Join Junction historian and veteran tour guide Neil Ross for an unforgettable night of local true crime on a pub crawl through some of the neighbourhood’s favourite bars. Discover the dark, thrilling, sometimes hilarious stories of the railway town’s murderers, thieves, gangsters and cops!
đź“… Dates: Friday, April 11, 2025 or Saturday, April 12, 2025
đź•’ Start Time: 7:30pm. Please arrive 15 minutes in advance to check in.
đź“Ť Location: The tour begins at Axis Cafe, 3048 Dundas Street West
🎫 Tickets: $25 for non-members of WTJHS | $10 for WTJHS members.
This event is 19+ and unfortunately not accessible (stairs).
Join us for an engaging evening with Adam Waiser, co-host of Muddy York: A Toronto History Podcast, as he brings his latest episode, “Battle of St. Andrew,” to life in a special talk.
This discussion, inspired by the recent February 27th provincial election, will transport us back to 1955, when an election campaign in Toronto’s St. Andrew riding became a battle to unseat Ontario’s last Communist MPP. The race was about more than just party politics—it reflected deep divisions within Toronto’s Jewish community, raising pressing questions about representation, political identity, and allyship.
Adam Waiser is a passionate history enthusiast who started Muddy York after being inspired by a podcast about NYC history. He co-hosts the show with Grayson Miller, a media professional with a decade of experience in content creation and storytelling. Together, they uncover hidden stories of Toronto’s past, from political struggles to cultural shifts.
Muddy York has grown into a widely followed podcast, offering in-depth research, engaging narratives, and interviews with local historians and authors.
The WTJHS presents Pamella Houston from the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) talking about the major contributions of Black Torontonians and Black Canadians, including Daniel Hill Sr. Mr Hill was a founding member of the OBHS and wrote the book, “The Freedom Seekers” published in 1981. In June 2024, the Dundas/Jane branch of the Toronto Public Library was renamed the Daniel Hill Library after this prominent Black Torontonian and pioneer in human rights in Ontario. A huge step forward for our West Toronto neighbourhood. Join us for a wonderful evening celebrating Canadian Black history.
đź“… Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025 đź•’ Time: 7:00 pm đź“Ť Location: Annette Public Library, 145 Annette Street, Toronto
This meeting will be in-person only, but a video recording will be made available via the WTJHS website.
Join us for an engaging evening with Albert Koehl, one of Toronto’s most dedicated cycling and road safety advocates, as he presents “Wheeling Through Toronto: A History of the Bicycle and Its Riders.” This talk will take us through a fascinating journey of the bicycle’s place in Toronto, chronicling its 130-year history from the 1890s to today.
đź“… Date: Thursday, December 5, 2024 đź•’ Time: 7:00 pm đź“Ť Location: Annette Public Library, 145 Annette Street, Toronto This will be in person only, but a video recording will be available for those unable to attend.
What to Expect Throughout its history in Toronto, the bicycle has gone through cycles of popularity and neglect. Once flaunted as a fashionable accessory, it was later dismissed as outdated during the automobile boom, only to be revived as a sustainable mode of transportation in response to modern challenges. Albert Koehl’s presentation, “Wheeling Through Toronto,” takes us through these transformations, exploring the social, environmental, and practical roles the bicycle has played in the city’s past and its potential to shape a healthier future.
From the bicycle craze of the 1890s, through the rise of car-centric roads in the 1950s, to the push for active transportation in recent decades, Albert’s talk offers insights into how Toronto’s attitudes toward cycling have evolved and the many ways bicycles continue to enrich our city. With compelling stories from archival materials, newspapers, and personal interviews, Albert will discuss why the simple bicycle remains such a beloved (and sometimes polarizing) vehicle and how it can contribute to a cleaner, fairer, and more joyful Toronto.
Don’t Miss This Opportunity to Learn About Toronto’s Cycling History! This is a must-attend event for anyone interested in Toronto’s history, transportation advocacy, or the environmental and social impacts of cycling. Bring your questions and join us for an enlightening evening as we look back on the history of the bicycle in Toronto and explore its potential for the future.
Light refreshments will be provided, and a video recording will be available after the event for those unable to attend in person.
A video recording of this meeting is now available for viewing via this DropBox link:
About Albert Koehl Albert Koehl has been an environmental and community lawyer and a former adjunct professor of law for over 30 years, focusing on issues related to climate change, energy use, and sustainable transportation. As one of Toronto’s leading advocates for road safety and cycling, Albert’s work is driven by a commitment to social justice. He believes that transportation should be fair and accessible for everyone, regardless of wealth or power, and that our choices on how to get around should respect our community and climate. His passion and dedication have inspired many to join the movement for safer, more accessible streets in Toronto.
