.
The property has contextual value because it is a landmark.
The Green River Community Centre is a local landmark as a recognizable civic building
within the Hamlet of Green River. The church building has been located at 190 Highway
7 since 1888. Other than a brief period when it was appropriated by the Province of
Ontario, it has been in almost continuous use for religious or civic functions. Despite its
21 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
small size, it has a distinctive religious/civic identity along Highway 7 within the Hamlet
of Green River.
Heritage Attributes
Key exterior elements that contribute to the property’s cultural heritage value include
its:
• One-storey massing with gable front roof;
• Tall window openings with segmental arches; and
• Location on Highway 7 in Green River and the church’s entrance oriented to
address the street frontage.
6 . CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION
The property at 190 Highway 7 meets the prescribed provincial criteria under Section
2(3) of Ontario Regulation 9/06 which specifies that a property must meet two or more
criteria to be designated under Section 29(1) of the Ontario Heritage Act. The property
meets five of the prescribed criteria and is therefore a significant built heritage
resource under the definition provided in the 2024 Provincial Planning Statement. To
ensure the long-term conservation of the property, the City of Pickering should
designate the property under Section 29, Part IV, of the Ontario Heritage Act.
In summary, the designation of 190 Highway 7 under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage
Act:
• Recognizes the property as a ‘significant’ built heritage resource in accordance
with the 2024 Provincial Planning Statement.
• Supports the Durham Regional Official Plan:
o 3.3.41 Encourage area municipalities to: b) utilize the Ontario Heritage
Act to conserve, protect and enhance the built and cultural heritage
resources of the municipality.
o 3.3.43 Encourage built and cultural resource conservation through
adaptive reuse. Where original uses cannot be maintained, promote
opportunities for adaptive reuse of heritage structures and sites,
including the recycling of building materials, wherever feasible.
• Supports the Pickering Official Plan:
o 8.1 City Council shall respect its cultural heritage, and conserve and
integrate important cultural heritage resources from all time periods into
the community.
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o 8.4 City Council, in consultation with its heritage committee, where
warranted shall implement the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act,
including designation under the Act of heritage sites and heritage
districts.
o Pickering’s Rural System - The City’s policies for its rural system seeks to:
support the cultural heritage and integrity of rural lifestyles.
7. REFERENCES
Belden, H. & Co. Illustrated Historical Atlas of the County of Ontario, 1877.
Fisher, Rob. 1999 . “The Exodus from New Brunswick: Tracing the Out-Migration of a
Family, 1860-1920”. Journal of the New Brunswick Genealogical Society), Vol. 21, No.
3.
Gostick, Muriel. “The History of the Green River Baptist Church”. Compiled from
numerous records. Claremont, Ontario, October 15th, 1968.
McKay, William A. 1961. The Pickering Story. Published by the Township of Pickering
Historical Society.
Memorial plaque at Green River Baptist Cemetery.
Pickering News, Volume 6, Number 10, Friday, November 1, 1946, by Rev. A.J. Heal
“Green River Baptist Church to Celebrate 103rd Anniversary”
Sabean, John W. 2000. Time Present and Time Past: A Pictorial History of Pickering.
Altona Editions for the Pickering Township Historical Society and the City of Pickering
Millenium Committee.
The Canadian Encyclopedia, “Church Architecture” by Nathalie Clerk and Claude
Bergeron: https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/religious-building
Thurlby, Malcolm and Candace Iron. “Gothic Traditions in Ontario Churches” in
Heritage Matters: https://www.heritage-matters.ca/articles/gothic-traditions-in-
ontario-churches
Wikitree: History of the Baptist Faiths in Canada:
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:History_of_the_Baptist_Faiths_in_Canada#:~:te
xt=The%20Maritime%20Provinces-
,1763%20to%201795:%20First%20Baptist%20Congregations%20in%20Canada,at%2
035
Wood, William R. 1911. Past Years in Pickering: Sketches of the History of the
Community. Toronto: William Briggs:
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8. PROJECT PERSONNEL & QUALIFICATIONS
Heritage Studio
Heritage Studio is a consulting firm based in Kingston, Ontario, that specializes in
cultural heritage planning. We believe that all planning and design work should be
rooted in an understanding of the heritage of a place, whether physical, cultural,
environmental, or intangible. Accordingly, we advocate for an integrated approach to
heritage conservation and land use planning, an approach that we believe is
fundamental to creating, enhancing, and sustaining quality places. To this end, we
promote communication and collaboration between our clients and stakeholders with
the goal of bringing a pragmatic values-based approach to complex planning
challenges. Heritage Studio offers the following core services: cultural heritage
evaluations, heritage impact assessments, cultural heritage policy development, and
heritage planning support and advice.
