Efforts Underway to Protect Historic Schoolhouse in Pickering

The City of Pickering is hoping that a quick provincial heritage review can help save a 160-year-old pioneer schoolhouse from demolition.

The Whitevale School House, built in 1865 on Sideline 28, served as a school for over a century. It is now vacant and has faced deterioration and vandalism in recent years. Infrastructure Ontario is currently reviewing the property to see if it qualifies for designation as a provincially significant heritage site.

This building was constructed in the Greek Revival style by Truman White, and staff in Pickering’s heritage department have stated that it holds “significant potential heritage value.” This includes its architectural worth as an uncommon example of a large, well-designed country schoolhouse, along with its long-standing role in educating and supporting the growth of the Whitevale community and its contribution to the character of the Whitevale Heritage Conservation District.

However, a heritage designation from the city does not have legal power over provincially owned land.

1877 map of Pickering Township

The schoolhouse, which was also used as a private residence after closing down as a school in 1966, is situated east of the hamlet of Whitevale, on
the north side of Whitevale Road and the east side of Sideline 28.

The motion presented at Monday’s Council meeting by Councillor David Pickles calls for Infrastructure Ontario to “immediately take all necessary steps to secure this historic, valued building and protect it from further vandalism or deterioration.”

The city is also urging the province to look into options for adapting and restoring the Whitevale School House. Additionally, they want staff to begin any site-specific zoning by-law amendments that would allow more uses on the property to support these future plans.