Lynnwood Arts Centre to relocate to Norfolk County Archives

Norfolk County Council has approved the move of the Lynnwood Arts Centre to the Norfolk County Archives, under the terms of a new lease and contribution agreement, to be developed.  

The Lynnwood Arts Centre, an independent charitable organization, has been operating from a County-owned heritage building at 21 Lynnwood Avenue in Simcoe. The Centre is responsible for governance, programming, and day-to-day operations, while Norfolk County provides funding support through the agreement.  

Council's decision follows consideration of multiple staff reports over several years. Most recently, an update was presented at the Council-in-Committee meeting on April 14, 2026. The report outlined that the Centre has been unable to meet its required share of capital repair costs identified in the agreement, which triggers a Notice of Default.  

Following the Board’s written notice of its agreement to move to the Archives, and acknowledgment of its inability to meet financial obligations under the current agreement, the Centre agreed to relocate.   

The solution to move the Centre to the Archives enables Norfolk County to support public arts and cultural programs in a fiscally responsible manner. Lynnwood Arts Centre, as a privately operated charity, will make decisions on future programming and services they choose to provide, in coordination with the County.  

Norfolk County recognizes the significant cultural and historic value of 21 Lynnwood Avenue, which is both a municipally designated heritage property and a nationally recognized historic site. Any future actions involving the building will be required to comply with applicable heritage protections.