Alex Rowse-Thompson, MEDes, RPP, CIP, CAHP
As principal and founder of Heritage Studio, Alex has more than 15 years of heritage
conservation and planning experience that includes both private sector and municipal
planning roles. Her experience is rich and varied, from her involvement in large-scale
regeneration sites in the UK, to the development of heritage conservation district
studies and plans in Ontario municipalities and working with architects to ensure
heritage-informed restoration and new construction. Alex is a member of the Canadian
Association of Heritage Professionals, the Canadian Institute of Planners, and the
Ontario Professional Planners Institute.
24 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
9. APPENDIX
Photographic Documentation – Matthew Somerville, City of Pickering
Front elevation (south) facing
Highway 7.
Rear (north) and side (west)
elevations.
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Front (south) and side (west) elevations.
Rear (north) and side (east) elevations.
26 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
1950s brickwork and parged concrete
foundation.
Interior of 1950s
basement.
27 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
Pressed tin ceiling on interior.
Pressed tin ceiling on interior.
28 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
Interior of windows on side elevations.
29 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
Excerpt from Report to Executive Committee, Report Number CS 07-25
30 Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report | 190 Highway 7 HERITAGEstudio
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION REPORT
Mount Zion Community Centre
4230 Sideline 6, Pickering, Ontario
Prepared For:
Matthew Somerville
Senior Planner, Heritage
Development Review and Urban Design
City Development Department
City of Pickering
One the Esplanade
Pickering, ON, L1V 6K7
905.420.4660 ext. 1147
msomerville@pickering.ca
Prepared By:
Alex Rowse-Thompson
Heritage Studio
Kingston, ON, K7K 1G9
alex@heritagestudio.ca
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Report Issuance
Draft: November 20, 2025
Final: December 8, 2025
Attachment 4 to Report CS 07-26
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CONTENTS
1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 2
2. Property History .............................................................................................................. 4
History of Education in Ontario ..................................................................................... 5
Model Schoolhouse Plans.............................................................................................. 6
School Section No. 13 .................................................................................................... 9
3. Condition Assessment ................................................................................................. 13
4. Ontario Regulation 9/06 Evaluation ........................................................................... 15
5. Draft Statement of Cultural Heritage Value ............................................................... 18
6. Conclusion & Recommendation ................................................................................. 21
7. References ..................................................................................................................... 21
8. Project Personnel & Qualifications ............................................................................. 22
9. Appendix – Photographic Documentation ................................................................ 23
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1. INTRODUCTION
Heritage Studio was retained by the Owner, the City of Pickering, to prepare this
Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report (CHER) for the property known municipally as 4230
Sideline 6 and the Mount Zion Community Centre. The property is located on the west
side of Sideline 6, between the 7th and 8th Concessions in the former Township of
Pickering, now the City of Pickering in the Region of Durham (Figure 1). The property
is approximately 0.29 hectares (0.72 acres) and contains a one-storey brick
schoolhouse building, constructed circa 1876, with later 20th century front addition,
and is surrounded by gravel covered surface parking, grass areas and trees (Figures 2
& 3).
Currently, the property has no heritage status. It is not included on the City of
Pickering’s Municipal Heritage Register as a designated or non-designated (‘listed’)
property pursuant to Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA).
The City of Pickering is in the process of evaluating the renovation/retention or sale of
Community Halls in the northern area of the municipality. The Report to the Executive
Committee, dated May 5, 2025, includes Recommendation 5 “That City Heritage staff
evaluate the Mount Zion Community Centre and Green River Community Centre under
Regulation 9/06 of the Ontario Heritage Act to determine whether the properties merit
designation under Part IV of the Act, and report back to Council with recommendations
in Q4, 2025.”
Accordingly, the purpose of this cultural heritage evaluation is to assess whether the
Mount Zion Community Centre meets the criteria for designation as outlined in Ontario
Regulation 9/06 and, if necessary, to prepare a Statement of Cultural Heritage Value
(SCHV) for inclusion in a future designation by-law. This CHER provides a summary
overview of the property’s history, describes its current physical condition, evaluates
its cultural heritage value using Ontario Regulation 9/06, presents a draft SCHV, and
concludes with a professional recommendation regarding its designation.
