Peel - The year was 1986. Billy Ocean and Whitney Houston filled the airwaves—someone by the name of Oprah was given a talk show—and The Peel District School Board opened a state-of-the-art education centre. On Nov. 21, current and past employees of the Peel board will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the H.J.A. Brown Education Centre with a celebration in the atrium.
 
“It isn't every day, that we have a chance to stop and celebrate the milestones we've reached and the accomplishments we’ve achieved,” says Janet McDougald, chair of the board. “This event is not only about sharing our own experiences, but learning and reflecting on the past, present and future of education in Peel from each other.”
 
The H.J.A. Brown Education Centre was built in 1986 to represent both the past and future of education. From the back, the design of the building is meant to mimic an old-time schoolhouse, complete with a bell tower. From the front, it’s innovative layout and numerous windows and skylights looks to the future. An interior bridge, connecting two sides of the building, represents the connection between past and future.  
 
A major consideration in the design of the building was the availability of public space, so that the building would be a community resource. The board room can seat 200 people and continues to be used for many student and community events. Construction began in August 1984 and was completed in March 1986