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torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
Toronto Archives
@torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
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We maintain & make accessible records of enduring value that give evidence of decisions, policies & activities of the City of Toronto.

www.toronto.ca/archives
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torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
Looking across Riverdale Park on this day in 1923.
Viewing looking down through a gap in a stone wall towards a snow-covered park busy with people. Fonds 200, Series 372, Subseries 52, Item 1096.
February 10, 2026 at 5:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
On this day in 1977, the Toronto Eaton Centre opened! Designed by Zeidler Partnership and Bregman and Hamann, the huge light-filled complex opened in multiple stages, with phase 2 extending the mall to Queen Street a couple of years later.

From the Harvey R. Naylor fonds: https://ow.ly/ocv050YarBU
Mall interior with an elevated dining balcony surrounded by potted plants. Fonds 1526, File 92, Item 5. View up to the high glass curved ceiling of a mall atrium, creating a light-filled space. Large plants along a mezzanine of shops. Fonds 1526, File 92, Item 14. Exterior of the TorontoEaton Centre when the building is newly opened. Large multi-storey building with a beige and glass exterior. Fonds 1526, File 84, Item 162. View looking down to a long dining area in a mall on a balcony line with potted plants. The tables are set with cutlery, glasses and napkins. Fonds 1526, File 92, Item 6.
February 10, 2026 at 1:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
Cecil Smith at the Toronto Skating Club, 1931.

In 1924, at the age of 15, Cecil became the first Canadian female ever to participate at the Olympic Winter Games. In 1930, she became the first Canadian to win a World championship figure skating medal, bringing home silver.
https://ow.ly/yBJH50Y8Xae
Fonds 1266, Item 23046
February 9, 2026 at 5:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
Did you know there used to be two roundhouses between Spadina Ave and York St?

The 1927 Spadina Roundhouse was in operation until the 1980’s when it was demolished for the construction of SkyDome. Learn more at the Archives’ exhibit “Under the Wrecking Ball: Shaping Toronto’s Downtown 1960-1989".
February 9, 2026 at 1:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
No matter how you groove, we're wishing you a terrific weekend.
Avard Woolaver took this photo in 1986 at a shoot for a music video for the song "Just Like You."
https://ow.ly/nMnO50XYajz
Black and white photo of a dance floor with many dancers on it. At right, a senior couple are holding each other as they dance. In the centre, a woman with a backless white sheath dress is boogeying with her partner. At left in the foreground, a punk with a headband, enormous teased eighties hair, and tight leather or PVC clothing appears to be dancing to her own beat. Photo by Avard Woolaver. Fonds 620, Item 495.
February 6, 2026 at 5:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
A view of Queen Street East at Parliament, looking east, on this day in 1981.

From the Harvey R. Naylor fonds: https://ow.ly/FNhC50Y8gZb

Fonds 1526, File 75, Item 19
Fonds 1526, File 75, Item 19
February 6, 2026 at 2:10 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
Spreading cinders on Scarborough Road in Toronto's east end #OnThisDay in 1936. This was done to improve traction on the sloping road.
https://ow.ly/TZh450Y6yCA
Series 372, Subseries 58, Item 1405.
February 5, 2026 at 5:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
Testing of the corrosiveness of road salt! These tests were performed on snow by the Metro Roads Department at a site on Lakeshore Road in February 1961.
https://ow.ly/U2aG50Y6tek
A large sign posted outside a city work yard, informing about a road salt corrosion test by the Muncipality of Metropolitan Toronto and the Province of Ontario. Series 65, File 177, Item 6. A snow-covered city work yard near railway tracks. Three circular tracks mark testing areas for road salt. Series 65, File 177, Item 1. A snow-covered city work yard near railway tracks. Three circular tracks mark testing areas for road salt. Series 65, File 177, Item 5. Close up of a single wheel running on a circular track as part of a road salt test. The track is within a snow-covered work yard. Series 65, File 177, Item 13.
February 5, 2026 at 1:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
In 1966, Council floated a plan to demolish all of Old City Hall except the bell tower, and replace it with this building.
https://ow.ly/juLW50Y1qmN
Artist's rendering of a rectangular concrete tower standing next to the bell tower of Old City Hall. The rectangular tower is about two and a half times taller than the bell tower. Series 1465, File 420, Item 13.
February 4, 2026 at 1:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
Fifty years ago looking north across the Toronto inner harbour to the downtown.

