The Yelland Building

The Yelland building is historically significant in its connection to William Yelland, a local businessman and politician who built 464 George Street for his blacksmith and carriage business. Yelland was heavily involved in local politics, serving as a councillor for 13 years before being elected as Peterborough's 15th Mayor in 1896 and again in 1897. As Mayor, Yelland fashioned himself as a representative of the workingman, and his carriage shop was often used as a space for political discussion. Over the years, the building has served a variety of commercial purposes, and survived several fires.

Architecturally, it possesses simple Victorian features such as recessed brick panels, di-chromatic brickwork, and wood framed windows. There is also evidence of historic additions, seen through the three different distinct foundations. The Yelland Building has value in its representation of a utilitarian 19th century commercial building, and contribution to the heritage character of George Street. It is representative of a period in Peterborough's history when the downtown was the centre of commerce, industry and politics.