All Images: Rob Kirsic
Doors Open Toronto is back! From May 26 to 27, Torontonians have the opportunity to take in the interesting architecture around the city and explore buildings that, in some cases, are not normally opened to the public.
Some buildings offer guided tours, others offer self-guided tours with staff explaining the importance of the building, a particular room or the history behind the structure. In addition, if you’re interested in doing a walking tour, there are several being offered.
This year also marks the bicentennial of the War of 1812, and this year’s selection will, according to the Doors Open website, “Look back over the past 200 years to reveal the fascinating personalities who shaped Toronto’s architecture and history.” A complete list of buildings can be found on the Doors Open website, as well.
This event has exploded in popularity, and its best, if you do attend, to go with a game plan and figure out the spots you would like to see ahead of time. If you can afford to go both Saturday and Sunday, you may be able to see more – some buildings are only open one of the days, which is unfortunate, and a pet peeve of mine, along with the short hours for this event.
However, looking at the this year’s list, there are quite a few buildings I would recommend visiting:
Canada Life Building – The Canada Life Building was at one point one of the tallest towers in the city. Built in the 1930s, this building offers a decent view from the observation deck located on the 16th floor. Even for someone with a fear of heights, this is an opportunity to take advantage of as it’s no longer opened to the public, except for events like this. If this year is the same as last year, visitors will be greeted with an introductory video talking about the history of the building and shown historical Canada Life artifacts.
Osgoode Hall – I always thought Osgoode Hall was some secret society for lawyers dreaming up ways to bill clients in creative ways, with a restaurant attached to it. Apparently, I was half-right; there’s a restaurant located on the premises. Osgoode Hall at one point served as a functioning courthouse and barracks. The building still has all of its courtrooms in the building, along with some stunning statues, artwork and stained glass pieces. And staff are very knowledgeable and explain the significance of the courtrooms and other rooms throughout the building. Because this building houses the Ontario Court of Appeal and Law Society of Upper Canada, and is rarely, if ever, open to the public, I highly recommend adding this building to your tour.
Corus Quay – If you cannot find a way to get onto the radio, I recommend sliding down the huge slide – if it’s open. What other building has a slide right in the middle of its lobby? The Corus Quay building is one of the defining locations along the eastern waterfront. With Sugar Beach next door, and Sherbourne Commons close by, this should be a popular spot for people to visit on Sunday. Plus, it gives those who haven’t visited to that part of downtown in a while a real sense that all the waterfront agencies developing this part of the city are really doing something neat there.
Old City Hall – Like Osgoode Hall, unless you get arrested and arraigned, not too many people go to Old City Hall, but it still has its charm. The interior design is really worth seeing. Visitors can sit in one of the earliest council chambers, and learn more about political life in Toronto in the early days.
Queen’s Park – I’m an unabashed political junkie, so I always enjoy a visit to Queen’s Park. I think it’s a great building to visit. Thankfully, this building is open to the public generally, but the hours aren’t the best – right in the middle of the day. Although, if you get a chance to sit in on a session of Question Period, I would recommend it. It’s quite fascinating to see what the brief news clips don’t show. Politics aside, and the portraits of former Premiers too, the building really does a decent job in showing Ontarians the history of our province.
R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant – This is on my list of places to see this year. I’ve walked the grounds and it’s quite an impression piece of land with Lake Ontario right in front of you. I’ve only ever heard great reviews from people who have visited. From the photos I’ve seen, it’s hard to believe this palace is a water treatment facility.
I wish they would bring some buildings back, and include some others in tis year’s event, or moving forward.
Image: Flickr
Last year, I visited the Toronto-Dominion Centre. For those who enjoy the series Mad Men, this building is for you. One of the upper floors is preserved from the 1960s and it’s neat to see the wood-panelling and smaller offices with old office furniture. You get the sense the place should reek of smoke and have covered typewriters. Or, that Don Draper or someone else from Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce could walk out from their office after an afternoon of drinking only to go out to the bar to do it all over again. The artwork is amazing, as is the view and the boardroom. I wish they brought this back and opened up the building again. I highly recommend seeing this if the opportunity comes back.
In addition to this, I wish the other bank buildings would open up and allow visitors to check out the digs their service fees paid for. It’s only fair, right? All kidding aside, there are two other buildings I wish were included in Doors Open:
SkyDome – I refuse to call it by its corporate name, but I think this building still offers enough of an allure to attract visitors to check out the building, walk the field and see parts not normally opened to fans. I know there are ‘sexier’ domed buildings in the world, but this was the first retractable domed building. It can still be a pretty special place.
Maple Leaf Gardens at Ryerson – with the renovations coming to a completion soon, it would be great to see progress up close. Plus, I’m sure there are other parts of the old Gardens that haven’t been completely remade which could make for a great walk down memory lane, for those who can remember a time when the Leafs were good.
Doors Open is a great weekend to check out the architecture across the city. This is something Toronto does well, and does it right.
For all the (sometimes deserved) negativity surround the current architecture in this city, it is nice to see buildings that aren’t all glass, for example. It’s also nice to visit buildings that still hold their character and give the city something unique to enjoy.
I would highly recommend going out this weekend, May 26 to 27, to check out Doors Open. Go early, head out with a list of buildings to see and take in the architecture, you won’t be disappointed.
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Rob Kirsic writes for Toronto Standard. Follow him @robertkirsic.
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