Where Heritage Meets Innovation: Discover Doors Open Waterloo Region 2024

Get ready to explore the hidden gems of Waterloo Region at the 22nd annual Doors Open event on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This one-day celebration of architecture, heritage, and innovation will feature 26 remarkable sites, surpassing last year’s 13,000 visitors across 20 locations. From robots and fire engines to theoretical physics, a 19th-century jail, a farm distillery, and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of theatrical sets, props, and costumes — there’s something for everyone. See how this year's theme of adaptive reuse comes to life in sites like St. Mark’s Place, a newly opened 43-unit affordable housing complex built within a historic church. To give you a sneak peek, Teachers on Call’s online and in-person tutoring team spoke with Kelly Spencer, Coordinator for Doors Open Waterloo Region, for an insider’s perspective on what to expect.

As part of the provincewide Ontario Heritage Trust initiative, Doors Open Waterloo Region offers exciting new locations in 2024. With participation from Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo as well as smaller communities like Elmira, New Hamburg, Breslau, and Wellesley, this year’s event promises something for everyone. Last year, Teachers on Call highlighted the event with a feature on Rogers TV, Cable 20, which you can read here. Waterloo Region’s reputation as a tech hub means that fans of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) will not want to miss this year’s event. With 17 brand-new sites participating, you’re sure to find something fascinating at every turn. Several sites will showcase technological innovation, scientific discovery, and artificial intelligence (AI), adding to the event’s dynamic offerings. This year, we are interviewing the organizers themselves for more behind-the-scenes insights.

How to Plan for Doors Open Waterloo Region 2024

With only one day to explore, planning ahead for Doors Open Waterloo Region 2024 is key. Make sure to prioritize the sites you want to visit and map out your route to maximize your time. To get a glimpse of the exciting offerings this year, check out the event’s new commercial, see below. Another unique feature of this year’s event is that all locations are beautifully depicted through illustrations by Della vanDokkumburg, a talented local illustrator living in Conestogo. For even more fun and to help organize your day, be sure to explore the Brochure/Passport and Kids’ Activity Guide — perfect tools to enhance your experience and keep the little ones entertained throughout the event.

New Participating Sites for Doors Open Waterloo Region 2024

This year’s Doors Open Waterloo Region introduces 17 exciting new sites that you won't want to miss. Each offers a unique perspective on the region’s rich history, culture, and innovation. Here’s a complete list of the new sites:

1. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy - 145 Northfield Drive West, Waterloo, ON N2L 5E1
2. Eldale Veterinary Clinic - 150 Church Street West, Elmira, ON N3B 1N8
3. Emmanuel at Brighton Child Care Centre- 65 Noecker Street, Waterloo, ON N2J 2R6
4. Fire Hall Museum & Education Centre -56 Dickson Street, Cambridge, ON N1R 1T8
5. Food Bank of Waterloo Region - 50 Alpine Court, Kitchener, ON N2E 2M7
6. Indwell — St. Mark's Place- 825 King Street West, Kitchener, ON N2G 1E3
7. Middleton Waterloo Pumping Station - 900 Glen Forrest Boulevard, Waterloo, ON N2L 4R6
8. Mountainoak Cheese - 3075 Huron Road, New Hamburg, ON N3A 3C1
9. Region of Waterloo Libraries — Breslau Branch - 100 Andover Drive, Breslau, ON N0B 1M0
10. Region of Waterloo Libraries — Wellesley Branch - 1137 Henry Street, Wellesley, Ontario N0B 2T0
11. Savvas Chamberlain Music Building - Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5
12. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church - 54 Queen Street North, Kitchener, ON N2H 2H2
13. Theatre Wellesley- 1000 Maple Leaf Street, Wellesley, ON N0B 2T0
14. Waterloo Coin Society (at Perimeter Institute) - 31 Caroline Street North, Waterloo, ON N2L 2Y5
15. Waterloo ION Maintenance Facility - 518 Dutton Drive, Waterloo, ON N2L 4C6
16. Waterloo Potters' Workshop at the Jacob Eby Farmhouse - 50 Young Street West, Waterloo, ON N2L 2Z4
17. Wellesley Township Heritage and Historical Society - 1137 Henry Street, Wellesley, Ontario N0B 2T0
    
    

An Interview with the Organizers Behind Doors Open Waterloo Region

Check out our interview with Kelly Spencer, Coordinator for Doors Open Waterloo Region, for an insider’s perspective on what to expect.

