In short
- A project developed with residents, following the 2019 Reimagining SPACE public workshops
- Outdated, inadequate buildings that no longer meet today’s needs
- No universal accessibility, which excludes many residents
- An overcrowded Library, with no quiet or inclusive space for young people
- No proper venue for artists and community groups
- A unique site that is underused, between the lake, nature, and neighbourhood
- A sustainable, inclusive, forward-thinking project, built for the future
The Centre was imagined as a meaningful response to our community’s needs.
A heartbeat for our community. A bridge to the future.
A shared dream is becoming a reality
In 2019, nearly 300 residents took part in collaborative workshops to imagine the future of the Centennial site, resulting in the creation of the spaces we now see. This process revealed a clear need for a gathering place that is accessible, sustainable and open to culture.
Today, we are laying the foundations for a transformational project for Beaconsfield.
That collective dream is becoming reality.
The Cultural Centre is not a luxury.
It is a concrete response to real needs that our current infrastructure can no longer meet.
Community groups lack adequate space to meet, hold activities and connect.
Artists have no space to imagine, create, rehearse, exhibit or perform.
The Library is overcrowded. Every day it welcomes students, tutors, families, seniors, volunteers: all within a noisy, crowded space.
Residents want to gather, learn, celebrate, but the current facilities are either inaccessible or inadequate.
Centennial Hall, once a private residence, has long since outgrown its original purpose.
- The lakeside, while beautiful, is hard to access and poorly developed.
Above all, this iconic Beaconsfield site, nestled between the lake, nature, culture and community life, deserves to be reimagined.
An underused gem with lakefront views, bordered by parkland and residential areas
This Centre marks the beginning of a new chapter for our community:
A place to gather, create, learn and grow.
A heartbeat for our community.
A bridge to the future.
"This is about building local pride. It's going to feel like ours. It’s going to reflect who we are. It will be a true place for community."
A place for all, without barriers
Today, our public facilities exclude a significant part of the population.
Families with strollers, seniors or people with disabilities face too many obstacles:
- No ramps or elevators
- No accessible restrooms
- No dedicated spaces for sensory, cognitive or neurodivergent needs
Both Centennial Hall and the Library have officially received a non-accessibility rating from Kéroul.
With over 17% of residents living with a disability — including children, adults, and seniors — and with nearby schools that welcome special needs students, it’s time to act.
They have the right to fully participate in cultural and community life.
The future Centre will be 100% accessible, designed according to the principles of universal design: ergonomic furniture, step-free access, single-storey layout, high-contrast signage, clear wayfinding, calming and sensory zones.
Accessibility should never be a luxury. It is the foundation of an inclusive community.
Cultural spaces under pressure: high demand, not enough room
Library
- 30% space deficit compared to provincial standards
- Only 80 seats: half the amount of neighbouring cities
- Not sufficient to accommodate students from the nearby high school
- No closed rooms for studying, meeting or working in a quiet environment
- No accessible washrooms for users in wheelchairs
- No calming space for neurodivergent students who visit weekly
"When I visit other libraries, I find ours in Beaconsfield a bit sad and outdated compared to others in the Montreal area..."
Centennial Hall
- Small, noisy, outdated rooms that are often fully booked
- Rear balcony closed for safety reasons
- Growing demand for community activities without proper facilities
"Some people think it's a historical building… but it’s not. They're just used to it. Let's give them something better."
A site to revitalize, for today and tomorrow
Centennial Park, the Lord Reading Yacht Club property and the waterfront are in poor condition:
- Poor drainage system, outdated playgrounds
- Underused marina
- No public washrooms with running water
- Difficult access to the lake despite its incredible potential
This project will not only allow for the construction of a modern cultural centre. It will unlock the full potential of the site, creating a true one-stop hub that blends culture, nature, wellness and community services.
A space built for us , and for generations to come
Renovation is no longer enough.
The cost of basic upgrades would exceed the current value of the buildings.
Inaction will only cost more in the long run.
The Cultural Centre will:
- Support students, families, seniors, artists, associations, and people with disabilities with flexible spaces to meet both current and future needs
- Bring together multiple cultural and community services under one roof
- Create a direct connection to the lake, the park and the natural surroundings — integrating the Centre at the core makes this synergy possible
- Offer a welcoming, active and healthy living space for both body and mind
- Reduce social isolation and promote citizen engagement through services and volunteering opportunities
- Be built with tomorrow in mind: energy efficiency, comfort, sustainability, climate resilience
Together, we’re building more than just a building.
We’re creating a space to live and thrive: a bridge for the future.
And it starts here.
