Why I Love Christmas in Toronto

An Ode To Eaton’s

Eaton’s – is a name that has been uttered by many Torontonians every Christmas for over a century now. Even though the context of the name has changed in that century it is still a powerful and important part of Christmas in this city. If you say “Eaton’s” to my 19 year old sister she will automatically think of the mall. If you say “Eaton’s” to me I will think of the now defunct department store and the statue that sits in the Royal Ontario Museum of Timothy Eaton. If you say “Eaton’s” to my mother she will tell you about the Eaton’s Department store Holiday Windows and finally if you say “Eaton’s” to any of my grandparents they will tell you about the highly anticipated Eaton’s Christmas Catalogue.

For each generation Eaton’s means something completely different. Eaton’s was once one of Canada’s most iconic brands. In fact the Eaton’s Christmas Catalogue is considered one of the most iconic symbols of Canadian culture. For my graduation gift my friend Sook bought me a vintage Eaton’s Catalogue and I was ecstatic and over the roof that she had got it for me. Furthermore, the name Eaton’s in this city spans far beyond the Toronto Eaton Centre and is associated with College Park , which was once an Eaton’s, and Eatonville, a neighbourhood in Etobicoke, that has direct connections to the Eaton family.

However, one thing is clear and that is that the name Eaton’s is one that will forever be a part of Christmas in Toronto. Even though the reason and meaning in which we say the name has changed, it is still a major part of Christmas in this city.  If I could turn you attention below I will explain to you how the name Eaton’s has been associated with Christmas in Toronto for over a century.

Let’s start with the Santa Claus Parade which was started by the Eaton’s. The parade which made its debut in 1905 as the Eaton’s Santa Claus Parade began with just Jolly old St. Nick himself and has grown to become one of the biggest parades in North America.  In the early 80’s the Eaton’s withdrew its sponsorship, but many businesses knew the importance and tradition this parade carried in the city and today the parade is over a century old. If it wasn’t for the Eaton’s the Santa Claus Parade that we all love would not exist.

The Eaton’s Christmas Catalogue is another Christmas memory many Torontonians and Canadian have. The first Christmas catalogue was released in 1897 and became one of the most anticipated catalogues ever. Archive Ontario even said that the arrival of the catalogue was the official start of Christmas. My grandmother has even told me stories about how neighbours would dedicate whole nights to reading the catalogue, how children would fight over who got to look at it first and how the housewives in the area would gather in a book club format to discuss the catalogue and potential gift ideas. Many even called the book the Homesteader’s or Family bible. That is how big this Christmas catalogue was. In fact, in book The Hockey Sweater the main character looks in an Eaton’s Christmas Catalogue to show his mother the Montreal Canadiens Jersey he wants.

Next is the Eaton’s holiday window. Each year Eaton’s would have the most marvellous window spectacle in all of Toronto. The way it was unveiled and the detail that went into it is very much like how Holt Renfrew executes its windows today. People would crowd around the sidewalk just to get a glimpse of the Holiday wonder that Eaton’s had put on display.   

Finally, we all know the name Eaton’s as one of Toronto’s largest shopping malls which gets so packed in the weeks leading up to Christmas that you can barely move.  

No matter how you look at it the name Eaton’s has a long history during Christmas in Toronto and I feel it is only appropriate to honour the name.

That is Why I Love Christmas In Toronto.  

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Why I Love Toronto Reason #195

Church of The Holy Trinity Surrounded by TEC.

If you have ever eaten at Mr. Green Jean (Reason #69) at TEC (Reason #117 & #111) then you may have noticed a random little church that is just sitting there in the mall’s courtyard. The church by architect Henry B. Lane (who designed Church of St. George Martyr/ Reason #28) opened in 1847 and was funded by Mary Lambert Swale who died at the age of 25.The donation for the church was left in her will, with a few specific demands on the churches operations and construction. The first was that the church was to be open to the public and have no reserved pews – they had to be free and unappropriated forever - unlike other churches at the time. Therefore the church was built in protest of churches with reserved pews where one had to pay. Her will also dictated the style of the church, which was to be in a Gothic Revival style, that was cruciform in plan and that had every seat visible to the altar. It even has some amazing stain glass pieces (which was not dictated in her will). The land the church sits on was donated by John Simcoe Macaulay who was a political figure in Upper Canada. In 1977 the house of worship caught fire, due to the construction of TEC. The fire caused major damage to the ceiling as well as the south windows. Since the fire was a result of the TEC the church went into battle with Cadillac Fairview who owned the mall and eventually got a settlement which went towards rebuilding the church. In 1989 the church went through a period of restoration.