https://ow.ly/Rqyc50Y1o5J
View looking towards the Toronto waterfront over an icy area of the inner harbour where there are docked tugboats and other small vessels. Prominent visible buildings on the skyline include the Royal York Hotel, Toronto Harbour Commission Building, the TD Centre, and Commerce Court. Series 1465, File 329, Item 4.
February 3, 2026 at 5:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
Vibrant winter scenes around the High Park rink in 1954, from the Desmond E. Wainwright fonds.
https://ow.ly/gXKB50Y6A1i
Fonds 536, Item 254. Fonds 536, Item 260. Fonds 536, Item 255. Fonds 536, Item 258.
February 3, 2026 at 1:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
The bandshell at the CNE was constructed in 1936. This photo from 90 years ago appears to show the early part of that construction.
https://ow.ly/2in550Y6zXN

Black and white photo showing workers and ladders on an outdoor stage at the waterfront. A shell-shaped framework of metal arches over them, partially covered by tarpaulins. Series 372, Subseries 1, Item 381.
February 2, 2026 at 5:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
We're looking forward to the Canada Black Music Archives event this coming Thursday evening here at the Archives, starting at 5!
The lineup of artists will include Jully Black, seen here at the Cavalcade of Lights in 2004.
Jully Black, wearing a red turtleneck sweater and a red wool coat, closes her eyes as she sings into a microphone on an outdoor stage. Series 2311, File 1905, Item 77.
February 2, 2026 at 1:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
A snapshot of the Niagara and Fort York neighbourhoods when they were surrounded by industry only a few decades ago in the early 90s. Visible landmarks include the coffin factory, malting silos, Molson brewery, Tip Top Tailors, and the former municipal abattoir.

https://ow.ly/Gk6x50Y1Zr1
Oblique aerial view looking south over a residential Toronto street of townhouses in winter, surrounded by predominantly industrial buildings. The Toronto islands are visible in the distance. Series 1465, File 717, Item 51.
January 30, 2026 at 5:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
The Canadian government created Civil Defence Canada in 1948 to help Canadians prepare for disaster or war. This pamphlet from 1959 advises Canadians about what supplies they should put in their emergency shelter or their car.
https://ow.ly/kiIw50Y1XeL
The front of a three-fold pamphlet titled Your Emergency Pack. There is a three-colour drawing of a family in their kitchen packing a picnic hamper with supplies. Series 340, Subseries 9, File 3, Item 3. Inside the first fold of the pamphlet: a section titled, Emergency Pack for Refuge or Trunk of Car. Underneath, there are two lists, titled Essential and Desirable, with items to be put in a survival pack. The essential list includes water, a blanket, infant care items, and essential medicines. The desirable list includes a raincoat, soap, and personal papers. Series 340, Subseries 9, File 3, Item 3. The four inner panels of the pamphlet, titled Your Emergency Pack. They include a list of foods that should go into the pack. Don't forget utensils or a can opener! Series 340, Subseries 9, File 3, Item 3.
January 30, 2026 at 1:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
That's great, thank you! The date range on this particular record is broadly noted as "between 1950 and 1969".
January 29, 2026 at 7:43 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
Looking south on a snowy January day over the intersection of Danforth and Broadview Avenues ca. late 1950s.

https://ow.ly/bJVg50Y1KSp

The snow-covered intersection of Danforth and Broadview Avenues. Storefronts in low-rise buildings on the street corners include Tamblyn Drugs, Household Finance Loans, New York Pizza House, and a CIBC branch. Fonds 492, Item 460.
January 29, 2026 at 5:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
Studying Etobicoke's past? Join the Archives and other community partners this evening at Councillor Crisanti's Etobicoke North Historical Night!

