Elora’s Historic Commercial Hotel, originally built in 1848 but expanded in the decades that followed, was more than just a stone structure even then. It was the beating heart of a small village’s social, cultural, and political life. Modelled after big-city hotels from around the world, it boasted 70 rooms, a variety of parlours, a banquet room, and a very popular bar. During the mid-19th century, it was used regularly to host political rallies, town council meetings, and social gatherings of all kinds. Elora’s civic and social life thrived at this hotel, establishing it as an incredibly vital piece of the village’s identity.
Preserving this Hotel means safeguarding a cornerstone of Elora’s heritage. For many long years, it served as a vibrant community hub where people could meet, debate, and celebrate. Its revitalization is not just about preserving historic architecture, but also about honouring a space that witnessed so many of Elora’s key moments. In the face of declining patronage and the prohibition era, many hotels of this kind disappeared, erasing local stories with them. Today’s restoration efforts, including reviving the once-lively balcony, aim to reconnect our community with its past and keep the spirit of this storied landmark alive.
The Elora Cinema, attached to the Historic Hotel, brought a unique cultural dimension to the building. It transformed it into a place where stories were not only told through conversation and debate, but also on the silver screen. In a small town like this, it meant that locals, and especially children, had a fantastic window into faraway places and amazing worlds. It was a place where the community could gather to share in the wonder of storytelling, and connect to narratives that took place beyond their everyday lives. Saving the Commercial Hotel preserves not just a building, but a truly vital space of shared stories, dreams, and connections that have shaped Elora’s collective memory.
Renovating Elora’s Historic Commercial Hotel is deeply personal to me because I grew up in Elora, surrounded by the beauty of the gorge, the charm of downtown, and the magic of the cinema. As a kid, watching films here opened up a whole new world to me. They were my first glimpse into different cultures, places, and ideas far beyond what I knew growing up in a small Canadian town. Now, having travelled to every continent in the world, I can trace my love for globetrotting back to those early days at the Elora cinema. That’s why it was so important to me to save not just the hotel but also the theatre, a place that sparked curiosity and imagination for myself and for so many other kids like me.
Taking on a project like this isn’t easy. You might even say we jumped into it not fully realizing the extent of the work, the years of planning, the permits, and the endless meetings that would be required to get the go-ahead. There were a great many moments when it would have been easier to give up, but the love I feel for this space kept me going through it all. I know that the hotel represents a piece of Elora’s soul, a place that has always been more than just a building. It was the social centre of our town for decades. A lively hub where people would gather, connect, and find a sense of belonging. In today’s world, where this idea of community feels increasingly at risk, I believe it’s crucial to hold onto places like this, where people can come together, share stories, and feel part of something bigger.
I’ve dedicated much of my life to education, having taught at art schools with hands-on programs that help students find their place in the world. I want this building to offer those same opportunities to others. I want it to be a living, breathing part of Elora’s future. A space where history is respected, but also a place where new stories are made. Just like in so many of the small towns across Europe, where the centre of a town is the heart of community life, I want to preserve that sense of togetherness as Elora grows. Restoring this historic building isn’t just about saving it; it’s about ensuring that our town remains a place where people can really feel at home. A place where they can live, grow, and experience what community is and does for us.
Elora’s civic and social life thrived at this hotel, establishing it as an incredibly vital piece of the village’s identity. Don recognized the importance of restoring this historic building and with the same passion he commits to securing a stone he drove this project. I am forever grateful for you Don.
