The future of Queen Alexandra Community Centre (QACC) is being explored by Peterborough city council and demolition could be on the table for the historic building.
At the General Committee Meeting on June 12, they discussed a report focusing on the redevelopment of the QACC. The report is recommending the city funds and conducts a feasibility study to determine the appropriate redevelopment of the property. The study is expected to conclude that the building is to be demolished and replaced by a multi-residential apartment building for seniors, with a seniors’ activity centre on the ground floor.
The report recommends that up to $60,000 from the Community Development Program Reserve be used to finance the cost of the feasibility study.
The QACC is located at 180 Barnardo Ave. It was built as a school in 1890 and classes stopped being held at the school in 1973. The building and property were purchased by the city from the public school board in 1976. Since then, it has been used as a community centre and is currently being used by Activity Haven Senior Centre.
Couns Alex Bierk and Joy Lachica voice their concern about the heritage status of the QACC, believing that further consultation with the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC) should happen before moving forward with the feasibility study – especially before recommending demolition.
“It’s expected that it would be demolished,” says Community Services Commissioner Sheldon Laidman. “As part of that feasibility study, it would be looking at the cost of demolition – and whether the building could be saved.”
Councillor Kevin Duguay supports the recommendations in the report and said he recognizes the importance of preserving historic buildings, but believes the benefits of new construction outweigh the negatives.
“This may be an opportunity to improve a community serving facility, and introduce much needed housing aimed at our older, adult population,” Duguay added.
Council voted on the recommendations in the report and the vote was carried: 9 votes in favor and 2 votes opposed, with Councillors Bierk and Lachica voting against the report.
Council has approved the funding for the feasibility study on the redevelopment of the Queen Alexandra Community Centre.
Listen to the story below: