Lynnwood Arts Centre will relocate to the Norfolk County Archives after Norfolk County Council approved the move this week following months of discussion surrounding the future of the organization and its historic home.
The arts centre has operated for decades out of the heritage building at 21 Lynnwood Avenue in Simcoe, but recent staff reports determined the organization could not meet its share of major capital repair costs required under its current agreement with the County.
Norfolk County says the move is intended to allow public arts and cultural programming to continue in a more financially sustainable way while preserving access to community arts services.
Under the plan, Lynnwood Arts Centre will continue operating as an independent charitable organization while coordinating future programming and services alongside Norfolk County staff.
Council also directed staff to develop a transition agreement and relocation plan as renovations and preparations continue at the Archives building on Norfolk Street South.
The future of the current Lynnwood property remains a significant heritage issue within the community.
The building, originally constructed in 1850 for Simcoe’s first postmaster Duncan Campbell, is both a municipally designated heritage property and a nationally recognized historic site.
Norfolk County says any future decisions involving the building will be required to comply with heritage protection rules, while local heritage advocates and arts supporters continue discussions about the site’s long-term future.
