Join us at the Annette Street Library at 6:30 pm on October 3, 2024, for a stimulating presentation by Chris Higgins based on his recent book, RIVERSTORYZ.

Most of what people know about the Humber is inscribed on heritage plaques, or published on popular websites. But there are other stories about this river in Toronto’s west end. If you care to search archival newspapers, they turn up in bunches. There were criminals who rampaged along the Humber, and cops that tried to stop them; schools of fish that were driven away; swimmers who drowned, and those that left for cleaner waters; artists and musicians who drew inspiration there; a silent film studio that made it their backdrop; a swinging dancehall that burned to the ground; brawls, liquor, accidents, killings, and drownings.

To learn about the Humber, by all means, read the plaques and surf the web. But for the rare stuff, read RIVERSTORYZ.

Date & Time: October 3, 2024. Doors open at 6:30 pm, event starts promptly at 6:45 pm and will end by 8:00 pm.

Location: Auditorium, lower level of Annette Street Library, 145 Annette Street (two blocks west of Keele Street)

A video recording of this meeting is now available for viewing via this DropBox link:

Meet our Presenter, Chris Higgins

Chris was born in Montreal but has been living happily in Toronto since the 1980s. After a 29-year teaching career with the Toronto District School Board, he retired in 2020 and took up writing. Chris’s first book – “BRICK by BRICK: Swansea Public School, 1890-2020” – was a love letter to a school where he’d taught for 17 years. Next came “RIVERSTORYZ: Conversations on the Humber.” Chris is currently working on “The Gaol Carpenter’s Diary,” a work of historical fiction about a jail employee who witnesses eleven high profile murder cases in nineteenth century Toronto.

Discover the unique history of the Junction and learn about efforts to preserve its rich heritage at our upcoming event, “Junction Heritage, Then and Now: Planning to Preserve the Junction.”

Date: Thursday, June 6, 2024
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: St. John’s West Toronto Anglican Church, 288 Humberside Ave (between High Park Ave. and Quebec Ave.)
This event will be held both, in-person and on Zoom.

Why the Junction Matters: Once a separate city before merging with Toronto in 1909, the Junction boasts numerous heritage resources that chronicle its development. The Junction Heritage Conservation District (JHCD) organization is collaborating with the City of Toronto to protect Dundas Street West under the Ontario Heritage Act. This event will shed light on our ongoing initiatives to promote heritage conservation in the area.

What to Expect:

• Introduction to Our Work: Learn about the JHCD’s efforts, including our website and streetscape mapping initiative.
• Heritage Conservation District Study: Discover the current progress towards designating Dundas St. West as a heritage conservation district, supported by City Council funding.

Featured Speakers:

• Marilyn Miller, Chair JHCD Board: A retired heritage planner with experience in the Ontario Ministry of Culture and the City of Toronto, and a resident of the Junction area.
• Charles Hazell, Vice Chair JHCD Board: An architect with a practice on Dundas St. in the Junction, known for developing heritage plans across Toronto.

For more information about the Junction Heritage Conservation District, visit conservejunctionheritage.org.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the community and play a role in preserving the Junction’s unique heritage. We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: May 4, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m

Dan Leeming, Alex Taranu, and the West Toronto Junction Historical Society (WTJHS)

If you’re a resident of Toronto or simply a lover of the city’s rich history and vibrant communities, you’re in for a treat this May. The West Toronto Junction Historical Society (WTJHS) invites you to join a Jane’s Walk, an inspiring and community-led walking conversation in the heart of West Toronto. This annual festival, inspired by the legendary Jane Jacobs, a celebrated journalist, author, theorist, and activist, has been connecting neighbors and inspiring meaningful conversations in cities across the globe since 2007.

https://www.janeswalkfestivalto.com/4-may/west-toronto-a-walk-along-high-park-avenue

This year’s walk along High Park Avenue offers a unique opportunity to explore the architecture, urban planning, and history that make West Toronto such a unique place. It’s not just about observing buildings and streets; it’s about hearing stories that bring the neighborhood to life, understanding the experiences of those who live here, and discovering hidden gems that even long-time residents might overlook.

Set to take place on May 4th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the walk will start at Bloor West and High Park Avenue, right across from High Park Station. It will then continue down High Park Avenue towards Dundas West, exploring the local architecture, and delving into the themes of environment and sustainability, history, and places, as well as the people and communities that form the vibrant tapestry of West Toronto.

One of the most special aspects of Jane’s Walk is its community-driven nature. The festival is run by volunteers and supported by generous donors, ensuring that it’s accessible to everyone. With Jane’s Walks now held in nearly 500 cities across six continents, there’s a global sense of community and shared purpose. By joining this walk, you become part of that worldwide movement.

While the focus is on engagement and conversation, it’s worth noting that the sidewalks on this route can be relatively narrow, so be prepared for a cozy stroll with your fellow participants. However, the experience is well worth it, offering a chance to see the neighborhood from a new perspective, meet new people, and learn from the unique stories that make West Toronto such a special place.

So mark your calendars for May 4th and bring your walking shoes! We look forward to seeing you on High Park Avenue for this enriching and community-driven exploration of West Toronto. Let’s walk together, connect, and celebrate the spirit of Jane Jacobs, a true Toronto icon.

We are pleased to present the 2023 Annual Report for the West Toronto Junction Historical Society, prepared for our upcoming Annual General Meeting on May 2, 2024. This report provides an overview of our activities, achievements, and community engagements over the past year. It also highlights our ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting the unique heritage and stories of the West Toronto Junction community. We invite you to explore this report to learn more about our work and the exciting plans we have for the future. Thank you for your continued support and interest in our mission.