Alex Rowse-Thompson (Heritage Studio) did not visit the subject property. Instead,
Matthew Somerville, Senior Planner, Heritage, visited the property and provided
photographic documentation, which is included in the Appendix of this report.
This CHER has been prepared with respect to Parks Canada’s Standards and
Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada (the Standards and
Guidelines); the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Ontario Heritage Tool Kit;
the Ontario Heritage Act; the 2024 Provincial Planning Statement; the Region of
Durham Official Plan; the City of Pickering Official Plan; and other charters and
guidelines that exemplify best practice in the field of cultural heritage conservation.
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Figure 1: Location of subject property shown with dashed redline. (City of Pickering mapping, annotated
by Heritage Studio)
Figure 2: East and south elevations of Mount Zion Community Centre. (Matthew Somerville, City of
Pickering, 2025)
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Figure 3: Mount Zion Community Centre, looking west from Sideline 6. (Google Streetview)
2. PROPERTY HISTORY
Long before the first land grants were made to United Empire Loyalists and Scottish,
English, Irish, and other immigrants, in Pickering Township, the subject property
formed part of the ancestral lands of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg for time
immemorial.
Today, the property is located on the lands of the William Treaties and the Johnson-
Butler Purchase. The Williams Treaties were signed in October and November of 1923
between the Crown and seven First Nations groups, including the Chippewa of Lake
Simcoe (Beausoleil First Nation, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, Chippewas
of Rama First Nation) and the Mississauga of the north shore of Lake Ontario (Alderville
First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, and Mississaugas of
Scugog Island First Nation). The Williams Treaties were the last of the land cession
treaties to be signed in Canada, which transferred more than 20,000 square kilometers
of land in southern Ontario to the Crown.
The schoolhouse building (currently Mount Zion Community Centre) on the subject
property was constructed on Lot 7 of Concession 7 in the Township of Pickering, south
of Mount Zion in 1876.
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History of Education in Ontario
In 1798, the first Ontario school was opened in Toronto. It was a private school, and it
was not until 1807 that the Public Schools Act was passed at the provincial legislature.
Eight schools were established in the province, and five trustees for each school were
appointed (Xiaobin 2015). In 1816, the Common Schools Act was passed, dividing the
province into eight districts each with a board of education, which depended on locally
elected trustees for all their information.
Egerton Ryerson (24 March 1803 – 19 February 1882) became the superintendent of
education in Ontario (formerly Canada West) in 1844 (Figure 4). Egerton promoted
education for all and believed that the state should be responsible for educating all
children, and that education should be made compulsory. In 1844 and 1845, he toured
Europe to study different school systems. Based on his findings, he wrote his Report on
a system of public elementary instruction for Upper Canada (1846). In this report,
Ryerson recommended improvements to the educational system, many of which were
adopted in the first two Common Schools Acts (1846, 1850).
In 1846 a new Education Act was passed, which included an important provision that
the superintendent of education would ensure that schools were appropriately
distributed. Relatedly, and importantly, it also divided Townships into “school
sections”. The Act was amended in 1850, giving permission to any school section to
determine whether the school should be maintained by a monthly fee from the pupils
in addition to a tax upon the ratable property of the section, or whether all bills should
be abolished and the schools declared free (Xiaobin 2015).
In 1854, Ontario and York Counties were separated for administrative purposes. In this
year the Pickering Council passed several by-laws which provided for the local control
of local affairs. The ability to levy local taxes led to a number of new schools being
constructed, including School Sections at Greenwood, Dunbarton, Kinsale, Audley,
Cherrywood, Brougham, Mount Zion, Base Line, Brock Road, Pickering Village and the
Whitby-Pickering Townline Union Schools. Many of these schools, the product of the
property and increased population of the 1850s continued in use for another century.
While women were hired as teachers, in line with gender norms of the time, the
following men were held the role of Superintendent:
• Rev. J Durant 1854
• Rev Alex Kennedy 1855
• Mr. E. Birrel 1856-1865
• Rev. John Baird 1866-68
• Rev. WA Ross 1869-1871
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Ryerson aimed at establishing a free, universal, and compulsory education system for
all Ontario children, which was successful with the passing of the School Act in 1871
and amended School Act in 1876. Coincidently, the existing School Section No. 13
Mount Zion schoolhouse was constructed in 1876.
Figure 4: Portrait of Egerton Ryerson, undated. (Public Archives of
Ontario)
Since about 2010 there has been ongoing debate and controversy surrounding
Ryerson’s responsibility for the residential school system. Neither the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission nor its chair, Murray Sinclair, blame Ryerson for residential
schools. Ryerson was consulted by the founders of the Indian residential school system.
