Nearly 150-Year-Old Former West Ward School Gets Heritage Designation

By Scott Arnold

A building that once served Peterborough’s growing west side in the late 1800s has now been officially recognized as a heritage property.

483 Park St. N. is pictured in 2026, nearly 150 years after the building was constructed as the West Ward School. (photo by scott arnold)

Peterborough City Council has approved the designation of 483 Park St. N. under the Ontario Heritage Act, following a recommendation from the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee.

The property was built around 1878 as the West Ward School, responding to the city’s growing population and the expansion of neighbourhoods to the west.

The former school is considered an excellent example of late nineteenth-century Italianate-style educational architecture and remains part of the residential character of Peterborough’s historic Old West End.

The former West Ward School is pictured in 1878, shortly after the building was constructed in the Italianate style.

The property also has a connection to local carpenter Cole Barrett, who built the school and served as its caretaker until it closed.

The designation recognizes the building’s connection to the history of public education in Peterborough, as well as its architectural and neighbourhood significance.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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What Happens Behind the Curtain? Peterborough Theatre Guild Opening Its Doors for AGM

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Theatre Guild is inviting members of the community to get a closer look at what goes on behind the scenes at its Annual General Meeting.

(left to right) lakers director of community engagement and partnerships pete dalliday, prhc foundation community giving & engagement manager jane lovett, prhc foundation president & ceo lesley heighway and kinsmen club of peterborough president bob hall (photo via instagram @prhc_foundation)

The AGM takes place Tuesday, September 29th at 6:30pm in the Gwen Brown Studio at the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

The evening will include an update on the Guild’s past year, including its productions and programming, as well as the work that goes into keeping the theatre operating.

It will also offer a look at what’s ahead for the Guild and recognize the many people who contribute as performers, volunteers, supporters and members.

Everyone is welcome, including those who are simply curious about the Theatre Guild and what happens behind the curtain. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

An RSVP is requested ahead of the meeting which can be done online.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.