To better understand the project
An overview of the future Cultural Centre in Beaconsfield: a welcoming, inclusive and inspiring place for all.
Can the City afford this project while preserving its long-term financial health?
The City is in sound financial health. The project has been structured in a prudent and responsible manner.
The total project cost is approximately $28.6 million. Nearly $16.9 million comes from confirmed grants, dedicated funds and private contributions. The portion to be financed is approximately $11.7 million.
Please consult the table below to better understand the various amounts related to the project.
| Project cost (including contingencies, professional fees and financing costs), net of taxes | $28,622,513 |
| Available funds and announced grants | $10,034,698 |
| Amount of the loan by-law | $18,587,905 |
| Other sources of financing to come (confirmed: $5.475M; anticipated: $1.4M) | $6,874,910 |
| Net cost to be financed by the City | $11,712,905 |
What will be the impact on taxes?
The anticipated tax impact for the net amount to be financed, once construction is fully completed, is $82.61 per year for a home of average value, estimated at $1.1 million.
The current interest rate (February 2026) for a $11.7 million loan is approximately 3.47%.
Long-term financing for municipalities is provided through the issuance of notes or bonds following a tender process administered by the Québec Ministry of Finance. At the conclusion of this tender process, financing is awarded to the lowest compliant bidder. Municipalities thus have secure and advantageous securities at their disposal and can therefore keep borrowing costs as low as possible.
What is the future of the Centennial building and when are changes planned?
The Centennial building will remain accessible throughout the construction of the new Centre. In the short term, no changes are planned for users.
Originally built in 1941 as a private residence, the building has reached the end of its useful life. It no longer meets current needs or accessibility standards, and the cost required to upgrade it would exceed its value. Structural issues, including concerns with the rear balcony, as well as water infiltration problems, are also present.
In accordance with the recommendations of the Reimagining SPACE steering committee, the building will be deconstructed at a later stage as part of the site revitalization, in keeping with sustainable development principles.
I participate in activities with a community group. Will our activities be affected?
No. The Centennial building will only be deconstructed once the new Centre is built and ready to welcome activities.
Groups will therefore not be affected by the construction work. Activities will continue as usual, and our team will support associations to ensure a smooth transition to the new Centre, which will offer more accessible spaces better suited to their needs.
What are the next steps for the park (playground, stage, pathways, etc.)?
The Beaconsfield Cultural Centre is part of a broader vision to revitalize Centennial Park. It represents a key step within a comprehensive plan aimed at gradually enhancing the site’s amenities and infrastructure.
The order of implementation and priorities will be determined as part of a future three-year capital expenditures program, based on available resources and Council’s direction.
What will happen to the space currently occupied by the Library?
The building that currently houses the Library will not be demolished. Located in a strategic area, it will be subject to an opportunity and feasibility analysis, in collaboration with members of the community, in order to determine the most appropriate future use of the space.
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.