Architecture Groups Toronto

The History of the Eaton Centre (NEW for 2026)

**The Toronto History Walks Explorer Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!** Most people visit Toronto's Eaton Centre to shop, and it's a great place to do just that. But few realize they are walking through one of the city's greatest stories of ambition, controversy, architecture, and change. Join me as we step beyond the storefronts to uncover the remarkable history hidden beneath the soaring glass roof of the galleria. Discover how this world famous complex rose from a maze of Victorian streets, warehouses, theatres, and historic buildings, and learn why one of Toronto's largest redevelopment projects almost resulted in the demolition of Old City Hall and the beloved Church of the Holy Trinity. This fascinating walking tour explores nearly 160 years of Toronto history, beginning with the extraordinary rise of Timothy Eaton and the department store that transformed shopping into the "art of shopping," almost overnight. We'll examine the neighbourhood that existed before the Eaton Centre, meet some of the colourful characters who worked and lived here, and trace the dramatic battles between developers, preservationists, politicians, and citizens that forever changed the face of downtown Toronto. Along the way, you'll see surviving landmarks, forgotten streets, hidden architectural secrets, and public art that millions pass every year without noticing. You'll also discover why the Eaton Centre became an international model for shopping centre design, admire its spectacular vaulted glass ceiling, and hear the stories behind the famous flock of suspended Canada geese. We'll explore how the complex evolved through the decline of the Eaton's department store, and the arrival of new retailers, that helped redefine the downtown core. From engineering marvels to architectural triumphs, this is the story of how a shopping mall became one of Canada's most recognizable landmarks. Whether you're a lifelong Torontonian, a first-time visitor, a lover of architecture, or someone fascinated by urban history, this tour offers a new perspective on a place you thought you knew. By the end of our walk, you'll never look at the Eaton Centre the same way again, I promise. Come and discover the hidden history beneath the glass canopy, and experience one of Toronto's most compelling stories. This event is for all levels and walkers, there are a few steps here and there to navigate, but mostly on one level. This walking tour begins on the steps of Old City Hall at the northeast corner of Bay Street and Queen Street West, and has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

History of Aviation: Air Wars (LECTURE ON THE GO)

**The Toronto History Walks Explorer Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!** We have an amazing "Lecture on the Go" series for 2026. New topics and fascinating stories abound! Join us and learn about the world and keep active and warm and cool during the winter and summer months! I started this walking classroom when we were under that horrible cloud called Covid. This series was popular and helped people get back into society and life. **This is part two of the Aviation series that will debut in August 2026 with the Lecture on the disaster at Tenerife**! The "Lecture on the Go" Series is open to members who have purchased the YEARLY MEMBERSHIP PASS, it's free for those members. If you wish to attend a lecture and you are not a yearly pass member then the price **per** lecture is $20.00. In this second part of *History of Aviation: Lecture on the Go* series, we move from the daring pioneers of early flight into the era when aviation truly changed North America forever. By the 1920s and 1930s, airplanes were no longer just fragile machines flown by adventurers. Air mail routes connected distant cities, passenger airlines began appearing across the continent, and aircraft designers pushed technology forward at a breathtaking pace. The skies over North America became a laboratory of innovation, where speed, distance, and reliability improved year after year. It was an exciting time filled with record-breaking flights, famous pilots, and the growing belief that aviation would shape the future. The Second World War transformed aviation more dramatically than anyone could have imagined. Aircraft became central to modern warfare, leading to what many historians call the first true “air wars.” Massive bomber fleets crossed oceans, fighter aircraft battled for control of the skies, and radar and engine technology advanced at incredible speed. Companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin grew alongside the military demand for aircraft production. Air power became a decisive force, changing military strategy forever. Yet even during wartime, aviation inspired people with stories of courage, skill, and technological achievement that captured the imagination of the public across North America. Canada also played a remarkably important role in the growth of aviation during this era. The Canadian aviation industry expanded rapidly during the war years, building training schools, manufacturing aircraft, and supporting Allied operations across the Atlantic. Programs such as the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan turned Canada into one of the world’s great pilot-training countries. Canadian companies like de Havilland Canada became known for designing rugged aircraft capable of operating in harsh northern conditions. Bush planes and bush pilots like Max Ward (Wardair) opened remote regions of the country, connecting isolated communities and supporting exploration, mining, and medical transport. Aviation helped shape modern Canada in ways that many people today rarely stop to consider. After the war, aviation entered the jet age and North America became the focus of global aerospace innovation. Commercial air travel exploded in popularity as families could suddenly cross the continent in hours rather than days. Airports expanded into enormous transportation hubs, while military aviation evolved into the era of supersonic fighters, strategic bombers, and space exploration. The story of aviation in North America is ultimately a story of ambition, and invention, a reminder that humanity has always looked toward the sky and imagined what might come next. But this story has plenty of mystery and thrills, so come aboard and take to the skies. So if you love to fly then this is your boarding pass! In this lecture on the Go, Upcoming topics in the 2026 series: \*Philosophy 1: Great Minds of the Western World: Goethe to Kant! - (August 2026) \*Philosophy 2: Great Minds of the Eastern World: Chuang Tzu to Dalai Lama - (July 2026) The 1977 Disaster at Tenerife - (August 2026) Legacy of Triangle: How a New York Factory Scandal changed North America - (September 2026) History of Aviation (September 2026) So book your plans now! This event is for all levels and walkers, there are a few steps here and there to navigate, but mostly on one level. This event in a non-walking event. The lecture begins on the steps of Old City Hall at the northeast corner of Bay Street and Queen Street West, and has a ticket price of $20.00 per person, but **free with the yearly membership pass**. **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

