Whitby Centennial Building Timeline

Contruction of building begins

Jan 1, 1852

The architects were Frederic Cumberland and William Storm of Toronto.

Building completed

Jan 1, 1854

This image is a print from a map of the Ontario County Courthouse, and shows the completed building in 1860 (courtesy Whitby Archives).

North end extention added

Jan 1, 1866

This photograph from 1895 shows the north end extension (courtesy Whitby Archives)

Cannons added

Jan 1, 1902

Colonel John Edwin Farewell, Ontario County Clerk, acquired two surplus cannons from the Citadel in Halifax. These were placed on the front lawn of the Ontario County Courthouse in 1902 (photo courtesy Whitby Archives)

2nd Floor Added

Jan 1, 1910

A second floor to both wings was added and an extension to the south wing was made in 1910. This image is taken from a book written by Colonel J.E. Farewell (c. 1910, photo courtesy Whitby Archives)

Cannons moved

Jun 16, 1964

In 1964, the County offices moved to a new building at 605 Rossland Road East and the cannons were shipped there on a flatbed truck. On July 8, 1989, they were returned to the Citadel in Halifax (photo courtesy Brian Winter).

Building renamed "Whitby Centennial Building"

Feb 18, 1967

The building was renovated as part of Whitby's Centennial Project for use as a community centre. The buiding was renamed the "Whitby Centennial Building". The photograph of Tom Edwards, Mayor Desmond Newman and Dr. Kenneth Hobbs standing in front of the Centennial of Confederation plaque for the Whitby Centennial Building (photo courtesy Whitby Archives)

Grand reopening

Jun 14, 2003

In celebration of its 150th anniversary, the building was again renovated. This photograph shows the Whitby Brass Band on stage at the grand reopening ceremony. The building is now the home of the Whitby Court House Theatre and Whitby Brass Band
(photo courtesy Whitby Archives).