What's Happening in Mississauga, ON…

The initial stages of transforming an old Mississauga building into a community center for culture, arts and heritage have begun.

The Small Arms Building, which was designated as a heritage site in 2009, is being gutted so that it can be modernized and made ready for its new occupants.

Habit for Humanity volunteers are performing this work. Any materials, such as metal, that they can salvage will be sold at their ReStore outlet to raise money for the organization, while the items that are not suitable for resale will be scrapped.

The future plans for building include renovating it so that it can be used for offices, as well as providing room for community groups, artist studios, cultural endeavors , small businesses, and even scientific research.

The price tag for the upgrades is expected to come in between $6 million and $7 million. A professional printing company will be able to produce any printed materials that are needed during the construction phase of the project, as well as whatever may be needed by the future occupants of the building.

The structure was built in 1940, producing equipment that was sent out in support of the Allies during the Second World War. At its peak, it employed 5,500 people, most of whom were women and produced up 1,200 items a day.