Remember when the Eaton Centre was planning its construction and it wanted to destroy everything and anything that was in its way? Remember how I said they wanted to tear down Old City Hall to make room for the mall? Well the same thing happened to the Church. The Eaton Centre wanted the Church gone so it could be in the heart of the city, but the church did not want to give up their position in the city and resisted the pressure from the Eaton’s to leave. Well I think we all know how that story ended.

Lastly the Church has a longstanding tradition which is their rendition of the Christmas Story which has been going on since 1937. Overall it’s a nice little random thing to see in the heart of the city it is a church that has been through so much. When you are in the square the church is in its liked you have stepped into a part of history, it’s like you stepped into a whole different city, while still remaining in its heart.  One final note is that this Church hosts the Toronto Homeless Memorial which remembers those who have died as a result of homelessness. So when you’re at TEC go out the west exit next to Sears and take a look at

Why I Love Toronto

http://www.holytrinitytoronto.org/wp/about/a-very-brief-history/

http://www.geraldrobinson.ca/case-study-the-church-of-the-holy-trinity.phpson.ca/case-study-the-church-of-the-holy-trinity.php

http://www.yorku.ca/rsgc/HolyTrinity.html

Why I Love Toronto Reason #177

Yonge Dundas Square

Oh, Yonge Dundas Square, the little square that wishes it was Time Square, but that’s why we love it! Anyways yesterday Erene, Ariel and I went to go see a movie at the AMC Complex, and the movie was The Vow with our favorite Canadian Girl Rachel McAdams!! Anyways it was such a nice evening yesterday, so I decided to wait for them at Yonge Dundas Square.

Now Yonge Dundas Square is a multi-purpose area that holds a ton of events every year. It has concerts (I’ve seen Beyonce (I have pictures but they’re still boxed up from when i moved like 3 years ago - guess i have something to do today), John Mayer, Karl Wolf and many other artists there), It once held a Live@Much (Nickleback), I once saw a Bollywood dance competition, there are pop-up markets, films, Nuit Blanche exhibits, TIFF and when there is nothing they have  chairs, tables as well as squirting fountains. Since the square opened it has hosted 200 events and 1,250 festivals.

Located on the SE corner of Yonge and Dundas it is surrounded by the AMC Complex on the NE side, Forever 21 on the NW and The Eaton Centre on the SW side. The square opened in 2003 and was designed by Brown and Storey Architects. I won’t lie, but I honestly cannot remember a time when the square was not there. Mind you I don’t really remember anything prior to the age of 12 which I’m not sure whether or not I should be concerned about that. Regardless, plans to build the square were from the late 90’s as part of a revitalization project for the city. So since I could not remember what was their prior I had to consult one of the best sites on the web about the city (next to mine of course) which is BlogTO who did a visual history of the square and it is amazing the many different looks that corner went through. The last occupants before the creation of the square were a COLES book store and other little stores.

Now just because the square can sometimes be empty doesn’t mean it isn’t a great spot to hang out in. I mean it is just amazing to stand in the middle of the square, because you have all the bright lights of all the billboards shining down on you. It is like a mini time square, but not as crowded and if you want you can still have an intimate romantic moment without being in tourist pictures, or having that weird couple come up to you while making out and saying “excuse me can you take a picture of me and my family?” – but I digress.

I even recommend going into the AMC complex and maybe the WOO (reason #80) or the Jack’s and eat there just so you can grab of view of the square for high above.   

So Yonge Dundas Square, we love you for trying to be the Canadian version of Time Square and let me tell you – you’re on the right track baby! But for your numerous events and the fact that I got to see Beyonce there (which was – wait for it – EPIC!), you have the best location for events and hangouts in the whole city simply because you are in the cities heart.  

That Is Why I Love Toronto.

 http://londonentertainmentgroup.com/2011/02/10/events/beyonce-performs-a-free-concert-in-toronto/

http://www.ydsquare.ca/images/stories/2011pdf/ydsprogramguide2011.pdf

http://www.ydsquare.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=14&Itemid=90

http://www.blogto.com/city/2010/11/a_visual_history_of_yonge_and_dundas_/

Why I Love Toronto Reason #150

Pacific Mall

Okay, so after consulting with my League of Fasians (Favorite Asians), we have come to the conclusion that since Pacific Mall is literally a right across form the municipal boarder and there really isn’t a barrier like a wall or highway that divides it, that it should be considered part of Toronto. Also the fact that the URL for the website has the word Toronto in it we thought provided a good argument to why this mall should be included on this list.