Toronto Luxury Real Estate, Interior Designer, Construction & Renovation NE

***Tickets Must be purchased in advance!*** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/toronto-luxury-real-estate-interior-designer-construction-renovation-ne-tickets-1998519245863 Get ready to connect with Toronto's finest real estate, design, construction, and finance professionals at a networking event like no other! **Stellar Socials by Limitless: Toronto Real Estate, Interior Design, Construction & Renovation Networking Event** Join us for an exclusive evening curated for ambitious professionals across real estate, interior design, construction, and renovation. This is your opportunity to build meaningful connections, unlock new opportunities, and elevate your business or career. Whether you're seeking strategic partnerships, industry insights, or simply looking to expand your network, this event offers the perfect environment to connect, collaborate, and grow. **DRESS CODE: BUSINESS CASUAL** ### About Stellar Socials by Limitless Stellar Socials is a premier networking experience hosting high-quality events across North America. We bring together top-tier professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives in a stylish, high-energy environment designed for real connections. Our mission is simple: create powerful spaces where connections turn into opportunities. ### Who Attends? Expect a curated mix of driven professionals, including: • **Real Estate Professionals** – Agents, brokers, developers, investors, and builders • **Interior Designers** – Designers, decorators, and creative consultants • **Construction Leaders** – Contractors, project managers, architects, and engineers • **Renovation Specialists** – Builders, flippers, and home improvement experts • **Entrepreneurs & Investors** – Business owners and growth-focused professionals • **Startups & Innovators** – Companies seeking partnerships and exposure • **Job Seekers & Graduates** – Ambitious individuals entering the industry • **Media & Marketing Professionals** – Creators covering real estate & design trends 📍 **Age Group:** 21–55 \| **Venue:** 21+ (Bar Setting) ### What to Expect ✨ High-value conversations around real estate trends, design innovation, and development ✨ Opportunities to meet industry leaders, collaborators, and future partners ✨ Career and business growth insights ✨ A relaxed, upscale social environment designed for natural networking Whether you attend solo or with friends, you’ll leave with valuable connections, fresh ideas, and new opportunities. ### The Stellar Socials Experience Our events are intentionally designed to feel effortless and high-quality. No pressure—just genuine conversations, strong energy, and the right people in the room. Come ready to connect, collaborate, and elevate your network. ### Join the Community 📲 Instagram: @stellarsocialsbylimitless 📘 Facebook: Stellar Socials by Limitless 🎥 TikTok: @stellar.socials ### Notice of Photography Please note: Photos and videos will be taken during the event for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to being photographed and/or filmed. If you prefer not to appear, please inform an event organizer upon arrival.

