TORONTO HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

December, 2007 NEWSLETTER # 16

PATRONS

If your organization wishes to participate in THA’s Heritage Showcase at City Hall on Thursday, February 28th, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 416-967-6432. We are only allowed 16 tables so we feel that is fair that the first 16 members that register will get the tables.

Dorothy Duncan has been awarded the Cuisine Canada and the University of Guelph Canadian Culinary Book Awards 2007, Gold Award: Canadian Food Culture Award for her book Canadians at Table: Food, Fellowship, and Folklore: A Culinary History of Canada. Congratulations Dorothy, a much deserved award! Dorothy is one of THA’s founding members and has been given an Honourary membership. That is the good news – the bad is that Dorothy has sold her home in North York and is moving to Orillia. Dorothy, please remember that you have a lot of friends in Toronto who will miss you greatly. Please remember to come back and visit! We not only need your knowledge and common sense, but definitely your congeniality.

TODMORDEN MILLS

On Nov. 13th, Ann Rowan and Tony Stapells attended a public information session at Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre, as it is now officially called. Held on behalf of the City’s Cultural Division, the major presentation was given by Wendy Sherer, Landscape Architect of Guelph Ontario and outlined their proposal to the City for the restoration and redesign of the grounds, parking and general accessibility to the site.
There were some very sound proposals put forward and the general consensus of the audience was very positive.
Although nothing specific was said about either the archaeology of the site, or about the two houses (the Regency cottage or the Helliway home) it was acknowledgement that Todmorden is a very important and complex site, concerning very diverse heritage issues. It is hoped more detailed research is planned and that the main proposals will be approved by council and the work undertaken.
We were pleased that they promised to hold further public meetings as plans move forward. Given how hard THA pushed for a more open approach to changes at Todmorden which resulted in the first public meeting in November 2005, we are very pleased to see the Culture Division finally being more inclusive. Let’s hope it continues.

A HERITAGE MEETING WITH MAYOR MILLER – The Disappearing Soul of Toronto

On Fri. Nov. 30th a group of heritage zealots meet with Mayor Miller to discuss a few of their concerns. Attendees were Robert Allsopp, David Crombie, Michael Cruikshank, Peggy Kurtin, Joe Gill, Sheldon Godfrey, Catherine Nasmith, Peggy Mooney, Rollo Myers, Peter Ortved, Stephen Otto and Andrew Stewart. A pre-meeting was held on the Mon. so that decisions could be made on which subjects to discuss with the Mayor.

Catherine Nasmith opened the meeting by explaining the Canada West Foundation Survey, the Chicago’s tax incentives attracting Toronto Investors and the Environmental benefits of reducing demolition. Peggy Kurtin then presented that the citizen driven Heritage Conservation Districts needed the Preservation Services to respond to their questions and to give more timely help and advice. Rollo Myers reported on Heritage Canada’s “Landmarks Not Landfill” Campaign. Sheldon Godfrey spoke on the need for the Heritage Tax Incentives Program. David Crombie and Sheldon Godfrey jointly enforced the importance of the Diversity Context, setting the broader Heritage agenda.
After a short discussion, Mayor Miller announced that Chris Phibbs would be the Heritage Point person from his office for heritage issues and he would speak with Preservation Services to see if there was a way they could assist communities in implementing Heritage Conservation Services. He also mentioned problems with the City’s budget.  Catherine Nasmith agreed to followup with Chris Phibbs.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday Jan. 9, 7:30 – Dave Cook will speak about Applewood Acres at the Gov. Simcoe Branch of the UEL at St. David’s Anglican Church, 49 Donland’s Ave. at the Danforth

Saturday, Jan. 19th from 1 to 10pm – Historic Fort York will host the 7th Annual Queen Charlotte’s Birthday Ball, a day long event focusing on music, food and dance. This year, the day features a dance workshop, an illustrated lecture, Port tasting, a Georgian-style, and an evening ball. Pre-registration & payment required. Guest may attend part or all of the day’s scheduled activities, each segment has a different price. Tickets for the day are $100 each. Please call 416-392-6907 for details & to register.

Sunday, Jan. 20th at 2pm – The AGM of the York Pioneers will be at 2pm, Dorothy Duncan, author and York Pioneer, will speak at 3pm about Scottish food & what the Gibson Family might have enjoyed during Hogmanay, St. Andrew’s Day and Robert Burns’ birthday at the Gibson House, 5172 Yonge St.

Sunday, January 20th – noon to 4:30 – Mackenzie House will be holding a Birthday Party for Robbie Burns with toe-tapping live music. Shortbread and a smiling Haggis! Hear some comical stories about that oft’ misunderstood concoction. Adults $5.50., seniors & student $4, children $3.50 To register 416-392-6915
If you have something you would like in THA’s newsletter or a special event, please get it to the editor before the 15th of the previous month of the event. FAX 416-967-9728 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or give me a call at 416-967-6432

Working together, bringing Toronto’s past into the future