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Riverside BIA 40 Years, 40 Stories: Film & TV Culture in Riverside

As part of our ‘Riverside BIA: 40 Years, 40 Stories’ series, we’re sharing the story of the film and TV culture in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood, with some fascinating tidbits from over the years.

This story has been modified from it’s origins as one of our Riverside Walks. Thanks to our former BIA Board Member and local historian Ron Fletcher and his ‘movie buff’ brother Bernie Fletcher for sharing photos and information for this original walk/story.

Have you ever wondered where some of your favourite TV shows and movies were filmed? In some cases, the answer is very close to home! Just steps from Toronto’s major film studios, the Riverside neighbourhood has been a film and TV hotspot for decades thanks to the area’s film-friendly ‘doors open’ policy. Home to the famous De Grassi Street, which inspired the Degrassi TV series, Riverside has been transformed for “Cinderella Man” (2005) and more recently hosted shoots for TV series such as “Handmaid’s Tale” and “Taken.”

Ralph Thornton Centre / Queen Saulter Library (765 Queen St E) & Cinderella Man (Queen St E) 

The columned façade was designed by E.J. Lennox, who also designed Old City Hall and Casa Loma. The building was constructed in 1913 and served as Postal Station G until 1975. It was acquired by the City of Toronto and renovated into a community center and library in 1979. Scenes from Cinderella Man (2005) were filmed in and around the building and in The Mouth of Madness (1994).

Recognize the Queen/Saulter library? Queen Street East was outfitted to look like a Depression-era American town for Cinderella Man (2005) directed by Ron Howard. Photo credit: Bernie Fletcher 

In the Mouth of Madness (1994) directed by John Carpenter, filmed inside the library. Photo Credit: Toronto Public Library Archives.

George Iliades (741 Queen St E) 

A lot has changed on Queen St E, but George Iliades, barber and actor, has been in the same shop for the last 54 years and has been in 14 movies! His first appearance was in 2001, for a TD Bank Commercial (TD rented his shop for the ad and ended up putting him on camera too). After that, he got an agent and has been in My Big Fat Greek Wedding and more.

Owner of Broadview Beauty Parlour and well known figure George Iliades in his shop. Photo Credit: George Iliades.

The Broadview Hotel (106 Broadview Ave) & Teck Theatre (700 Queen St E) 

Originally built in 1891 as a Romanesque style hall for public gatherings called ‘Dingman’s Hall,’ a 1907 ownership change converted it to rooming houses for men working in factories or on the rail lines. The building was Jilly’s Strip Club by 1986. In 2014, Streetcar Developments bought and transformed this iconic building into a boutique hotel with the Toronto skyline’s best views. It has since been the scene of prominent TV series such as A Handmaid’s Tale. Right next door was once the Teck Theatre, a Toronto movie house opened from 1931-33 during the transition from silent movies to ‘talkies’. Read all about The Broadview Hotel’s long and colourful history in our past feature.

Photo Credit: Toronto Archives.

Riverside Bridge & Il Ponte (625 Queen St E) 

The Bridge appeared in Angel Eyes (2001) with the CN Tower at the back, even though Angel Eyes is set in Chicago. At the eastern foot of the Bridge, the Italian restaurant Il Ponte, named for the Bridge it was located beside, was the set for the TV series Mary Kills People (episode 2×05).

A still screen from the series “Mary Kills People”. 

A still screen from the 2001 film “Angel Eyes”

Quince Flowers (660 Queen St E) 

A popular floral shop in Riverside for over 10 years, Quince boasts TIFF as one of their clients and created the flower wall ‘step and repeat’ for TIFF’s 40th Anniversary. Quince did the floral arrangements  for the TV series Suits as well as Atom Egoyan’s movies Chloe (2009) and Ararat (2002).

The stunning flower wall at TIFF done by Quince Flowers. Photo Credit: Quince Flowers

The floral arrangements seen here, a still from the incredibly popular series Suits, was done by Quince Flowers!

The Opera House (735 Queen St E) 

An iconic Toronto music venue since 1989, the building originally opened in 1909 as a Vaudeville stage, then as La Plaza Theatre (1930s), and as a movie theatre through the 1960s. As multiplex screen venues popped up, the venue transformed again in 1989 under new ownership to a live music venue that has hosted many of the world’s top acts such as Metallica, Cindy Lauper, and Eminem. The Opera House has been in many movie scenes, notably The Rocker (2008) and Johnny Mnemonic (1995). Learn all about The Opera House and it’s long history in our past feature about it.