However, he was not directly involved in founding or running of the residential school
system and predeceased its creation. Since 2021, however, several schools have been
renamed because of the controversy over Ryerson’s role in the development of
residential schools and his involvement in the wider attempt to assimilate Indigenous
peoples into Canadian society. For example, Ryerson University, became Toronto
Metropolitan University in 2022.
Figures 5 & 6: Façade of former School Section No. 16 Alta School at 555 Concession 8 Road (Matthew
Somerville, City of Pickering, October 2025) and School Section No. 9 Greenwood School at 3560
Westney Road North (Google Streetview).
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Model Schoolhouse Plans
As part of Egerton Ryerson’s school reforms in 19th century Ontario, he commissioned
and published model schoolhouse plans from around 1847 onwards. Ryerson believed
that the physical school environment shaped morality, discipline, and learning. He was
influenced by British educational writings and New England design manuals. The key
design elements that he generally endorsed included simple rectangular massing,
gable-front façade, symmetrical windows along one side, bell tower, and minimal
ornamentation.
Following the establishment of a public education system, The Canada Farmer, an
agricultural and rural journal published in Toronto, promoted a standardized plan for
a rural one-room schoolhouse in the issue for June 15, 1866. The article was entitled
“Cheap Country School House” (Figure 7). This plan closely aligned with Ryerson’s
recommendations for proportion and form. The key features of the “Cheap Country
School House” plan included:
• Simple form – Typically a rectangular building in brick, stone or frame, with a
broad gable roof.
• Symmetry – A symmetrical front façade, often with two entrance doors (one for
each sex).
• Frame construction to reduce costs.
• Fenestration – Symmetrical rows of large windows on each side to provide
natural lighting.
• Interior – A single open classroom, with smaller cloakrooms adjacent to the front
door(s).
• Gothic Revival – A common variant included a steeply pitched (as opposed to
broad) central dormer, ornamental detailing, and a bell tower.
Figures 5 and 6 include two local Pickering versions of the standardized schoolhouse
design. School Section No. 16 at 555 Concession 8 Road is currently owned by
Transport Canada and is a recognized federal heritage building. It was constructed in
1864. The Greenwood School at 3650 Westney Road North is owned by the City of
Pickering and was constructed in 1860. Both schoolhouses are on a rectangular plan
with front gable roof and constructed in red brick with buff brick detailing. The principal
difference is in the layout of their façades. The former Altha School has two separate
entrances for boys and girls, and the former Greenwood School has one central
entrance. Interestingly, unlike the Mount Zion School, the Altha School does not have
a central window on the façade between the separate entrances. The Greenwood
School appears to be larger in size and like Mount Zion, has five openings along the
side elevation (on the east side there are four window openings and a door opening).
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Figure 7: Plan for a Cheap Schoolhouse. (The Canada Farmer, Volume 3, Number 12)
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Figure 8: School Section No. 13 as seen on
the 1877 Illustrated Historical Atlas of the
County of Ontario. (H. Belden & Co.,
annotated by Heritage Studio)
School Section No. 13
Following the amended Education Act of 1850, and the establishment of “school
sections,” the first school was constructed in School Section No. 13, a frame building in
1852 (Wood 1911). The frame schoolhouse was constructed on Lot 9 of Concession 7,
about a ½ mile west of the existing brick schoolhouse. No photographs of the original
frame schoolhouse have been identified; however, a printed history of the school
mounted on the interior wall of the existing schoolhouse describes the frame building
as being 30 by 50 feet in size, unpainted, banked with dirt, and surrounded by woods.
The cost to build the frame schoolhouse is noted as $1,500. Before 1852, the children
in Mount Zion attended a school near Salem (Wood 1911).
The printed history on the wall of the schoolhouse states that in 1875, the trustees
bought a piece of land from John C. Jones (Figure 8), about ¾ acre for $120. The
existing brick schoolhouse was constructed in 1876 (following the 1871 School Act
making education free for all). The same printed history describes the new
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schoolhouse as “a large brick building…it had two entrances to the east with a “bell
room” or teacher’s room between.”
The S.S. No. 13 Schoolhouse is constructed of red brick in common bond and has the
typical rectangular one-room plan with gable roof and a bell tower located directly
above the front gable. The bell tower may be a 20th century replacement as it does not
appear to have the same level of architectural sophistication as the building. Above the
fieldstone foundation is a buff brick plinth.
