A Gothic Revival elementary school opened in 1931 and named for a beloved local educator, this heritage landmark remains Waterloo’s oldest operating school.
At a glance
Elizabeth Ziegler Public School stands at 90 Moore Avenue South, approximately one kilometre east of downtown Waterloo. The three-storey building, designated a heritage landmark in 1985, combines educational purpose with architectural distinction—a notable investment during the Great Depression.
History
The school was named after Elizabeth Ziegler, a local teacher with 55 years of service to Waterloo’s community. Designed by architect Frank W. Warren of Hamilton and overseen by contractor Alex Schnarr, the building opened on September 2, 1931, under the auspices of Ontario Premier George Henry. It was Waterloo’s third public elementary school at the time, with C. J. MacGregor as its first principal.
The $121,999 construction cost represented significant investment during economic hardship. Between 1940 and 1950, overcrowding at nearby Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School forced the school to accommodate some grade 9 classes. Extensions followed in 1955 and 1987, the latter adding a gymnasium.
What you see
The building exemplifies Gothic Revival style. The original structure contained 16 rooms, including double-sized spaces for household science, kindergarten, manual training, and assembly. Architect Warren incorporated a decorative homage to Waterloo’s official flower, the gladiolus, carved above the main entrance.
Cultural significance
As of 2016, Elizabeth Ziegler remains the oldest continuously operating school in Waterloo. The school hosted former heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis as a student in the late 1970s. Its preservation reflects the city’s commitment to maintaining educational heritage amid urban development.
Key facts
- Location: 90 Moore Avenue South, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Coordinates: 43.464618, −80.511884
- Opened: September 2, 1931
- Architect: Frank W. Warren (Hamilton)
- Contractor: Alex Schnarr (Waterloo)
- Style: Gothic Revival
- Original construction cost: $121,999
- Heritage designation: December 16, 1985 (Ontario Heritage Act)
- Extensions: 1955 and 1987
Practical information & getting there
The school operates as an elementary institution serving junior kindergarten through grade 6. Located one kilometre east of Waterloo’s city centre, it is accessible by road via Moore Avenue South. For specific visiting hours or programs, contact the school directly.
Sources & resources
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