Geotab x Kafka/Flink Meet Up

IMPORTANT PLEASE RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfbZfoE4_B8InxsEr5I9db6OOLbKqVV-WHGaGCZQjQa7asSw/viewform We're excited to bring the community together for an evening of learning and connection! Come support your fellow developers, learn something new, and meet others. The meetup will feature 3 technical sessions, including a panel! There will be networking with light food and refreshments. **Agenda:** * 5:00pm – 5:30pm: Food/Drinks and Networking * 5:40pm - 6:05pm: Presenter **Sandon Jacobs - Senior Developer Advocate, Confluent** * 6:05pm - 6:30pm Presenter **Xiao (Mark) Ma — Lead Developer, Data Platform, Geotab** * 6:30 PM – 6:40 PM: Networking Break * 6:40pm - 7:05pm: Presenter **Wenyang Liu — Data Platform Architect, Data & Analytics, Geotab** * 7:05pm - 7:25pm **Panel — Real-Time Data Platforms in Practice: Architecture, Trade-offs, and What's Next** * 7:25pm - 8:00pm: Wrap-Up, Hiring Plug & Raffle

Downtown Architectural Lines & Shadows in Monochrome

2026 CBC Massey Lecture: Housing Inc.

{ SOLD-OUT } Since 1965, [CBC IDEAS](http://cbc.ca/ideas) has broadcast the Massey Lectures, exploring the ideas that make us who we are. We attend the Massey Lecture every year. **Housing is not a luxury. It is a requirement for human existence.** In the 2026 CBC Massey Lectures, **Leilani Farha**, *global director of The Shift and former UN special rapporteur on the Right to Housing*, reckons with a crisis engineered by governments and perfected by financial firms. In her first Massey Lecture, “Home,” she explores how our homes shape our sense of dignity, identity, and security. Because home is so fundamental to our lives, she argues, our housing system is inextricably linked to the question of who lives, who dies, and who counts. **Ticket link here: ($26-$50) Any seat on any level is a great seat!** https://www.rcmusic.com/concert/the-2026-cbc-massey-lectures-housing-inc-456801 https://ihrp.law.utoronto.ca/ihrp-alumni-spotlight-leilani-farha https://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/how-to-get-tickets-to-leilani-farhas-cbc-massey-lectures-9.7256001

History of Tommy Thompson Park (Leslie Street Spit) (RETURN FOR 2026)

**The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** Welcome to Toronto History Walks! This walk is the full history and story behind the building of the Leslie Street Spit. From a popular beach in the 1950s to a nature sanctuary this walk explores the human and natural history of the Park! One of the best places to walk and enjoy the sights of Toronto is Tommy Thompson Park. But it's not just a great place to see the sweeping views of Toronto harbour, but it's also a fascinating story of landfill operations and has an historic undertone that dates back to the early twentieth century. Out of nothing comes something, really should be the slogan for the Leslie Street Spit. This walk is not only a history walk, it has some of the best opportunities for picture taking, and nature. So I hope to see you there, and bring your camera. Our walk begins at the southeast intersection of **Leslie St at Commissioners Street!** We return to the start location after our adventure! \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