Today, the original façade is concealed by a 20th century addition housing a kitchen
and bathrooms. Nonetheless, there is evidence of the original boys and girls’
entrances, and a central window (Figures 11 & 13). The central window would have
provided daylight to the bell room or teacher’s room between the separate entrances.
The schoolhouse has five window/door openings on each side elevation, more than
the average three, further increasing natural daylighting.
The modern addition from the mid-20th century matches the existing materiality but
overall detracts from the visual continuity of the original design and obscures the
original façade. The eaves and eave returns are flashed in aluminum, and it is likely that
the original or early wood eaves, returns and frieze board remain underneath.
Figure 9: Undated historic photograph of School Section No. 13, west and south elevations. (Alma
Jones)
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The schoolhouse design generally follows the standardized principles of the era but is
larger than the average and includes elevated architectural detailing. For example, the
plans for a “Cheap Country School House” show a measurement for the rectangular
plan of 40’ by 30’, whereas the Mount Zion schoolhouse is 52’6” long by 32’1” wide.
Additionally, the plans for a “Cheap Country School House” describe a wood frame
structure with the most economic materials and finishings. In contrast, the Mount Zion
School is constructed with brick and includes detailing such as buff brick arches over
openings and buff brick quoining on the corners. Interestingly, there is evidence of
discolouration on the buff bricks on the underside of arches. This may suggest that the
same red bricks were used on the arches but dipped in a buff slip (i.e., glaze). It is
unlikely that they had access to different clay deposits.
Further above average architectural details include the stepped brick detail at the
skewback of the arch (as opposed to a flat end). The presence of the ocular window in
the front gable, which appears to have been exposed on the interior originally is also
unusual and represents a more refined design (Figure 10). This decorative feature
would have also improved natural daylighting on the interior. Certainly, this
schoolhouse design mirrors the principles of the plans for a “Cheap Country School
House” but is a larger elevated version. This is notable given its relatively remote rural
location in Pickering Township.
Figure 10: East and north elevations of schoolhouse building. (Matthew Somerville, City of Pickering,
2025)
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Figures 11 & 12: View of ocular window on the interior now concealed by a modern dropped ceiling
and insulation and arched window opening with buff brick arch, stone sill, painted wooden sash
window with brickmould. (Matther Somerville, City of Pickering)
Figure 13: Interior of schoolhouse looking east towards 20th century vestibule. Note the original arched
openings for the boys’ and girls’ entrances. (Matthew Sommerville, City of Pickering, November 2025)
School Section No. 13 Mount Zion School closed in 1965, and the students were then
bussed to the Greenwood School. In 1967, Mr. Arthur Latcham of Stouffville, purchased
the property for $1,500 and gifted it to the Mount Zion community to be used as a
community centre. Bylaw 8835 established the property as a community centre. The
facility was managed by a Board that was appointed by Council. In 2015, the City of
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Pickering entered into a five-year lease agreement with the Mount Zion Community
Centre Association. The lease has since been renewed, and the Community
Association continues to use the schoolhouse building.
3. CONDITION ASSESSMENT
The Report to the Executive Committee, dated May 5, 2025, notes that the Mount Zion
Community Centre had an FCI of 65 percent as of January 1, 2025. FCI is a measure
used by the City to track the general condition of City assets and is deferred
maintenance required divided by the replacement value of the asset.
Heritage Studio has not reviewed the specific deferred maintenance required for this
building, nor have they visited the site in person. However, a review of the photographs
of the exterior and interior of the building reveals that:
• The asphalt shingle roof and aluminum clad eaves appear to be in fair to good
condition;
• There is appropriate raingear (troughs and downpipes) installed on the
building;
• The circa 1876 red and buff brickwork appears to be in fair condition;
• The fieldstone foundation is minimally visible in the photographs, and its
condition is not clear.
• The original wooden windows appear to be in fair condition and repairable to
improve operability, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.
• The interior appears to be in fair to good condition.
The physical integrity of the original design is high with the front addition being the
only significant alteration. There are two brick chimneys on the building. The rear
chimney appears to be original, whereas the taller narrow chimney adjacent to the bell
tower looks like a 20th century intervention and may be related to later mechanical
upgrades as it is located in proximity to the mechanical room within the front addition.
