Future of the Federal Building

Ensure future use provides an inclusive environment for residents and visitors.  

The process will focus on brainstorming uses that reflect community values, aspirations, and long-term benefits, even though no specific outcome can be guaranteed. 

Future use of the Federal Building will contribute positively to downtown vitality, complement surrounding uses, and enhance Collingwood’s identity as a destination and community hub. 

Community input will be considered alongside technical, financial, regulatory, and operational factors to support Staff and Council’s evaluation of the acquisition. 

All options will be evaluated with consideration of financial impacts, risks, and long-term liabilities to ensure responsible stewardship of public resources. 

Engagement opportunities will be designed to reach a broad and diverse cross-section of the community, ensuring all voices have the opportunity to be heard. 

Sustainable over the long-term from an economic perspective.  

Partnerships (public, private, institutional, or non-profit) will be explored to maximize community benefit, share risk, and enhance project viability. 

The historical significance of the Federal Building will be acknowledged and respected throughout the process, recognizing its cultural and architectural value. 

Decisions will align with existing Town strategies, plans, and priorities, including economic development, downtown revitalization, cultural planning, and asset management objectives. 

The process will be open and transparent, with clear communication on how decisions are made and how community input influences outcomes. Progress updates and rationale for decisions will be shared publicly. 

The Collingwood post office and customs house was built from 1913 to 1915 by local architect Philip C. Palin. Strategically located in Collingwood, the building is on the west side of Hurontario Street, near the harbour, and was originally near the railway station as well. 

Composition - The Collingwood federal building is a two-storey structure measuring 100 feet by 72 feet and features a gently sloping hip roof. It is made of brick, except for the facade of white marble, and rests on a stone foundation. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, it is distinguished by an exceptionally ornate, animated facade. 

• Beaux-Arts style with white marble cladding. 
• 22 Corinthian columns spanning the full height of the facade. Each Corinthian column costing about $1,000.
• Stained-glass dome inside featuring coats of arms of four levels of government.
• Low hipped roof, projecting portico, colonnade.

Construction - The building stands out chiefly for the use of exquisite materials. The facade and its main elements (including columns, balustrades and steps) are made of white marble. Materials such as marble, bronze and oak were used in great abundance for the building interior and appointments. 

Architect - Philip C. Palin, a local Collingwood architect, drew up the plans and specifications for the building. 

Builders - Builders included Bryan Manufacturing Company (Collingwood) and Michael Healy (Toronto)

The building was completed and officially opened on February 14, 1915. A date later tied to its "Valentine's Day" identity.

For decades, Transport Canada maintained offices on the second floor of the Federal Building. 

• Their primary presence was the Steamship Inspection Office. Up until the 1980s, Transport Canada officials and examiners used this building to test and license Great Lakes sailors, captains, and engineers (for tickets like Master and Chief Engineer). 
• The 1980s Decline: As the prominent Collingwood Shipyards scaled back and ultimately closed in 1986, the need for localized marine inspection and licensing dropped significantly. The Transport Canada presence was phased out of the downtown core shortly after.

February 14, 1984 - Designated a Classified Federal Heritage Building under the Treasury Board Policy on Management of Real Property. 

August 12, 2005 - Added to the Canadian Register of Historic Place.

The Federal Building was constructed as a joint post office and customs office, serving Collingwood residents for 79 years until 1994 when the post office moved across the street to its present location at 33 Hurontario Street. 

In January 2025, Collingwood Council approved the Downtown Master Plan, establishing a long‑term framework to guide growth, heritage preservation, public‑realm investment, and economic vitality in the historic core. The plan positions Downtown Collingwood as the cultural and civic heart of the community through 2051.

A key feature of the plan is its recognition of the Federal Building at 44 Hurontario Street as one of the most important heritage anchors in the downtown. Early in the document, the plan identifies the Federal Building as one of the defining elements of Collingwood’s historic urban fabric:

“Collingwood's Downtown is defined by a generally continuous fabric of tight‑knit heritage buildings, including landmarks such as the Town Hall, the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena, and the Federal Building.”

The building receives further emphasis in Action Item #19, which focuses on adaptive re‑use of strategic downtown properties. Here, the plan directly names the building and underscores its significance:

“For example, the Federal Building at 44 Hurontario Street is an iconic landmark and an integral part of Collingwood's historic Downtown fabric.”

This action item encourages the Town to explore opportunities for adaptive re‑use should the building become available, recognizing its potential to support cultural, civic, or community‑serving functions while preserving its heritage character.

After postal and customs services moved, the building continued to house federal government offices, currently operating as a Service Canada site.

The Town is seeking community input on how this landmark property could be reimagined and contribute to the continued vitality of downtown Collingwood.