Your passport to a day of discovery & local prizes
HOW IT WORKS:
Pick up a brochure at any of the participating sites, or print one here. Bring it with you to each site you explore on September 21.
On the inside of the brochure you'll see an illustration for each site. As you visit them, request a sticker on that site's illustration.
QUALIFY FOR PRIZES:
Retrieve three or more stickers, and you're eligible to win one of three $100 gift certificates for downtown shopping dollars in Kitchener, Waterloo or Cambridge.
HOW TO WIN:
Send a photo of your stickered page before Sept. 25, 2024 to: doorsopen@regionofwaterloo.ca
Be sure to include your full name.
One entry per person. All ages welcome. Winners are drawn at random and contacted by email after Sept 25/24. Questions? Email us at doorsopen@regionofwaterloo.ca
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
ELDALEVETERINARYCLINIC
Tour behind the scenes and meet the staff of one of the longest-running veterinary clinics in Waterloo Region. Independently owned and operated since 1961, Eldale Veterinary Clinic cares for both large and small animals.
Major renovations in 2021 (including the addition of dog rehabilitation and daycare facilities) were made to meet the evolving needs of one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities.
150 Church St. W., Elmira
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63 YEARS ONWARD
The renovations of 2021 are the latest in a handful of substantial upgrades over the decades. Founder Dr. Murrel Bauman started the practice from the basement of his home on Herbert Street in Elmira, from 1961 - 1964.
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WILLIBALDFARM DISTILLERY
&BREWERY
The Willibald Farm Distillery and Kitchen is located in beautiful Ayr, which celebrates its bicentennial this year! Take a guided tour of this firstgeneration farm distillery and brewery, which produces grain-to-glass spirits, canned cocktails and beer. The operation is in a converted century barn on a 40-hectare (100-acre) former dairy farm that also raises heritage cattle and runs an apiary.
The company was founded by three longtime Ayr residents.
Willibald’s also features a retail space and restaurant, both of which will be open (from 11:00am onward) during Doors Open.
1271 Reidsville Rd., Ayr
Gin, by law, has to include juniper as a flavour component. At Willibald, they also add caraway seed, grapefruit peel, cardamom, coriander and angelica root.
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FIREHALLMUSEUM &EDUCATIONCENTRE
Built in 1898, this was the community’s primary fire station until it closed in 1979. The ground floor is the museum’s main gallery, featuring vintage fire equipment and displays. The second floor was the firefighters’ living quarters and now serves as the fire safety education centre. Please note there are no elevators or accessible washrooms at this site.
The museum is run by volunteers, many of whom are retired firefighters, sharing their knowledge and passion for the history of firefighting.
44GAUKELCREATIVEWORKSPACE
See how this former Canada Post depot has been repurposed into an arts and culture hub. 44 Gaukel is an innovative, shared creative workplace spanning 929 square metres (10,000 square feet) and located at the core of downtown Kitchener. It offers affordable rentals for local artists and organizations and is operated by ArtsBuild Ontario and the City of Kitchener.
The space regularly hosts public events, including art exhibitions, performances, and workshops, making it a key cultural destination in downtown Kitchener.
44 Gaukel St., Kitchener
Explore an art exhibition featuring works of resident artists, many of whom will have their studios open for you to visit during Doors Open!
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EMMANUELATBRIGHTONCHILD CARECENTRE
A certified forest and nature school licensed by the Ministry of Education, the Emmanuel at Brighton Child Care Centre has been providing quality early-learning and child care at this location since 1964.
60YEARS
65 Noecker St., Waterloo
Join the 60th anniversary celebration!
Come at 11:30 a.m. to hear remarks from local dignitaries. Tours showcasing classrooms and outdoor play spaces will be provided throughout the day.
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FASHIONHISTORYMUSEUM
This museum opened in the former Hespeler Post Office in 2015. During Doors Open, enjoy two exhibitions: 300 Years of Fashion (which follows the changing silhouette in 40 examples of fashion from the past 300 years) and Only Fans (which features the history of the folding fan, with examples from the collection dating from the 17th century to the 1930s).