Sinister, Somber, Serene: The Aesthetic of Places & The Normative Landscape

In this talk, I explore ways that the aesthetic character of places (inviting, strange, threatening, familiar, comforting, creepy, seedy, sinister, somber, serene, etc.) can impact moral, prudential, and political norms that operate in those spaces. This will in turn lead to questions about how we should approach our power to shape the aesthetic character of places. Erich Matthes https://www.wellesley.edu/people/erich-matthes Professor Department of Philosophy Wellesley College **About the Speaker:** My primary research interests concern the ethics, politics, and aesthetics of cultural heritage, art, and the environment. I have [published papers](https://philpapers.org/profile/28417) on topics including repatriation, historic preservation, landscape art, cultural appropriation, irreplaceability, authenticity, place-loss due to climate change, and the value of history and heritage. My second book, *[What to Save and Why: Identity, Authenticity, and the Ethics of Conservation](https://global.oup.com/academic/product/what-to-save-and-why-9780197744550?cc=us&lang=en)* was published by Oxford University Press in September 2024. It's about the ethics of conserving and preserving things, from heirlooms to artworks, traditions to landscapes. I've also written about the problem of immoral artists: what should we do, think, and feel when artists whom we love do or say objectionable things? My first book, *[Drawing the Line: What to Do with the Work of Immoral Artists from Museums to the Movies](https://global.oup.com/academic/product/drawing-the-line-9780197537572?cc=us&lang=en&),* tackles these questions, and was published by Oxford University Press in 2022. **\* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \*** This is a talk with audience Q&A presented by the University of Toronto's Centre for Ethics that is free to attend and open to the public. Free pizza and refreshments will be provided at the event. The talk will also be streamed online with live chat here [to be posted]. About the Centre for Ethics (http://ethics.utoronto.ca): The Centre for Ethics is an interdisciplinary centre aimed at advancing research and teaching in the field of ethics, broadly defined. The Centre seeks to bring together the theoretical and practical knowledge of diverse scholars, students, public servants and social leaders in order to increase understanding of the ethical dimensions of individual, social, and political life. In pursuit of its interdisciplinary mission, the Centre fosters lines of inquiry such as (1) foundations of ethics, which encompasses the history of ethics and core concepts in the philosophical study of ethics; (2) ethics in action, which relates theory to practice in key domains of social life, including bioethics, business ethics, and ethics in the public sphere; and (3) ethics in translation, which draws upon the rich multiculturalism of the City of Toronto and addresses the ethics of multicultural societies, ethical discourse across religious and cultural boundaries, and the ethics of international society. The Ethics of A.I. Lab at the Centre For Ethics recently appeared on a list of 10 organizations leading the way in ethical A.I.: https://ocean.sagepub.com/blog/10-organizations-leading-the-way-in-ethical-ai

Toronto's Art Deco 1929-1939: VOLUME 1 and 2 (SPECIAL EXTENDED TOUR)

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** Art Deco is all around us. Streamlined Modern or Art Modern are two other fascinating ways to say the same thing. Whichever way you plan on saying it, Art Deco buildings tell a rich story of optimism and positivity during one of the most darkest decades in history, the great depression of the 1930s! This walking tour explores our built environment of our downtown core. Toronto Stock Exchange built in 1937, along with the Royal York Hotel and the Canada Permanent Trust Company are prime examples. But others line Spadina Avenue during the challenging years of the depression, but also during the tensions which were bubbling in the Garment Industry. Art Deco buildings were centre stage! These buildings tell a story that goes beyond style into the heart of the Toronto story itself! Built at the height of the roaring 1920s and 1930s, the bubble was about to burst however, and the depression was just settling in. But a new style would set the tone, and it was called Art Deco! Toronto built some of its most enduring buildings, and left a built legacy of Art Deco during the 1930s which should be treasured and protected. Losing any of these treasures would surly be a loss to the community. They tell a rich and inviting story about the growth of Canada, and Toronto! This walking tour is for all walking levels. Please dress for the season, and hope to see you there. Please meet under the **clock tower** of the Queens Quay Terminal at 207 Queens Quay West on the south side just west of York Street! We end on Spadina and Richmond Street! This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

Creative Code Toronto meetup at InterAccess

Join us for a Toronto meetup of creative coders! This will be a venue to get to know each other and see what's going on in the community. We'll have a space downtown and some food available. We're partnering with [InterAccess](https://interaccess.org), a gallery, educational facility, production studio, festival, and registered charity dedicated to new media and emerging practices in art and technology! * If you've got a project you've worked on in the past that you're proud of, we'd love to see it and for you to walk us through what went into it. * If you're currently working on something or investigating some new ideas and feel like sharing, this would be a great time discuss your process so far! * If you haven't done anything yet but are interested in creative coding, we'd love to see what works have inspired you. Sign up here if you're interested in speaking! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MsbtdvTGMNT75lqq4lnxydY4TczStAOZE1Ap8mQJKeM](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MsbtdvTGMNT75lqq4lnxydY4TczStAOZE1Ap8mQJKeM) **What is creative code?** *Creative coding* refers to anything with an artistic component that uses code as a medium. We welcome artists who use code (for visuals, audio, poetry, or whatever else), designers, animators, toolmakers, researchers, or just enjoyers and people looking to learn more! **Location:** InterAccess, at 32 Lisgar St. **Join our discord** if you want to talk to everyone before/after the event, or have any suggestions for things you'd like to see or do! [https://discord.gg/ux9txXPsdJ](https://discord.gg/ux9txXPsdJ)

Cabbagetown Architecture Tour & Festival

We will be walking by the grandest homes in Cabbagetown and discussing their unique history and architecture. We will also be visiting the Cabbagetown Fall Festival which includes music, food, a street festival, arts & crafts, yard sales and a farm. This event is free. Highly recommended.