Technically Pacific Mall is in Markham, but like I said it just misses the Toronto Boarder – the TTC even goes to the mall, not in it but right across where the boarder meets. Anyways I’m including it so deal with it.

What is Pacific Mall? Well it is a mall that is opened everyday of the year! Even of Christmas! The mall was opened in 1997 and was developed by Sam Cohen and Eli Swirsky and is one of the largest Asian Malls in North America, apparently there is one in BC that is bigger.

This mall basically sells almost everything you can think of – DVDs, CDs, Asian Knick Knacks, Monchichi’s, food, Asian styled clothing, flowers, toys and stationary. Everything you can think of it there! They have over 400 shops in the location. They also have an arcade, a performance stage and I’m pretty sure they had Karaoke the last time I went. Also if you are a fan of Asian food then this place is heaven! Furthermore, when I clicked on the gallery portion of the website I found out that they apparently have ping pong tournaments and an Easter Circus at the mall - interesting.

On the second floor you can find the Pacific Heritage Town which is meant to represent the Pacific Market Style with original artwork. The second floor is a departure from the modern first floor which is mostly glass and neon signs.

It is just an amazing mall that sells some very unusual things. It’s a great place to get a unique gift! So if you want to have a unique shopping experience and step away from the standardized stores in malls like reason #117 and #74 (which I still love, don’t get me wrong) then I suggest you go to Pacific Mall for an interesting time!

That Is Why I Love Toronto.

http://00efinity.blogspot.com/

http://www.torgan.com/Property-Details.24.0.html?&no_cache=1&tx_mxleasing_pi1[uid]=13

http://worldneighborhoods.com/pictures/markham-f37/pacific-mall-t163.html

http://www.searchingtoronto.com/pictures/toronto-malls/pacific-mall/pacific-mall/

http://www.vistagic.ca/content2.htm

Why I Love Toronto Reason #148

The Old Bank Of Commerce at 197 Yonge Street

**Hey Guys! So I am reblogging this post because BlogTO and the Massey Towers Facebook Page posted some amazing inside pictures of the old bank they took during the restoration project! I really want you guys to check out them out they are amazing!!! so here they are! Check Them Out and Fall IN Love!

So last Monday Erene asked me a question about a building on Queen and Bathurst. Now I am going share with you that part of Toronto History tomorrow. Back to Erene’s question though, she asked me what I thought “the future of heritage buildings in Toronto would be?” I answered simply, that “I believe historical buildings are becoming more valued in our society, with everything becoming so modern it’s nice to have a piece of history left.” I continued to say that “if anything, developers would begin restoring these heritage sites and adding more modern attachments to them or condos.” For example, there are rumours about Reason #140 (Masonic Hall Building) becoming condos.

Now let’s go back way back when to the first month of this blog. Reason #27 was the Old Bank Of Toronto, a building located right across from the Reason #117 (Eaton Centre) and located on reason #25 (Yonge Street). The old bank of Toronto (which today is known as TD Canada Trust) has sat alone and abandoned for years. In between the Old Bank of Toronto is a parkette that used to be the Colional Tavern and right next to it, going south on Yonge, is today’s Reason The Old Bank Of Commerce. Now I promised at the end of post #27 and I quote “that by the end of my 365 days I will be able to make the former CIBC a reason why I Love Toronto.”

Well Today, many of the people that I am following and even blogTO reported that the Old Bank of Commerce and the Parkette were bought by MOD developments. MOD Developments announced that it would restore the building to its former glory and that the parkette and the lot behind the bank would become a condominium. Now rumor has it the developers want to build a 60 story condo on the location, but I don’t think zoning laws will allow that. Regardless Hariri Pontarini Architects are developing the plan for the proposed condos which will be called Massey Tower (because Massey Hall Will expand their facility with donated land from MOD development). It’s really sad that only the old Bank Of Commerce will be saved and not the Old Bank of Toronto, but hey one building at a time!