The museum is recognized globally for its contributions to the study and preservation of fashion history; it attracts visitors from around the world.
Open during Doors Open: Encore
Vintage is the museum’s in-house shop selling an eclectic selection of vintage clothing, accessories, housewares and books.
74 Queen Street East, Cambridge
Founder Jonathan Walford was hired by Sonja Bata in 1987 to transform her shoe collection into the Bata Shoe Museum in 1995.
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WATERLOOCOUNTYGAOL &GOVERNOR'SHOUSE
Explore Waterloo Region’s oldest buildings — the 1852-53 Gaol (jail) and the 1878 Governor’s House — and learn how community action saved them from demolition. By combining designation with adaptive reuse, the granite Gaol houses Provincial Offences courtrooms. And the Governor’s House (jail warden’s home) contains legal offices.
The gardens surrounding the property have their own interesting backstories and were selected to represent plants and flowers which are historically accurate for the period.
73-77 Queen St. N., Kitchener
HIDDEN TREASURES
A display case in the Goal showcases some of the items hidden by prisoners which were recovered during restoration!
INDWELL-ST.MARK'SPLACE
The former St. Mark’s Lutheran Church was renovated, adapted and expanded in 2023 to create 43 much-needed supportive affordable homes, specifically for people who have experienced homelessness or precarious housing. Explore the common areas, including the former sanctuary, and chat with staff from Indwell, who are celebrating 50 years of "Hope and Homes for All" through innovation, imagination and compassion.
50YEARS
Indwell is an old English word meaning to “inhabit” or to “dwell in.”
825 King St. W., Kitchener
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KENSEILINGWATERLOOREGION MUSEUM
The largest community museum in Ontario! Explore local history and learn about the region's commitment to managing and reducing waste with presentations from the Region of Waterloo's Waste Management department and enter a draw to win a green bin prize pack! Preregistration is recommended.
THEORIGINAL
Among the many fascinating artifacts you’ll find is an original Blue Bin.
The very first curbside Blue Box collection program was launched on September 26, 1983 in Kitchener.
WATERLOOION MAINTENANCEFACILITY
Enjoy this rare opportunity to receive a guided tour of the Waterloo ION Maintenance Facility — including the Control Centre, Maintenance Shop and Rail Yard. See for yourself how the Grand River Transit keeps its fleet of vehicles in top condition, learn about maintenance schedules and techniques and ask questions about the operation of Waterloo Region’s transit system.
Transit service in Waterloo Region dates back in 1888, when horse-drawn streetcars were operated by the Berlin and Waterloo Street Railway Company.
518 Dutton Dr., Waterloo
5YEARS
The groundbreaking ceremony for this site was August 21, 2014.
The start of ION light rail service was June 21, 2019
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MIDDLETONWATER PUMPINGSTATION
Take the rare opportunity to see inside this landmark pumping station. The pump room and pump house office have changed little in 100 years — with original ceilings, trim, walls and other fixtures and artifacts. One pump still draws water. Decommissioned pumps are in place and carefully preserved. Additional facilities have increased station capacity to 40.3 million litres daily.
Constructed in 1891. Water is redirected from nearby springs. In 1895, the source switches to groundwater when the first well is drilled and constructed and a second well added in 1896.
60 Middleton Street, Cambridge
HISTORY
Galt (now part of Cambridge) was the first community in Waterloo Region to have a publicly-owned waterworks.
Today, there are still operating wells in the same location, and it is very likely that they are the same wells.
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OTTOMOTORS
Founded by four University of Waterloo graduates, OTTO Motors is a leading provider of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). These self-driving vehicles automate material movement inside busy factories and warehouses to create safer, more productive and more fulfilling workplaces for manufacturers worldwide.
See where and how robots are tested, watch live demos and talk with the team.