(SOLD OUT SESSION) Art and Form intermediate lighting workshop w Ciara

## LINK to purchase tickets for event- [https://www.wtpg.ngo/event-details/wtpg-signature-series-art-and-form-intermediate-level-lighting-with-ciara](https://www.wtpg.ngo/event-details/wtpg-signature-series-art-and-form-intermediate-level-lighting-with-ciara) ## About the event # Light, Art & Form — Intermediate Art Nude Photography Workshop  ## About the Event **10:00 AM – 12:00 PM** We are excited to present **Light, Art & Form**, an intermediate-level studio photography workshop exploring the creative possibilities of **art nude photography, light and form**, featuring the talented model **Ciara Antoski**. This hands-on workshop is designed for photographers who want to develop their understanding of studio lighting while creating dramatic, artistic and carefully composed images for their portfolios. Working in a small, intimate group, we'll explore several professional lighting setups and discuss how the **position, direction, quality and shape of light** can transform the appearance of the human form.  ## Workshop Details Are you passionate about art nude photography? Do you want to better understand how professional photographers create dramatic and beautiful lighting? This workshop is focused on **learning through doing**. Phil Sutherland will guide participants through each setup, explaining the lighting choices, modifiers, angles and techniques used to create the desired look. Participants will have opportunities to photograph each setup while receiving guidance and feedback throughout the session.  ### Framing & Composition During the workshop, we'll explore several approaches to photographing the figure, including: * **2/3-body compositions** * **Floor-level compositions featuring lingerie** * **Full-body compositions** * Exploring how framing, negative space and perspective affect the final image * Using light and shadow to emphasize form and create mood ## Workshop Team **Instructor:** Phil Sutherland **Model:** Ciara Antoski **Assistant:** Volunteer to be announced Ciara brings considerable experience and professionalism to the workshop, and we're thrilled to have her working with us for this session. ### Small Group — Maximum 6 Photographers To provide a better learning and shooting experience, we are limiting this workshop to **a maximum of six participants**. Keeping the group small allows for more individual attention, more opportunities to ask questions and meaningful shooting time with each lighting setup. ## About West Toronto Photography Group As an **Indigenous-run, not-for-profit arts organization**, West Toronto Photography Group is committed to supporting photographers, sharing knowledge and making arts programming accessible to the community. Our workshops are designed to create a welcoming and professional environment where photographers can learn, experiment, meet other artists and—most importantly—have fun making photographs. ## Workshop Information **Maximum Participants:** 6 **Workshop Fee:** CAD $125 + HST and applicable vendor fee ## What Should I Bring? Please bring: * DSLR, mirrorless or medium-format camera * Your preferred lenses * Fully charged batteries * Freshly formatted memory card(s) * A general-purpose lens * Pen and paper if you'd like to take notes **Tripods and camera supports are not required** for this workshop. ### Wireless Triggers We provide wireless triggers for most mainstream camera systems. If you're unsure whether your camera is compatible, please contact us before the workshop and we'll be happy to confirm. ## Model Release A **West Toronto Photography Group model release** will be provided to each participant. The release covers **non-commercial use and photography created for educational and training purposes**. The model will sign the releases, and printed copies will be provided to participating photographers. ## Cancellation & Transfer Policy If we, as organizers, need to postpone or cancel the workshop, refunds will be issued within **72 hours**. We understand that sometimes circumstances prevent participants from attending. If you can no longer attend, please contact us as soon as possible. We will do our best to help you **resell your workshop spot to another member of the group**. If we are able to resell your spot, you will be reimbursed for the ticket price. If the spot cannot be resold, you may transfer your registration to another person to attend in your place; unfortunately, **no refund will be available if the spot remains unsold**. ## Join Us Come explore the relationship between **light, shadow and the human form** in this focused intermediate photography workshop. Whether you're looking to strengthen your studio lighting skills, expand your portfolio or explore new approaches to art nude photography, **Light, Art & Form** offers an opportunity to learn, experiment and create in a supportive professional environment. We look forward to welcoming you to the studio!