Peel County Office Building
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| Architect: |
Rounthwaite & Fairfield |
| Built by: |
Dunker Construction Ltd. |
| Opened: |
January 1867 |
| Cost: |
$505,000 |
| Opened: |
1959 |
| Material: |
Concrete, glass, steel |
| Style: |
International |
| |
Function and style
This building was constructed as a replacement for the 1890s Registry Office, to replace the Council Chamber in the old Courthouse and provide additional office space for the growing County staff.
Although a marked contrast to the Courthouse beside it, the 1959 Registry Office is architecturally and historically significant. This is one of very few surviving examples in the area of the International style, which came out of the 1950s and achieved world wide recognition. In Canada it was best characterized by Toronto's iconic Toronto Dominion tower.
Hallmarks of the International style:
- structural transparency, precise edges and clarity
- no ornamentation
- exposed steel beams provide a grid frame filled with curtains of glass, or other materials. The panels on the north side of the building closest to the Courthouse exemplify this.
- illusion of floating created by recessing the main floor
Why this style?
In the late 1950s, Peel County was experiencing a flush of development. In nearby Malton, the supersonic AVRO Arrow was under construction. Thousands of people were employed in the aviation and support industries. Post-war immigration was swelling population figures, resulting in new subdivisions, schools, shopping malls. The surrounding farmland contributed to the strong local economy. The sense of growth, optimism and a view that looked to the future was captured by the County’s decision to build in this modern style.
When it opened in 1959, this building served as a Registry Office, County Council Chamber and offices. During the 1980s it was used by Brampton Hydro and until recently it was used by the Region of Peel’s Housing Department.
When the Peel Heritage Complex reopens, it will be home to the Art Gallery of Peel.
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