The Old Post Office Has Officially Re-Opened!

Lakefield, ON (April 27, 2024) – On Saturday morning, Selwyn Township Council members officially reopened the Old Post Office at 12 Queen Street, Lakefield. There was a round of applause as Mayor Sherry Senis cut the ribbon – held by her Council colleagues – with a large pair of scissors while standing in front of the building.

The Old Post Office was constructed in 1914 and has served as a post office, apartments, recreational retail space and, most recently, a police station and the office for the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. The building was the Village post office for 60 years, from 1916 to 1976. The building, classical in style with Italianate features, is typical of public buildings built during the tenure of Chief Architect, David Ewart. The four-sided clock tower of the former Post Office makes it the village's tallest building and a downtown landmark. It received municipal heritage designation in 2014 during its 100th Anniversary celebration.

“The reopening is a historic and defining moment. Through this project, we’re preserving the past, embracing the present, and shaping the future by enhancing this historic building with modern comforts. We are here at this beautiful building to celebrate, acknowledge and honour our rich history, while looking towards the future.” 

- Sherry Senis, Mayor of Selwyn Township

“Congratulations to Selwyn Township on the re-opening of the historic Old Post Office. This unique space will be an important, innovative hub for local entrepreneurs and small businesses to grow their ideas. The Government of Canada is investing in projects that support small businesses and grow communities.”

- The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

The roughly $1.6-million project was funded by the Township (about $950,000), and the Government of Canada ($750,000) through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Following the brief speeches, Council members and residents were invited to tour the newly renovated building, which now includes a fully accessible main entrance leading to an elevator, an accessible public washroom, modernized office space, a boardroom, and two kitchenettes. 

For more information, please contact:
Meaghan Larocque, Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Township of Selwyn
705-292-9507 ext. 245
mlarocque@selwyntownship.ca