Now that is the future of the site, but what is its past? Well it was designed by Darling and Pearson who have also contributed U of T’s Convocation Hall and CIBC’s Commerce Court North. The building was built in 1905 the same time as the Old Bank Of Toronto and closed in 1987. It is an example of neo-classical architecture and has Corinthian columns and ornate details. It wasn’t until 1974, 13 years before it was abandoned, that it was declared a hertiage property. However, I couldn’t figure out why it was abandoned, if anyone knows please tell me, the only possible answers I have are that 1) they just decided to move everything to Commerce Court or they do have a branch just a few blocks away at Queen and Yonge or 3) When they merged to make CIBC maybe eventually it was a part of their downsizing plan?.

Before the condo proposal, there were rumors of making it into a hotel or as rehearsal rooms for musicians.    

So 1 for Heritage Buildings – 0 for those who hate Heritage buildings

That Is Why I Love Toronto.

http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1119955—hume-heritage-is-the-way-of-the-future

http://www.blogto.com/city/2012/04/one_last_look_at_197_yonge_street_before_its_condo_time/

Why I Love Toronto on Boxing Day Reason #117

The Toronto Eaton Centre

Today the Eaton centre will probably be seeing the most traffic all year even though it already welcomes over a million people per day. But today is an extra special day where people step out and try to get the best deals possible with their Christmas money. TEC boasts as being the largest shopping mall in downtown Toronto, with 4 levels of shopping and a floor dedicated to a food court or as I call it reason #23! It is even the third largest shopping mall in Canada.

The mall is broken up into what I would call different dollar ranges. The top floor which houses stores like Michael Kors, Coach, Harry Rosen and Wilfred are more on the expensive side. The middle floor which has Victroia’s Secret, Bench, A|X and Scotch & Soda is a mid-price range area and the bottom floor is more affordable clothing for teens and such, with American Eagle Outfiters, Old Navy, Blue Notes and Costa Blanca. It is even big enough that it can have more than one store. It has 3 Aldo shoe stores and 2 Sources as well as Herzing College and part of Ryerson University.  

As you remember from reason #111 it has some amazing Christmas displays, but another permanent fixture it has is the Canada Geese that hang from the ceiling at the Queen Street Entrance. The art fixture is called Flight Stop by Michael Snow (and now his short form name is not Miike Snow like the electronic artist who sings Silvia). Other highlights include the shooting fountain in front of the Forever 21 and the Shuter entrance which for me architecturally is really neat.

The centre of course started with the now defunct Eaton’s Department store. Before the Eaton centre the Eaton’s was located at what is now called College Park, but wanted to make its presence more known in the downtown core as well as avoid the aging structure of college park. Well Eaton’s did just that and today Yonge/ Dundas is the most well know intersection in all of Toronto. The centre opened in two stages. In 1977 the north section was opened and two years later the south was complete. Over the years more new sections would emerge, with the H&M extension as well as the Ryerson, Canadian Tire, Joey’s and Best Buy expansion. It was designed by Ed Zeidler and was meant to imitate the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan with its glass roof. Apparently when it opened the Eaton’s location alone was nine floors high which I was not even aware of! When it was opened it was described as an indoor city of glass. Furthermore, when in the initial stages of building the centre there was the proposed demolition of reason #59 as well as the Holy Trinity Church which is now snuggled in the middle of the towering Eaton centre.  

So what’s next for TEC well Harry Rosen is relocating to where the McDonalds, Cultures and Grand and Toy once was at the south end to make it even bigger and more modern than its current location. Also the apple store which is always crazy busy is looking for a new location - but where?! Also there are big rumours that J. Crew will be opening in the old SportChek location on Yonge and Queen! Hopefully with a men’s department.

That is Why I Love Toronto on Boxing Day.

 http://www.toronto-travel-tips.com/toronto-eaton-centre.html

http://gocanada.about.com/od/canadiancities1/tp/tor_attractions.htm

http://www.blogto.com/city/2010/12/the_origins_of_the_eaton_centre/

Why I Love Toronto Reason # 59

The Ghosts of Old City Hall

Now old city hall is awesome regardless of it being haunted. For me it is the history and architecture -  duh! It must have been a fun place for the mayor and his councillors to work in, unlike that weird spaceship thing in which they have to work in now. It was the home of city council from 1899 to 1966. The building has many amazing feature. For one the clock tower is the focal point of the building and if you are walking north on Bay Street from Front Street , maybe to get to Queen Street so you can go to Reason #39 The Bay or the Eaton Centre, the clock becomes a marker for the end of your destination. The closer you get the closer you are to retail heaven.  Also the clock still works and every hour the bells chime.

