Finding alternatives to demolishing the Centre Pier buildings is what the Pier Group is all about. To that end, they are hosting two events in November to explore ideas for adaptive re-use of the historic Centre Pier buildings on the Port Hope waterfront.

First off is a speaker’s night featuring Tim Jones and Gord Hume at the Cameco Capitol Arts Centre on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p. m.

The Port Hope Community Input Workshop at the Knights of Columbus Hall follows that on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 8:30 a. m. until 4:30 p. m..

Tim Jones, director of Artscape, Toronto, will be the keynote speaker.

Artscape is at the forefront of creating creative spaces in creative places. Artscape’s many completed projects have successfully reused historic buildings to support creative business while at the same time re-invigorating communities.

Also, Gord Hume, chair of the Municipal Cultural Planning Partnership, is one of the leading pioneers of the Creative City movement in Canadian municipal government.

The Pier Group wants the public’s input and want to know how you feel about the historic buildings and if they can be reused to enliven the waterfront and bring more excitement to downtown.

Their panelists will bring their experience to the table and engage in community discussions about the future of the Pier Buildings.

Netgain Partners and Historica Research have prepared reports for The Pier Group on potential economics of re-use and the historical/heritage aspects of these buildings.

These reports will help set the stage for our community ideas workshop.

Both of these events are free. However, donations will be accepted. There is no obligation, but anyone planning to attend may contact the Pier Group at info@thepiergroup.ca or call 905-753-1122.