Still screen from The Rocker (2008)

De Grassi Street & Bruce Mackey Park (55 Wardell St) 

Originally named for the soldier, Filippo De Grassi, the street was made famous after it inspired the hit TV series franchise. Bruce Mackey Park was officially dedicated to a founding friend and supporter of the Degrassi TV series: Bruce Mackey opened his home to young filmmakers, Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood, who were making a short children’s film. The Kids of Degrassi Street was born, spawning the cult classic franchise including Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High, Degrassi: The Next Generation, which starred now famed artist Drake, and Degrassi: Next Class. Read more about this in our past story about De Grassi St vs Degrassi St!

Laird Fx (46 McGee St) 

Established in 1979 by Laird McMurray, Laird Fx is Canada’s largest firm doing special effects, props and more devices for film, TV, theatre and live events – having worked with series such as Star Trek. Laird changed the game by hiring people full-time year-round – locking in good employees and talented people.

A look inside the Laird FX workspace reveals bits and pieces from countless projects. Photo Credit: Laird FX

If Riverside’s “door open” policy, landscape, and proximity to major local film studios were not enough to make it a hotbed for TV and film projects, the character and history of the area are. Buildings and streets in Riverside reflect a city that has changed greatly but retained qualities and proudly bears markings of its past. Set for today, tomorrow, or yesterday, Riverside provides a great canvas to tell a visual story.

We hope you enjoyed this whirlwind tour of some of the fascinating film and TV moments in Riverside’s history, and cheers to many more being made every day!

 

40 years 40 stories graphic

The ‘Riverside BIA 40 Years, 40 Stories’ Series is part of how we’re celebrating the 40th anniversary of this incredible neighbourhood of community-builders.

FIND THE SERIES HERE AS WE SHARE NEW STORIES EACH WEEK

DO YOU HAVE A STORY OF THE RIVERSIDE BIA? SUBMIT YOUR STORY

Riverside 40 Years, 40 Stories: George “Jim” Thomason & Unilever

As part of the Riverside BIA: 40 Years, 40 Stories series, we are sharing the story of Jim Thomason, an East End native, a father and loving grandfather, and a long-time employee of the Unilever factory at the foot of the Don River.

Our thanks go to Jim’s granddaughter, Sabrina (Riverside BIA’s summer 2021 Marketing Assistant!), for contributing this amazing story and to Jim and other family members for sharing their memories.

My Grandfather, George “Jim” Thomason, was born April 22nd 1931 at East York General (now Michael Garron Hospital) and – until he moved to the West Coast to enjoy his retirement “without snow” – he was a Toronto Eastend native who grew up just northeast of Riverside neighbourhood.

An early photo of Jim Thomason as a toddler, c 1933 (Photo credit to the Thomason family)

Gerrard and Pape bridge c 1930 (Photo Credit Toronto City Archives)

Back then he was a tall, slim man and a self proclaimed “Spiffy Dresser.” After all, he did meet my Grandmother, Sheila Taylor, a Scottish-American immigrant, in a $75.00 suit. Three weeks wages at the time!

As a young man Grandad wanted to be a printer, and got an apprenticeship at Bryant Press (near Spadina Avenue in the West End). However shortly after, with the printing system becoming more automated, the Printers Union went on strike and they paid him $25.00 a week to stand on a picket line for a few hours.

According to Grandad, his father, “was pissed off, ‘excuse my language’ ” he said on the phone, “that he was being paid a wage not to work but to stand around for a few hours.” So to keep the peace, as he said he always did – and not uncommon for the time – Jim took a job he did not want and worked there his entire life.

Born in between World Wars and into the Great Depression, my Grandad grew up being told you got “a job that pays every week and it was considered permanent if they liked you and you liked it.” Jim Thomason worked at Unilever – the Lever Brothers Sunlight Soapworks Factory – on Eastern Avenue from March 1948 until he retired with a gold watch and a pension in 1991.