The staff report notes that “a recently completed structural engineering assessment
has also raised concerns about the condition of its floor framing and load-bearing
masonry.” No specifics of these concerns are described, and it should be highlighted
that an engineer with in-depth knowledge and experience of historic masonry
buildings should be consulted to confirm the extant of any issues.
In summary, the schoolhouse appears to be in fair to good physical condition and is
generally weather tight.
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Figure 14: Floor plan of Mount Zion Community Centre. (Cassidy & Co. Architectural Technologists)
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4 . ONTARIO R EGULATION 9/06 EVALUATION
The following table evaluates the property at 4230 Sideline 6, using Ontario Regulation
9/06, which sets out the provincial criteria for determining whether a property is of
cultural heritage value or interest. The evaluation is based on the property history
summary in Section 2 of this brief and on the photographs provided by Matthew
Somerville, Senior Planner, Heritage, at the City of Pickering.
Criteria Description Assessment Explanation
Design or
Physical
Value
1. it is a rare, unique,
representative or
early example of a
style, type,
expression, material
or construction
method.
√
The schoolhouse building is a
representative example of a
mid to late 19th century
schoolhouse, which followed
the standardized design
principles for schoolhouses of
the era. These design
principles being inspired by
Egerton Ryerson’s school
reforms in Ontario and by a
standardized /pattern for a
one-room schoolhouse in the
publication The Canada
Farmer in 1866.
Despite the modern front
addition, which obscures the
design of the original façade,
the physical integrity of the
schoolhouse is high. The
locally sourced red brick walls
with buff brick detailing
remains, as do the original
arched window openings with
wooden sash windows and
stone sills.
2. it displays a high
degree of
craftsmanship or
artistic merit.
N/A
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3. it demonstrates a
high degree of
technical or scientific
achievement.
N/A
Historical or
Associative
Value
4. it has direct
associations with a
theme, event, belief,
person, activity,
organization or
institution that is
significant to a
community.
√
The schoolhouse building has
direct associations with the
broader mid-19th century
school reforms for publicly
funded schools in Ontario and
is symbolic of this movement
within Pickering Township.
The schoolhouse was
constructed in 1876, which
followed the Common School
Act of 1846 (amended in
1850) which established
“School Sections” within the
Townships, and the School
Act of 1871 that made
elementary education free
and compulsory. As
superintendent of education
in Canada West (now Ontario)
from 1844 to 1876, Egerton
Ryerson was a key contributor
to both pieces of legislation.
5. it yields, or has the
potential to yield,
information that
contributes to an
understanding of a
community or
culture.
N/A
6. it demonstrates or
reflects the work or
ideas of an architect,
artist, builder,
designer or theorist
√
The design reflects the
standardized design
principles of the era, which
were influenced and
designed by Egerton
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who is significant to a
community.
Ryerson’s educational reforms
of the mid-19th century. These
standardized designs were
promoted through The
Canada Farmer in their article
on plans for a “Cheap Country
School House”.
Contextual
Value
7. it is important in
defining, maintaining
or supporting the
character of an area.
√
The schoolhouse is important
in defining, maintaining and
supporting the historic rural
character of Sideline 6/Salem
Road in Pickering. The late
19th century design of the
schoolhouse is a defining
element in Pickering’s historic
rural landscape.
8. it is physically,
functionally, visually
or historically linked
to its surroundings.
√
The schoolhouse is historically
linked to the community of
Mount Zion. It was
constructed for the
community in 1876 and has
been in continuous use as a
civic building for more than
150 years.
9. it is a landmark.
N/A
In summary, the property at 4230 Sideline 6 meets five of the nine criteria under
Ontario Regulation 9/06. In accordance with Section 2 (3) of the regulation, the
property must meet two or more of the criteria to be designated under Section 29 of
the Ontario Heritage Act. Therefore, the property qualifies as a significant built heritage
resource under the definition provided in the 2024 Provincial Planning Statement and
is a strong candidate for designation under Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act.
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5 . DRAFT STATEMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUE
The following draft Statement of Cultural Heritage or Interest is recommended for
inclusion in a future designation by-law for the subject property.
Description
The School Section No. 13 Mount Zion School, now known as the Mount Zion
Community Centre, at 4230 Sideline 6, is located on Lot 7, Concession 7, in the former
Township of Pickering, now part of the City of Pickering in the Region of Durham. The
property is on the west side of Sideline 6 between Concession 7 and Concession 8,
south of Mount Zion. The property is approximately 0.29 hectares (0.72 acres) in size
and contains a one-storey red brick schoolhouse, constructed in 1875-1876. The
schoolhouse is surrounded by gravel covered surface parking, grass areas and trees.
