To better understand the project
An overview of the future Cultural Centre in Beaconsfield: a welcoming, inclusive and inspiring place for all.
What’s the difference between the Imagine Centennial project and the Cultural Centre?
Imagine Centennial is the name of the broader revitalization project for Centennial Park and the Lord Reading Yacht Club site. The future Cultural Centre is the first phase of this transformation. Additional elements will follow, including outdoor event zones and play areas.
Why is this project important?
The Beaconsfield Library and Centennial Hall are at the heart of our community and cultural life, but they are no longer adequate. They are undersized, outdated, and not accessible to all. Meanwhile, demand for programming continues to grow, as more than 125,000 visits were recorded annually in our cultural facilities.
Our current infrastructure creates barriers: residents living with disabilities cannot fully access our spaces.
The site selected for this project is exceptional, between lake and forest, close to the civic hub, but it also requires major upgrades.
This project addresses real needs and brings together nature, the lake, culture and community in a seamless “one-stop-shop” experience. It will improve quality of life in Beaconsfield, today and for generations to come.
Will the Centre be accessible to everyone?
Yes, it will be 100% accessible. Universal accessibility is fully integrated into every aspect of the project, from design and layout to furniture and programming. This includes: barrier-free spaces, adapted washrooms, a multisensory “zen” room, inclusive signage and accessible outdoor paths. Programming will also be designed with neurodivergent individuals and caregivers in mind.
Every visitor will feel welcome, supported and at ease.
What tangible benefits will the Centre bring to the community?
- Reduced social isolation
- Improved physical, mental, and social well-being
- A one-stop destination combining culture, community life, and access to nature
- Support for volunteerism and community engagement
- Inclusive space welcoming all: families, seniors, youth, newcomers, individuals with disabilities, local artists and organizations
- Year-round access to a safe, inclusive and stimulating environment
Has the project been shaped with community input?
Yes, from the very beginning. In 2015, a city-wide consultation and forum identified two key priorities:
- Revitalizing and enhancing Centennial Park
- Improving cultural and community infrastructure
In 2016, the Urban Planning Advisory Committee recommended integrating the Marina into the park to create a large public waterfront space.
In 2019, more than 300 residents, including association leaders, participated in co-design workshops. Their input led to 11 key recommendations developed by the Reimagining SPACE steering committee, which shaped the project.
Half of the members on the architectural competition jury were Beaconsfield residents, and all were experts in their respective fields.
It’s a project shaped by the community, for the community.
What is the environmental impact of the project?
The Centre has been designed with sustainability in mind: mass timber construction, green roofs, strategies to optimize natural light inside the building, mature tree preservation, and on-site rainwater retention. The project does not aim for formal certification, it embraces an environmentally responsible approach, contributing positively to its context, both environmentally and socially.
Will the park be reduced to make room for the Centre?
No. On the contrary, the park will grow. The integration of the Lord Reading Marina site will increase green space by 48%. The Centre will be located on the previously paved section of the marina, eliminating vehicular access to the park. Centennial Park will be restored and revitalized, with new trails, gathering areas, a rooftop lookout, and improved shoreline access.
Why invest in a cultural centre?
Our existing cultural spaces are not accessible and no longer meet the needs of a vibrant, growing community. Investing in culture means investing in well-being, mental health, social inclusion, education and community engagement.
Studies show that well-designed cultural centres improve quality of life and strengthen community resilience. The vitality of Beaconsfield’s community life, with over 50 active associations, reflects the need for shared space and support.
When will the Centre open?
The construction call for tenders is expected in fall 2025, with groundbreaking scheduled for spring 2026. The Centre is expected to open by summer 2028.
