Pickering College is marking the start of construction of West Lake House, a historic addition to the PC campus. Over 600 members of the Pickering College community recently gathered at a celebratory event where the excitement for this much-anticipated building was palpable.

West Lake House will add 50,000 square feet of learning space and feature a 600-seat auditorium for full school gatherings, science labs, a makerspace, a Junior School wing, music and theatre rooms, an arts room, and will be home to the school’s radio station 102.7 CHOP FM. The building has been designed by international architectural firm Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc. and will be built by construction firm Maystar General Contractors.

“Our aim is to design a building true to Quaker design principles for Pickering College that facilitates campus growth,” says Gary Watson, one of the architects of West Lake House with Diamond Schmitt.  “The design of West Lake House embodies the ideals of the school and its ambitions, while respecting its site, community and history. It will provide a space to nurture future global leaders.”

The learning spaces in West Lake House will help students develop the skills they need for the future, whilst also developing the values and character traits that will help them as future leaders and global citizens. At the heart of a Pickering College education is the vision to develop innovative, courageous and compassionate global citizens who take action, true to Quaker values.

“I am so excited to see what happens when we have inspired faculty and staff, and ambitious and creative students learning in West Lake House,” said Cinde Lock, Head of School. “The addition of West Lake House to our campus will give us the space to grow and to thrive. We are so grateful to our donors for their support and the critical role they play in making learning opportunities at Pickering College possible.”

Fundraising for this facility has been supported by the entire school community including current and past parents, staff, faculty, alumni, and other friends of the school. West Lake House will be an incredible addition to the Pickering College campus for this and future generations of students.