Cultural Heritage Values
The property has design value or physical value because it is a rare, unique,
representative or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction
method.
The Mount Zion School has design value because it is a representative example of a
mid to late 19th century schoolhouse. Its design largely follows the standardized design
principles for schoolhouses of the era, which were inspired by Egerton Ryerson’s
school reforms in Ontario and by a pattern for a one-room schoolhouse in an 1866
publication of The Canada Farmer. For example, the schoolhouse follows the
rectangular one-storey, one-room plan with front-gable roof and bell tower. It is
constructed in red brickwork on a fieldstone foundation with buff brick detailing. An
original chimney is located above the west gable.
The schoolhouse building is larger than average and includes some superior
architectural detailing that is notable given its relatively rural and remote location in
Pickering Township in 1876. For example, the additional number of windows along the
side elevations (including an additional entrance on the south elevation) would have
increased natural daylighting. Architecturally, buff brick detailing, including arches,
quoins and plinth, and the ocular window on the front gable, express a refinement
which is not typical of rural schoolhouses. Additionally, the separate boys and girls’
entrances with transom lights with central window on the façade is rare in Pickering.
Despite the modern front addition, which obscures the design of the original façade,
the physical and design integrity of the schoolhouse is high.
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The property has historical value or associative value because it has direct associations
with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is
significant to a community.
The property has historical value because the construction of the former Mount Zion
School is associated with the broader mid-19th century movement to expand public
education and to establish publicly funded schools. The former Mount Zion School is
symbolic of this movement within rural Pickering Township.
This brick schoolhouse replaces an earlier frame schoolhouse about a ½ mile west of
the property, constructed circa 1852, which followed the Common School Act of 1846
(amended in 1850) which established “School Sections” within Townships. The Mount
Zion School was constructed in 1876, which followed the School Act of 1871 (amended
1876) that made elementary education free and compulsory. The Mount Zion School
illustrates a significant phase of cultural development for the community in both
recognizing the importance of education and supporting its funding through taxation.
The superintendent of education in Canada West (now Ontario) from 1844 to 1876,
Egerton Ryerson was a key contributor to both pieces of legislation. Broadly, the former
Mount Zion School, and all rural schoolhouses of this era are associated with Ryerson.
The property has historical value or associative value because it demonstrates or
reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder, designer or theorist who is
significant to a community.
The Mount Zion School has associative value because it reflects the ideas of Egerton
Ryerson’s educational reforms of the mid 19th century and the model schoolhouse
plans that he developed. These plans were popularized by The Canada Farmer in their
June 15, 1866, article, which provided plans for, and a description of, a “Cheap Country
School House”. Despite the controversy surrounding Egerton Ryerson’s involvement
in the residential school system, his plans for a model schoolhouse and The Canada
Farmer’s article have left a legacy of rural schoolhouses across the landscape of
Ontario.
The property has contextual value because it is important in defining, maintaining or
supporting the character of an area.
The Mount Zion School has contextual value because it is important in defining,
maintaining and supporting the historic rural character of Sideline 6 in Pickering. The
late 19th century design of the schoolhouse, including its simple form and massing, its
red and buff brickwork, and bell tower, is a defining element in Pickering’s historic rural
landscape. Sideline 6 is primarily characterized by open agricultural fields, and the
presence of the schoolhouse is a tangible reminder of the area’s 19th century origins,
and its ongoing rural character.
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The property has contextual value because it is physically, functionally, visually or
historically linked to its surroundings.
The Mount Zion School has contextual value because it is historically linked to the
community of Mount Zion. It was constructed for the community in 1876 and has been
in civic use, first as a school and then as a community centre, for more than 150 years.
Even with the front addition, the property remains visually recognizable as a 19th-
century school. The property has familiarity in the community and as a former
schoolhouse and now public building, and an ongoing association with the local
community of Mount Zion.
Heritage Attributes
Key exterior elements that contribute to the property’s cultural heritage value include
its:
• One-storey massing on rectangular plan with front gable roof;
• Red brick chimney over the west gable;
• Red brickwork in common bond with buff brick detailing, including arches,
quoins and plinth;
• Arched window openings with buff brick arches, original wooden sash
windows with slender glazing bars, brickmoulds and stone sills;
• Original door opening with buff brick arch on south elevation;
• Oculus window opening with buff brick surround in east gable;
• Bell tower;
• Fieldstone foundation; and
• The schoolhouse’s location south of Mount Zion, and its façade facing east
towards the road.