Thursday January 29, 5-7pm
Thistletown Community Centre, 925 Albion Road.
Black and white photo of high school students working in pairs at lab tables in a science classroom. Clothing and hairstyles are typical of the late 1950s or early 1960s. Thistletown Collegiate Institute science class, [196-?] Fonds 213, Series 497, Subseries 1, File 84, Item 1
January 29, 2026 at 1:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
Big congratulations to Toronto's 33 new Primary Care Paramedics, who graduated last week! This vintage ambulance was on display at the Toronto EMS graduation ceremony in 2003.
https://ow.ly/fRCH50Y3XJ7
An ambulance from circa the 1950s, parked inside an arena, with its hood and doors open. Series 2311, File 1735, Item 2.
January 28, 2026 at 5:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
We're on the road to Thistletown! The Archives will be joining Councillor Crisanti's Etobicoke North Historical Night tomorrow. Hope to see you there!

Thursday January 29
5-7pm
Thistletown Community Centre, 925 Albion Road
Intersection of Islington Avenue and Albion Road, with traffic lights and a small central island. Two buildings at the corners appear to be convenience or general stores. A directional sign on the central island points to Woodbridge, Pine Grove, Kleinburg, Islington, Clairville, and Brampton. Intersection of Islington Avenue and Albion Road, Thistletown, 1954. Fonds 2043, Series 2563, File 50, Item 1.
January 28, 2026 at 1:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
The TMU Library building, formerly Ryerson Polytechnical Institute Library Resource Centre, under construction on this day in 1972. The building, designed by Webb Zerafa Menkes Housden Partnership (WZMP), opened at the corner of Gould and Victoria in 1974.
Sunken area of construction site on the corner of downtown Toronto intersection. Several rows of brick pillars are on top of a completed first floor. Series 1057, Item 5919. Sunken area of construction site on the corner of downtown Toronto intersection where brick and concrete foundation levels are underway and a pair of cranes are parked on-site. A snow-covered parking garage across the street is in the foreground. Series 1057, Item 5914. A line of cars parked on an earth slope leading down to a construction site on the corner of downtown Toronto intersection where brick and concrete foundation levels are underway. A worker in a hard hat is walking towards the building. Series 1057, Item 5916. Sunken area of construction site on the corner of downtown Toronto intersection where brick and concrete foundation levels are underway. Cars are parked along an earth road leading down to the construction area, and a pair of cranes are on the adjacent street. Series 1057, Item 5912.
January 27, 2026 at 5:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
January, 1976: The Convincer comes to the Scarborough Civic Centre. This device was designed to let members of the public experience a lower-impact head-on collision, in the hope that some mild whiplash would convince them to always wear a seatbelt in the car.
https://ow.ly/icfj50Y0TYE
Black and white photo: inside the atrium of the Scarborough Civic Centre, two men sit in a device that looks like a car on a roller coaster, at the top of a short and shallow ramp. A poster in front of them is titled, "The Human Collision". Series 1762, File 1133, Item 7. Black and white photo taken from a high angle: two people seated in the crash test device reach an abrupt stop at the bottom of the ramp. Their hair flies forward. A crowd of onlookers stand around and watch. Series 1762, File 1133, Item 6.
January 27, 2026 at 1:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
German prisoners at the CNE grounds during the First World War. This photo is currently part of a pop-up exhibit at Fort York called Echoes of Home.
https://ow.ly/Sj0R50XZM0w
Black and white photo: Behind a high barbed wire fence, ten men in civilian clothing stand in a row and stare back at the photographer. Fonds 1244, Item 867.
January 26, 2026 at 5:50 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
Good morning! The Research Hall of the Archives will be closed today because of the snow conditions. However, the building's atrium is open if you would like to come in, warm up, and use the free wifi.
Black and white photo showing the view up Bay Street towards City Hall in 1944. Head-high snowbanks line the street, and several figures with shovels are digging the street out. Series 372, Subseries 100, Item 454.
January 26, 2026 at 2:40 PM
torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca
A vastly different view looking south-west over Wellington St West towards the Inglis industrial lands around Strachan Avenue in the late 1980s. Visible landmarks include the long-standing Inglis billboard by the Gardiner, the Coliseum, and the former Exhibition Stadium.

https://ow.ly/T0Jg50Y1oj0
Oblique aerial view over an industrial area of Toronto on a snowy day. A salt dome next to a large parking garage is in the foreground. A large scaffolding company building next to a rail corridor is to the south, and the elevated Gardiner Expressway runs parallel beyond that. In the distance, the tall lights of a baseball stadium and Ontario Place on the waterfront are visible. Series 1465, File 240, Item 82.
January 26, 2026 at 1:50 PM