Doors Open

The Ontario Heritage Trust works with communities across the province to open the doors, gates and courtyards of unique and fascinating cultural sites so you can explore the stories inside.

Doors Open

Each year, Doors Open is hosted throughout Ontario offering individuals a chance to discover locations of historical, architectural, natural, or cultural significance. In September 2025, the Township of Springwater's Cultural and Heritage Advisory Committee showcased the Hillsdale Lock-up as the 2025 Doors Open location. With over 100 attendees, individuals were able to engage with local history and architecture firsthand, and learn about the unique role the Hillsdale Lock-up played within the community of Hillsdale.

The Cultural and Heritage Advisory Committee extends their gratitude to all visitors and participants who made Doors Open 2025 a memorable success.

About our building

The Township of Springwater was incorporated on January 1, 1994 when the Townships of Flos and Vespra were amalgamated with the Village of Elmvale and the Hillsdale/Orr Lake area from the Township of Medonte. The current municipal office is located on the former site of the Midhurst Forest Station that began operating in 1922. Upon the building’s completion in 2009, it received a LEED Silver Standard recognizing its sustainability and limited impact on the environment.