‘Hidden and interesting’ places opening in Oshawa for short time only

Heritage properties built almost 100 years ago, 80-year-old theatres, an armoury, museums, a greenhouse and more will open their doors for rare guided tours during the upcoming Doors Open Oshawa event. 

Oshawa’s event will take place on Saturday, May 4, as part of Doors Open Ontario, a province-wide event that allows residents to peek inside buildings and spaces that are “sometimes hidden and always interesting.” 

This year’s theme is Adaptive Reuse, so heritage sites that have evolved to meet the shifting interests and tastes of the people around them will be showcased to residents interested in exploring long-standing landmarks. 

“Through the continued use and reuse of our historical structures, we realize their contribution to the sustainability and the economic and cultural energy of our urban and rural communities,” the city says on its website. 

Some sites that residents can explore include 70 King St. E., a building constructed in 1925 by J.W. Butler & Co., the Biltmore Theatre (originally constructed in 1940), the Canadian Automotive Museum (established in 1962), Charles Hall in Ontario Tech University, the City of Oshawa Parks Greenhouse (built in 1962), the Colonel R.S. McLaughlin Armoury, the McLaughlin Bandshell (an art deco-inspired structure that was gifted to the city from R.S. McLaughlin, founder of General Motors Canada, in 1942), the new Oshawa fire station and others.

Attendees will also be able to explore the Oshawa Museum – Henry House and Guy House. Built in 1840 and 1883, the Victorian-era property was home to Thomas Henry, a local minister, farmer, and harbourmaster. 

Other properties that will be participating in Open Doors for the first time include the Oshawa Second Marsh and McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve, Union Cemetary and Windfields Farm, the birthplace of the celebrated horse Northern Dancer. 

For more information, click here.