Then & Now: A Photo Tour Of The Majestic Mount In Peterborough
/The former Mount St. Joseph’s complex is a huge part of Peterborough history. The iconic property dates back to the 1860s, when it was a private residence.
Our Scott Arnold was recently given a private tour of the majestic buildings and property, which sits on 10 acres and has 131,400 square feet of buildings including housing, a chapel, commercial kitchen and much more. Have a look at Scott's pictures below weaved together with historical pictures and information about this special building as its converts to an innovative, self-sustaining community project.
Photo courtesy The Mount
The property was acquired by the Catholic Diocese in 1895 and converted to a residence for the 12 Sisters of St. Joseph who were brought to Peterborough to support a Catholic hospital. As additional Sisters arrived, new wings were added to the complex. The last addition came in 1969.
1869. Photo courtesy The Mount
1895. Photo courtesy The Mount
1911. Photo courtesy The Mount
1934. Photo courtesy The Mount
1952. Photo courtesy The Mount
1969. Photo courtesy The Mount
With the declining population of nuns, the property was sold to private developers in 2009 but the downturn in the economy hindered redevelopment and the property was again put on the market in 2013.
Photo by Scott Arnold
The Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network (PPRN), originally formed by Past Mayor Paul Ayotte, was looking for a suitable property to create affordable housing and a food centre.
With thanks to generous donations and a few miracles, the PPRN acquired the property and turned it over to a newly formed non-profit organization called “The Mount Community Centre”.
Photo by Scott Arnold
Today, the 10 member Board of Directors have ambitious plans to repurpose the facility for complementary “hubs”: Housing, Food, Health and Social Services and Arts and Culture. Work is well underway on 43 new apartment units.
Photo by Scott Arnold
The building is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act for both exterior and interior heritage features. This has posed a challenge to the renovations that need to respect the historic character of the building.
The Chapel. Photo by Scott Arnold
Photo by Scott Arnold
Photo by Scott Arnold
Photo by Scott Arnold
Photo by Scott Arnold
Photo by Scott Arnold
Photo by Scott Arnold
Chapel doors: Photo by Scott Arnold
The Board has engaged with numerous partners from students at Lakefield College to the Victorian Order of Nurses, to Trent University and Sir Sanford Fleming College.
Chapel closet. by Scott Arnold
Photo by Scott Arnold
Confessional. Photo by Scott Arnold
There are between 30-35 contractors working full time on The Mount project, along with 16 amazing volunteers. The volunteers are actually doing a lot of the woodworking and refurbishing.
Dining Room. Photo by Scott Arnold
Original fireplace. Photo by Scott Arnold
The founders of this non-profit organization know The Mount will make a wonderful setting for a diverse self-sustaining village within the city.
Inside side entrance. Photo by Scott Arnold
Iron from old bed. Photo by Scott Arnold
With amazing momentum, community partners, volunteers and perserverance, The Mount Community Centre is well on its way to creating a new and exciting social hub within the City of Peterborough.
Multi-purpose space being refurbished. Photo by Scott Arnold
Old iron board. Photo by Scott Arnold
One of many long hallways. Photo by Scott Arnold
Original farmhouse on property circa 1860s. Photo by Scott Arnold
Stairway near entrance to The Mount. Photo by Scott Arnold
Old swimming pool. Photo by Scott Arnold
Old Tea Room. Photo by Scott Arnold
Activity Room. Photo by Scott Arnold
The attic: Photo by Scott Arnold
The attic: Photo by Scott Arnold
Trunk room where they kept their trunks. Photo by Scott Arnold
Photo by Scott Arnold
This incredible community project is another testament to the creative ingenuity happening in this city, and how far collaboration, ideas and imagination can take us.
Photo by Scott Arnold
Exterior shot courtesy The Mount.