Access by guided tour only.
1425-2A Strasburg Rd., Kitchener
7MILLION
OTTO’s autonomous mobile robot (AMR) solution has achieved over 7 million production hours — the collective number of hours OTTO AMRs have driven in production environments around the world.
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MOUNTAINOAKCHEESE
Owners Adam and Hannie began making cheese 43 years ago in Holland. They moved to this dairy farm in 1996 and Mountainoak Cheese was launched in 2012. Following a traditional Dutch recipe, fresh Mountainoak milk is made into high-quality, all-natural, award-winning Mountainoak gouda with wholesome ingredients. During Doors Open, follow the process and learn how this cheese is made.
Mountainoak Cheese is a modern, state-of-the-art processing plant that allows the van Bergeijks to continue the tradition of greattasting, high-quality, Gouda-style cheeses made with high-quality, fresh milk from their own dairy cows.
3165 Huron Rd, New Hamburg
CHEESEWIZ!
There are 3,500 wheels of cheese in the cold room.
Staff spend 4 hours each day wiping the cheese wheels. Some are wiped every day!
The wheels are aged in this room for varying lengths of time — some for years!
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WATERLOO COIN SOCIETY
The Waterloo Coin Society was founded in 1959 to encourage and promote the collection and study of coins, tokens, paper money, medals, badges, trade money and other currency-related collectibles. Chat with knowledgeable members and browse the collections, which include souvenir treasury notes and medals featuring iconic Waterloo Region landmarks. (Note: Located in the Perimeter Institute during Doors Open.)
Commemorative Coin Exchange during Doors Open:
Swap $5 for $5 in new commemorative coins including the 2022 "Black Ring" $2 coin honoring the late Queen Elizabeth II; 2023 "National Indigenous Peoples Day" $2 coin; 2024 "Lucy Maud Montgomery" $1 coin
Waterloo Coin Society
Perimeter Institute, 31 Caroline St. N., Waterloo
One of the oldest and most active coin clubs in Canada, dedicated to numismatics (the study and collection of coins).
65YEARS
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PERIMETERINSTITUTEFOR THEORETICALPHYSICS
Perimeter sparks big ideas and collaborations. The world’s largest research hub devoted to theoretical physics, Perimeter fosters interdisciplinary research into the workings of the universe, from the smallest particles to the entire cosmos. Explore its award-winning design, from quiet nooks to ubiquitous blackboards. Learn about their work and research areas as they celebrate their 25th anniversary.
Opened in 2004, this custom-built facility is a deliberate marriage of form and function. In 2011 it opened a sizable expansion, the Stephen Hawking Centre at Perimeter Institute, which doubled capacity to 250 researchers and trainees.
31 Caroline St. N., Waterloo
The building design won the national Governor General’s Medal for Architecture in 2006.
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ST.ANDREW'SPRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
You’ve passed it many times, maybe seen it on television or YouTube. But have you been inside? St. Andrew’s Presbyterian, at the corner of Queen Street North and Weber Street East, was rebuilt in 1907. This year, the congregation celebrates 170 years. In the past, Prime Minister Mackenzie King attended St. Andrew’s. Come and learn more about this iconic church.
170YEARS
St. Andrew’s also operates a thrift store in the church which will be open during Doors Open.
54 Queen St. N., Kitchener
HISTORY
In 1856 the congregation bought this the parcel of land and in 1857 the first building was dedicated.
It was a brick structure with a seating capacity of 175 built at a cost of $4,500.
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REGIONOFWATERLOO LIBRARIES-BRESLAUBRANCH
Located in the lower level of the Township of Woolwich's Breslau Community Centre, this former satellite branch is being converted into a full-service library (renovations will be complete in time for Doors Open).
The building’s luxury-home feel comes after it was a sales centre for the Empire Communities' Riverland subdivision, who sold it to the township in 2012 for $2.
Breslau Community Centre, 100 Andover Drive, Breslau
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Renovations are complete! Enjoy exploring the new digs!
