Toronto’s magnificent Old City Hall narrowly avoided the wrecker’s ball in the 1960s. Now, after more than 50 years, the building awaits a new future. Join Toronto city councillor Josh Matlow as he discusses what that future could be, and what makes E.J. Lennox’s 1899 masterpiece so special.
This is a special invitation to RIBA members to the club night dinner to share ideas and talk about the future of our City landmark, learn about the historic Arts and Letters Club and dine in the Great Hall.
Programme
- 5:30pm to 6:30pm: Pre-dinner drink (cash bar). Come and meet with Brenda MacKneson, Toronto-based member of the RIBA Canada Steering Group, in the LAMPS room which has been reserved for architects, RIBA and Arts and letters Club members, coming to the evening.
- 6:30pm to 7:30pm: Dinner in the Great Room Guests can provide their choice and dietary preference when they book with the Club directly.
- 7:30pm to 9pm: Josh Matlow’s talk with 15 minutes at the end for questions.
- 9pm to 10pm: The bar and Club will remain open for conversation.
Brenda and another member would be happy to give RIBA members a tour of the building.
How to buy tickets
To book a ticket (CA$42), please contact Carolyn Fox at 416.597.0223 Ext 2 or email at admin@artsandlettersclub.ca
About Toronto Old City Hall
Toronto's Old City Hall was built over 10 years (1889 to 1899) to replace Council Chambers at what is now St. Lawrence Market South.
The third city hall in Toronto, it was designed by architect E. J. Lennox to be a beautifully imposing structure at the top of Bay Street, viewable from the harbour. Constructed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style with two-tone red sandstone from across Canada, the building is adorned with carvings of animals and humans (including, reportedly, Lennox himself). The lobby's interior features one of the city's few secular stained-glass windows, showing "The Union of Commerce and Industry."
In 1925 a Cenotaph was erected on the lawn to honour Torontonians who died in WWI and later updated to also honour veterans of WWII and the Korean War. The Cenotaph is now the site of one of the longest-running Remembrance Day ceremonies in Toronto, taking place each 11 November
About councillor Josh Matlow
Josh Matlow is the councillor for St Paul's a midtown Toronto neighbourhood.
As a community advocate and city councillor, Josh has fought for the improvement and expansion of local parks, public space, TTC subway system, high quality housing and childcare, a strategic urban plan for inspiring development in Toronto and has been a leader on governance reform at every level of government. Josh brings a strong, independent and facts-based perspective to every policy debate.
Josh has been advocating for a long time to create a Museum of Toronto at Old City Hall, and to open this beautiful and historic building’s doors back to the public. Under the leadership of Toronto museums’ director, Karen Carter, steps have been taken to turn this dream into reality.
Additional event information
- Parking: There is a small reduced rate (CA$9 for the evening) when parking at The Chelsea Inn accessed off Gerard St. Your parking ticket must be stamped at the bar. The parking lot next door charges $10 for the night.
- If the front entrance to the Club is locked, the concierge and staff will allow access.
- You must register at the desk when you arrive.
- Find out more about the Toronto Arts and Letters Club
- Any questions from RIBA members, please contact Brenda MacKneson at: Brenda@MacKnesonDesign.com
