Welcome

Project Benefits
The re-energized Small Arms Building achieves several benefits for the city, region, province and country as follows.

About this historic building

The existing Small Arms building was constructed in 1939 to support the manufacturing of hand weapons in support of the 2nd world war. It is one of the last remaining, intact, munitions factories in Canada. It comprises 43,000 sf on 2 levels. Saved from intended demolition through designation under the Ontario Heritage Act, the building can now be re-purposed for a range of cultural activities in support of Arts Culture Heritage and Science, all consistent with Mississauga's new Strategic Plan and Cultural Master Plan. The prevention of the demolition and subsequent heritage designation garnered an award from the "Rosie the Riveter" Organization in California, recognizing its national importance through the employment of a mostly female workforce during the 2nd world war.
The renewed facility will support the following functions: Artists performance spaces, Artists studios, Galleries, Workshops, Meeting rooms, Community space, Food service, heritage museum celebrating Mississauga's contributions during the great wars, University field offices for brownfield remediation and environmental studies. The facility will be supported through University of Toronto and Seneca College outreach facilities, market rental of facilities, Mississauga cultural grants, other foundations, and various event funding . At 700m from the Longbranch GO station and terminus for the Toronto Lakeshore streetcar line, the centre will attract transit riders throughout the GT A. In conjunction with our College and University partners the building will be retrofitted with cutting edge environmental technologies developed on site through a process of pilot projects.