What are some of the standout experiences visitors can expect during Doors Open Waterloo Region this year?

This year’s 26 sites cover the entire Region of Waterloo – all four townships and three cities. Visitors can create their own itinerary: A scenic rural day spent exploring the sites located in our townships? Or an urban adventure packed with sites throughout Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge? Or a bit of both?  Seventeen of this year’s 26 sites have never participated in Doors Open before, so, there are a lot of new discoveries to made!

Beyond Waterloo Region, where do your Doors Open visitors come from?

The majority of visitors come from within Waterloo Region and surrounding areas (Guelph, Hamilton, etc.) but some travel from across the province, usually as an opportunity to spend a memorable day with family and friends who live here.

How was the theme for Doors Open Waterloo Region 2024 chosen, and what inspired its focus for this year’s event?

Doors Open Ontario selected the theme of “adaptive reuse”. Several of our sites showcase this theme, such as Indwell St. Mark’s Place — a former church which was recently renovated to offer 43 much-needed supportive affordable homes, specifically for people who have experienced homelessness or precarious housing. 

What unique features of Waterloo Region’s history or architecture do you hope visitors will take away from this event?

The opportunity to explore behind-the-scenes during Doors Open inevitably leads people (even longtime residents) to discover new sites they never realize existed.  And it’s an invitation to discover what’s inside those buildings you’ve passed a thousand times and wondered, “what’s it like inside” or “what do they do in there”? No matter how much of Waterloo Region you’ve explored in the past, there’s always plenty more to discover.

Are there any educational sites or activities particularly relevant for elementary and secondary students, especially with the back-to-school season in full swing?

Supervised kids are welcome at all Doors Open sites, but some sites will appeal to them more than others. Take-And-Make kits (in this year’s adaptive reuse theme) are offered to kids at the Breslau and Wellesley branches of the Region of Waterloo Libraries.

Kids who are keen on theatre will enjoy the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy and Production Facility and Theatre Wellesley.

The four museums will be of interest to kids (Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, Fashion History Museum, Fire Hall Museum & Education Centre, and the 1820 Log House in Waterloo Park). 

Science enthusiasts will enjoy Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and OTTO Motors. 

Animal lovers will like Eldale Veterinary Clinic and Mountainoak Cheese.

Can you share how technology and innovation, key elements of Waterloo’s identity, are highlighted in this year’s Doors Open event?

OTTO Motors is always a popular site. It was founded by four University of Waterloo graduates and is a leading provider of autonomous mobile robots. Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics is also sure to be well-attended. Aside from being a truly stunning award-winning building design, visitors will be thrilled to learn about the fascinating work that takes place there every day.

What other upcoming community events in Waterloo Region should visitors look forward to after Doors Open?

The Region of Waterloo Museums have plenty of fantastic Spooky Season programming, including: Bloody Berlin Walking Tours and Chilling Candlelit Evenings at Schneider Haus; and The Dark Side of Galt Evenings Walking Tours and Halloween Tea by The Grand at McDougall Cottage.

What local restaurants or coffee shops do you recommend for visitors looking to take a snack or lunch break during the event?

There’s great food and beverage options available at some participating sites: The excellent restaurant at Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery; Kitchen will be open at 11:00 a.m. The Apple Café at Wesley United Church in Cambridge will be serving fresh apple dumplings and coffee.

There are a number of great cafes and eateries in Uptown Waterloo for visitors who are taking in the sites located in Waterloo Park. If you’re visiting the Waterloo County Gaol and Governor’s House and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (located across the street from one another), there’s an excellent eatery just a minute away: Aura-La Pastries + Provisions is (in my opinion) the best bakery with the best coffee in the Region and the Kouign-Amann cookie will provide all the energy and delight you need to explore more Doors Open!

What is your favorite tip for attendees to make the most of their Doors Open Waterloo experience?

You can’t see all 26 in six hours so plan and prioritize. Our map is really helpful for the logistics and our Event Guide will inspire your choices, too.

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As you explore the diverse range of sites in this year's Doors Open Waterloo Region, be sure to make the most of the day by planning your visits in advance. For educators in the Waterloo Region, this weekend also coincides with Teacher Appreciation Weekend at Indigo! Be sure to stop by your local Indigo store in Cambridge, Kitchener, or Waterloo to sign up for plumTeacher and enjoy 20% off all your purchases as a token of appreciation for all you do. 

We wish everyone an exciting and educational experience this weekend as you discover the rich history and innovation of Waterloo Region.