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1820LOGHOUSE INWATERLOOPARK
Levi Carroll, born in Maryland, self-emancipated in 1843 and came to Canada via the Underground Railroad. Settling in Berlin (now Kitchener), he lived in Waterloo’s former log schoolhouse when it was located by Kitchener Collegiate Institute.
This landmark now resides in Waterloo Park and is Ontario's oldest remaining log schoolhouse.
It stands as a tribute to education and Black resilience.
Waterloo Park, 50 Young St. W., Waterloo
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SCHOOL &HOUSE
The log schoolhouse built in 1820 was Waterloo’s first educational institution.
Levi lived in the 16x20 former schoolhouse for more than 50 years.
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SPECIAL PARKING NOTICE FOR
WATERLOO PARK SITES: 1820 Log House and Waterloo Potters' Workshop
Please be aware that due to event setup for LUMEN the Young Street entrance parking will have limited spaces for Doors Open and will be closed at 3:00pm.
We encourage all attendees to plan and consider alternative parking options or public transit to access the event.
Parking Options:
Perimeter Lot: 25 Caroline St N, Waterloo (7-minute walk)
Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex: 101 Father David Bauer Dr, Waterloo (7-minute walk)
Central Parking Lot: 50 Central St, Waterloo (8-minute walk)
Temporary Parking Lot B: 51 Regina St N, Waterloo, ON (10-minute walk)
Accessibility Parking:
A limited number of parking spaces for accessibility parking will be provided near the Log House and Waterloo Potters Workshop.
Public Transit Options:
We highly encourage participants to walk, bike, or use public transit. The following ION stops provide access to Waterloo Park:
Laurier-Waterloo Park Station
Waterloo-Public Square (Willis Way) Station
Enjoy your visit and thank you for your understanding!
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WATERLOOPOTTERS'WORKSHOP ATTHEJACOBEBYFARMHOUSE
Art and history collide at Waterloo Park’s 1860 Jacob Eby Farmhouse where the Waterloo Potters’ Workshop has operated since 1967. This nonprofit co-operative — with its well-equipped pottery studio — offers classes to the public and organizes pottery sales and charity events. A site tour includes the kitchen, wheel room, glaze room and basement electric kiln room — as well as demonstrations.
The home was built in 1860. The home and the surrounding land was sold to the Town of Waterloo for use as a park in 1890. The park officially opened on August 7, 1893.
Waterloo Park 50 Young St. W., Waterloo
Since 1998, the Waterloo Potters’ annual Empty Bowls event has raised funds to provide over 1.4 million meals for people in need. in Waterloo Region.
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THEFOODBANK OFWATERLOOREGION
Explore the Food Bank of Waterloo Region's 2,880-square-metre (31,000square-foot) distribution centre, where staff and volunteers handle over 3 million kg (6.8 million pounds) of fresh, frozen and non-perishable food annually before sending it off to the Community Food Assistance Network to help feed people in Waterloo Region.
This food bank moved to its current location in Kitchener in 2000.
50 Alpine Crt., Kitchener
This food bank was the first of its kind in Ontario. It began operations in 1984 as a non-profit, registered charity.
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REGIONOFWATERLOO LIBRARIES-WELLESLEYBRANCH
Located on the main floor of a former schoolhouse, this library comprises two rooms (the adult and children departments), which were once classrooms. The library shares the building with the Wellesley Township Heritage and Historical Society and Theatre Wellesley (also part of Doors Open).
BUILDING HISTORY
Adaptive reuse-themed Take-and-Make kits for kids will also be available (supplies limited, so visit early).
1137 Henry St., Wellesley
Wellesley’s first village school was built of logs in 1848. It was destroyed by fire in 1849 and replaced by another log school. In 1859 a stone school replaced the second log school. When it became too small, it was replaced by this large, twostorey brick school in 1898.