Key interior elements that contribute to the property’s cultural heritage value
include its:
• Original boys’ and girl’s entrance openings on the interior of the east elevation.
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6 . CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION
The property at 4230 Sideline 6 meets the prescribed provincial criteria under Section
2(3) of Ontario Regulation 9/06 which specifies that a property must meet two or more
criteria to be designated under Section 29(1) of the Ontario Heritage Act. The property
meets five of the prescribed criteria and is therefore a significant built heritage
resource under the definition provided in the 2024 Provincial Planning Statement. To
ensure the long-term conservation of the property, the City of Pickering should
designate the property under Section 29, Part IV, of the Ontario Heritage Act.
In summary, the designation of 4230 Sideline 6 under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage
Act:
• Recognizes the property as a ‘significant’ built heritage resource in accordance
with the 2024 Provincial Planning Statement.
• Supports the Durham Regional Official Plan:
o 3.3.41 Encourage area municipalities to: b) utilize the Ontario Heritage
Act to conserve, protect and enhance the built and cultural heritage
resources of the municipality.
o 3.3.43 Encourage built and cultural resource conservation through
adaptive reuse. Where original uses cannot be maintained, promote
opportunities for adaptive reuse of heritage structures and sites,
including the recycling of building materials, wherever feasible.
• Supports the Pickering Official Plan:
o 8.1 City Council shall respect its cultural heritage, and conserve and
integrate important cultural heritage resources from all time periods into
the community.
o 8.4 City Council, in consultation with its heritage committee, where
warranted shall implement the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act,
including designation under the Act of heritage sites and heritage
districts.
o Pickering’s Rural System - The City’s policies for its rural system seeks to:
support the cultural heritage and integrity of rural lifestyles.
7. REFERENCES
A Century of Education, Pickering Township. School Area Number 2, 1967.
Belden, H. & Co. Illustrated Historical Atlas of the County of Ontario, 1877.
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McKay, William A. 1961. The Pickering Story. Published by the Township of Pickering
Historical Society.
“Mt. Zion School” printed history posted on interior of Mount Zion Community
Centre. Author and date unknown.
Ontario Architecture: https://ontarioarchitecture.ca/school.htm
Ryerson, Egerton. 1847. Report on a System of Public Elementary Instruction for
Upper Canada. Montreal: Lovell and Gibson, St. Nicholas Street.
The Canada Farmer: Volume 3, Number 12, June 15, 1866, Toronto, Upper Canada.
Wood, William R. 1911. Past Years in Pickering: Sketches of the History of the
Community. Toronto: William Briggs.
Xiaobin Li. 2015. History of Ontario Education, Article #1, Brock University:
https://foundations.ed.brocku.ca/week07/4/
8. PROJECT PERSONNEL & QUALIFICATIONS
Heritage Studio
Heritage Studio is a consulting firm based in Kingston, Ontario, that specializes in
cultural heritage planning. We believe that all planning and design work should be
rooted in an understanding of the heritage of a place, whether physical, cultural,
environmental, or intangible. Accordingly, we advocate for an integrated approach to
heritage conservation and land use planning, an approach that we believe is
fundamental to creating, enhancing, and sustaining quality places. To this end, we
promote communication and collaboration between our clients and stakeholders with
the goal of bringing a pragmatic values-based approach to complex planning
challenges. Heritage Studio offers the following core services: cultural heritage
evaluations, heritage impact assessments, cultural heritage policy development, and
heritage planning support and advice.
Alex Rowse-Thompson, MEDes, RPP, CIP, CAHP
As principal and founder of Heritage Studio, Alex has more than 15 years of heritage
conservation and planning experience that includes both private sector and municipal
planning roles. Her experience is rich and varied, from her involvement in large-scale
regeneration sites in the UK, to the development of heritage conservation district
studies and plans in Ontario municipalities and working with architects to ensure
heritage-informed restoration and new construction. Alex is a member of the Canadian
Association of Heritage Professionals, the Canadian Institute of Planners, and the
Ontario Professional Planners Institute.
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9 . APPENDIX – PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION
East and south elevations.
East and north elevations.
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West and south elevations
North and west elevations.
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East elevation.
Interior looking west.
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Interior looking east showing two original entrance openings for the boys and girls,
now concealed by the front addition.
Location of former “S.S. NO. 13” sign. (see Figure X)
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Concealed buff brick arch over original door, now concealed and located within the
attic of the front addition.