Pickering College: A New Chapter in Our Storied Legacy

On February 10, 2025, Pickering College was officially recognized as a designated heritage property by the Town of Newmarket.

This historic milestone affirms the school’s cultural and architectural significance, preserving its legacy for generations to come. The designation specifically acknowledges the exterior features of Rogers House, ensuring that its historical and artistic elements remain a defining presence on the campus.

Rogers House is at the heart of this designation, designed by renowned Toronto architect John Lyle, with contributions from local architect Oliver Tench. Lyle, whose portfolio includes iconic Canadian landmarks such as the Royal Alexandra Theatre and Union Station, brought his signature Beaux-Arts style to the building, making it a true work of art.

On the hilltop, Rogers House immediately commands attention. Its grand threeand-a-half-storey structure, the largest of its kind in the area, rises above the landscape as a proud and enduring symbol of learning. From the moment visitors approach Pickering College, the building’s striking façade, adorned with intricate stonework and finely crafted architectural details, tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and excellence.

The artistic and historical value of Rogers House is reflected in its stunning design elements. Its roofline, with its meticulously carved dentils and moulded frieze, its Corinthian columns, and its impressive frontispiece, all speak to a bygone era of masterful construction.The Beaux-Arts influence is evident throughout, from the stately symmetry of its red brick exterior to the ornate pedimented roofline adorned with semi-circular and oculus windows. Grand gable dormers and decorative belfries add to its distinguished presence, while the carefully placed quoins and stone belt courses enhance its formal composition.

Beyond its architectural beauty, Rogers House has played an integral role in shaping the Pickering College experience. For over 100 years, it has been a place of learning, innovation, and community—a landmark not just in bricks and mortar, but in the hearts of students, staff, and alumni alike.

This heritage designation is more than an acknowledgment of Rogers House’s past; it is a promise for the future. As we celebrate this moment, we honour the legacy of those who came before us while ensuring that this remarkable piece of history continues to inspire and educate for generations to come. Pickering College has always been a place where tradition meets progress, and with this recognition, our story gains yet another chapter—one that will stand the test of time.

Did you know?

Beyond its architectural beauty, the Pickering College campus holds a place in Canadian broadcasting history—where, in December 1921, 21-year-old alumnus E.S. Ted Rogers became the only Canadian to successfully transmit a radio signal across the Atlantic during the first amateur transatlantic radio competition.