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WELLESLEYTOWNSHIPHERITAGE ANDHISTORICALSOCIETY
Explore the Historical Room located upstairs in the old schoolhouse in Wellesley. Home to the historical society since 1979, this great space includes a collection of approximately 1,000 artifacts and documents, 2,000 photographs and 200 books. While you’re visiting the building, be sure to visit Theatre Wellesley and the Region of Waterloo Library’s Wellesley Branch as well.
In addition to Doors Open and the Wellesley Apple Butter & Cheese Festival, the Historical Room is generally open from 10am - 2pm on the last Saturday of every month, except for December,
1137 Henry St., Wellesley
Wellesley Township was named for the eldest brother of the Duke of Wellington, Englishman Richard Wellesley, in 1840.
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THEATREWELLESLEY
Peek behind the curtain of the Studio Theatre for this community group which has performed a variety of plays since 1997 as part of their mission to have fun while providing an exciting and entertaining community theatre experience.
The Spring Shows happen after Easter in this space, known as the “Studio Theatre" and it also serves as the meeting and rehearsal space.
The Fall Show runs in the middle of November at the Wellesley Community Centre located at 1000 Maple Leaf St. While you’re in the historical schoolhouse building, visit the Wellesley Township Heritage and Historical Society and the Region of Waterloo Library’s Wellesley Branch.
Discover the stunning transformation of the Savvas Chamberlain Music Building at Wilfrid Laurier University. Come and explore the 2,226-squaremetre (23,958-square-foot) renovation and addition, creating a prominent campus gateway.
Visit the new classrooms, performance venues and practice rooms with the Faculty of Music.
Learn about their community programming and the Making Space for Music initiative, showcasing musical excellence at Laurier.
75 University Ave. W., Waterloo
The building is named after Dr. Savvas Chamberlain, a philanthropist and former CEO of DALSA Corporation, who made significant contributions to the arts and education.
Go behind the scenes and discover the magic of live theatre! Take a guided tour to see this new, state-of-the-art facility — a cultural incubator for creative thinkers of all ages. Join in the fun and attend a free theatre games workshop. You'll also visit their production centre, which includes a scene shop, paint shop, props and wardrobe.
An award-winning, not-for-profit charitable organization, Drayton Entertainment produces the finest in live theatre at seven venues in southwestern Ontario. It was launched in 1991.
145 Northfield Dr. W., Waterloo
ADAPTIVE REUSE
Drayton Festival transformed this industrial warehouse into 10,000 sq. ft. of cultural infrastructure including rehearsal halls, classrooms, music rooms and acting studios, plus the Production Facility.
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WESLEY UNITED CHURCH
Explore the sanctuary, chapel and hall featuring the Apple Café (where apple dumplings and coffee are sold).
Proceeds from this café fund local charities as well as the regular maintenance and upkeep of the church’s beautiful pipe organ.
The original organ was installed in 1883 at a cost of $1,200. It had to be pumped by hand.
In 1927, a magnificent new pipe organ was installed at a cost of $13,000. Electricity ran the blower.
The original console of 1927 was replaced in the 1940’s. This is the console that is presently in the sanctuary.
Built in 1879, Wesley United Church is situated in Galt’s historical civic square, adjacent to Cambridge Farmer’s Market and historical city hall.
6 Cambridge Street, Cambridge
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SPECIAL GUESTS
Doors Open Waterloo Region welcomes the following Special Guests joining us at select locations on September 21. Each organization offers a wealth of knowledge about local infrastructure, history and heritage, so be sure to stop and chat!
Provide feedback to win local prizes
When you attend Doors
Open Waterloo Region, complete a feedback form at a site or scan or click this QR code.
You’ll be entered to win one of these prizes:
One (1) $25 Gift Certificate for shopping in Uptown Waterloo
One (1) $25 Gift Certificate for shopping in Downtown Kitchener
One (1) $25 Gift Certificate for shopping in Downtown Cambridge
Two (2) family passes for the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum
