A Closer look at our Vision for 176 Wellington
Download a printable copy of our Vision document
176 Wellington: A Community Resource, Reimagined
For centuries, Niagara-on-the-Lake and the wider Niagara region have been places where people gather, learn, and care for one another. The former hospital at 176 Wellington Street is part of that story, shaped by decades of community service and public life.
Today, the Town is considering what comes next.
176 Wellington is a community-centred vision to reimagine this historic public building as a space that reflects Niagara-on-the-Lake’s heritage, vibrant cultural life, and growing commitment to environmental sustainability and wellbeing. Led by the James A. Burton & Family Foundation (JABFF), the project proposes a thoughtful and community-driven approach to support the town’s evolving needs while protecting what makes this place exceptional.
The vision for 176 Wellington builds on Niagara’s long-standing tradition of gathering by creating opportunities for seniors seeking meaningful engagement, families looking for accessible learning and cultural experiences, and residents who value wellness, creativity, and connection to place. It also offers space for residents and visitors to engage more deeply with the region’s landscapes through outdoor and environmental programming, developed alongside trusted partners.
This work is being advanced through relationships with a growing network of collaborators across arts and culture, education, environmental stewardship, community wellbeing, and heritage. JABFF has been in conversation and collaboration with respected organizations such as the Shaw Festival, Niagara Academy of Indigenous Relations, the Royal Oak Community School, and Parks Canada, among others who share a commitment to strengthening Niagara-on-the-Lake as a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community.
Through adaptive reuse, 176 Wellington offers an opportunity to honour the historic character of the former hospital while renewing it for modern use. The goal is to create a welcoming and versatile space that supports cultural programming, education, wellness, and intergenerational connection, while meeting today’s standards for accessibility and sustainability.
176 Wellington will be advanced through a combination of public grants, philanthropic investment, community partnerships, and private donations. Engagement and consultation will continue as the concept develops, ensuring the future of 176 Wellington remains rooted in community priorities and long-term public benefit.
Learn More and stay up to date by visiting 176wellington.ca