But before I continue with the architectural aspects let us get into the reason why it is on the list this week. The Hauntings!!!!

Reports of paranormal activity started in 1965 when it became a court house. The haunting was reported by Judge S. Tupper Bigelow, who reported that he would hear footsteps behind him or something pulling at his judicial robe. The same thing has happened to Judge Pete Wilch. Along with the footsteps, many say they hear moans from cells where the prisoners were held. Apparently courtroom 33 is haunted by those who were sentenced to hang when Canada still had a death sentence. In fact many believe the building is haunted by Robert Turpin (who was convicted of killing and officer) and Arthur Lucas (who killed an undercover narcotics agent). These two men were the last two men sentenced to hang in Canada! On Halloween it is tradition or journalists to stay in courtroom 33 to see if they can experience any paranormal activity.

But back to some history. The hall is the third for Toronto councillors and was designed by Edward James Lennox who also designed Reason #27 The Bank Of Toronto and Reason #9 The King Edward Hotel. The building took 10 years to complete and because of the lengthy time it took to build, councillors refused to provide any recognition of Lennox in relation to the building. However if one goes to the corbels beneath the Upper floor eaves you will see his name engraved.

The building also has a Centopath in front of it which was added in 1925. Its purpose was similar to Reason #57 the Soldiers Tower at U of T. It was to honour those Toronto citizens who died in the World Wars and that is why in 13 days it will the focal point of Toronto’s Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Here are some other quick interesting facts:

There used to be gargoyles surrounding the clock, however due to erosion they were removed. Today there are bronze casts of gargoyles around the tower.

Upon its planned move to Nathan Phillips Square and the proposal of the Eaton Centre, the original plans for Old City Hall called for it to be demolished. However, that was prevented due to public outrage.

There is courtyard in the centre

It is Romanesque Revival architecture (by the end of this blog I guarantee you will be able to tell the difference of each architectural style!)

There are grotesque faces in the stones next to the buildings entrance – one being of Lennox himself and the other of councillors.

Inside there are murals representing the pioneers of Toronto and their experiences.

There are rumors that once Old City Hall’s lease for the Ontario Court Of Justice is expired the building will be turned into a museum.

So do the ghosts of the two last men who had to endure Canada’s capital punishment laws haunt the Romanesque Revival building? We’ll have to ask some journalists who spend the night in courtroom 33 on Halloween.

That is why I love Toronto

http://www.toronto.ca/old_cityhall/history.htm

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2009/03/16/f-death-penalty.html

Why I Love Toronto Reason #57

The Haunting of U of T Soldier’s Tower

Now I’m not a U of T student so some people may not agree with the statement I make next.  However, you know when people tell you about a focal point of a particular building or area? Some may say that the Geese at the Eaton Centre is the focal point of the mall and some will say the CN tower is the focal point of Toronto. For me the focal point for U of T is the Soldier’s Tower. Whenever I see that tower I always know that I am in the heart of U of T.

The soldier’s tower is a bell and clock tower that was dedicated to members of the university who served in both World Wars. It was designed by Henry Sproatt (who did other U of T buildings such as Victoria College, Hart House, Burwash as well as reason #55 with Ross and Macdonald) he also had the help of Ernest Ross Rolph to design the building. The building represents Gothic-revival, is 143 feet tall and a Carillion (a musical instrument) of 51 bells. It also has stained glass windows which are an interpretation of John McCrae’s in Flanders field.

The building was opened on remembrance day in 1924 for fallen U of T’s soldiers. The names of those who died in WWI were put on a sheltered stone screen adjacent to the towers base while those who died in WWII are located inside the tower.  

However, the building is said to be haunted like most of U of T’s buildings. This story is about a caretaker from the 1930’s. As the caretaker was cleaning the bells at the top of the tower one day he lost his balance and fell out the window to his death. Many students on campus say that when they pass the tower they sometimes see a man falling. However, when the students rush over to where the man was falling no one is there. Another story says that once in a while when you walk by the tower at night you can see lights shining from one of the windows and the figure of the caretaker.

Gotta Love haunted U of T! Throughout the year I’ll have more haunted locations to tell you about from the university, but for this week I decided to share with you what I thought the focal point of U of T was and its haunted stories.

That is why I love Toronto

http://www.toronto.com/article/529748—haunted-toronto