Lever Brothers Soapworks Factory, Exterior, 1930s (Photo Credit Toronto Library)

Lever Brothers Soapworks Factory, Interior, 1930s (Photo Credit Toronto Library)

When I asked my grandad if he liked it he said “No, but I kept my nose clean and held on to it. It’s not like today, where they say ‘we will see how you fit in after 18 months and maybe renew your contract… none of that. You had a job if you showed up and worked hard!”

In 1948 he was paid 95 cents an hour with a 5 cents an hour living bonus, working out to be around $40.00 a week. At 21 he joined the compulsory Canadian pension plan and over 40 years later he retired on a salary of $37 500 a year plus overtime pay.

Images of Lever Brothers Soap Factory, Exterior 2019 (Photo Credit Toronto Library)

Images of Lever Brothers Soap Factory, Exterior 2019 (Photo Credit Toronto Library)

Ninety in April this year, Grandad’s memories of Riverside, Riverdale and Leslieville in the 1930’s and 40’s, although not named as such then, are as vivid as ever. He can still recall the family names and ethnicities of every neighbour he had on Cavell Ave.

Can you tell me about anyone that sticks out in your memory from your childhood?

 “There was this Italian Immigrant family who lived up the street and they owned a grocery store up on the Danforth.” He spoke as if he were standing outside the store telling me about it. “The Greco Family, the son was Tony and they were a ‘go to church two to three times a week’ kind of family but they had the best produce at their store.”

Tony Greco and his Mother, Southwest corner, Danforth and Logan 1930 (Photo Credit Toronto City Archives)

Do you have memories of Queen Street from your days working at Lever Brothers?

“So much of the city at that point was still under development but down south of Queen Street was a combination of working class homes and industrial factories that all depended on the Don River as a way to move raw materials up from the lake docks and into the factories.”

I can recall this story from my own childhood, Grandad telling me about hauling bags of lye off a barge that would pull up to a loading dock in the Lever Brothers factory. “It was labour but few jobs that paid every week and had room to grow with seniority didn’t start out as labour” he said, as if this were still a common work practice.

My grandparents lived in the east end their whole working lives. They raised two children who went on to have families of their own, myself included, in the Riverside and, Riverdale areas. They continue to tell our family stories of life in young Toronto, starting a family and seeing the neighbourhood grow around them.

My Grandad is a thoughtful and hardworking man who served the east end neighbourhood of Riverside his whole working life. It’s been a joy to share his story.

Jim and Kyle, his son and contributing writer Sabrina Thomason’s father – 1964 (Photo credit: Thomason family)

Sheila and Jim Thomason in the 1970s (Photo credit: Thomason family)

 

40 years 40 stories graphic

The ‘Riverside BIA 40 Years, 40 Stories’ Series is part of how we’re celebrating the 40th anniversary of this incredible neighbourhood of community-builders.

FIND THE SERIES HERE AS WE SHARE NEW STORIES EACH WEEK

DO YOU HAVE A STORY OF THE RIVERSIDE BIA? SUBMIT YOUR STORY

Riverside 40 Years, 40 Stories: Better Way Cleaners, A Constant for 56 Years

As part of the Riverside BIA: 40 Years, 40 Stories series, we’re putting a spotlight on Better Way Cleaners at 724 Queen Street East, one of Riverside’s longest standing family businesses and the family behind the steadfast storefront.

Our thanks go to Edward Jang – who took over the family business after his late father William (Bill) Jang’s retirement in 1988 – for sharing his thoughts and memories for this article.

Photo of Better Way Cleaners storefront in 2021

Photo of Better Way Cleaners storefront in 2021 at 724 Queen Street East in Riverside neighbourhood, Toronto

How has the community changed over the years?

When asked what the Riverside neighbourhood was like when Better Way Cleaners first opened, Edward shared:

“Not like it is now. It was a bunch of clothing stores, shoe stores, and the odd grocery – unlike now, how it is mostly restaurants. Once Gerrard Square opened up in the 70s, all the businesses on Queen started moving there and they were replaced by restaurants.”

“It wasn’t the best area in Toronto at the time… it was a rougher area. The [Broadview] hotel was a hotel, then it became a strip club, now they’ve renovated it to what it is now. The southeast corner was a bank, and the southwest corner was actually another cleaners at the time.”

View of Queen Street East, view east across Broadview Avenue, Riverside neighbourhood, Toronto – April 2, 1982

View of Queen Street East, view east across Broadview Avenue, Riverside neighbourhood, Toronto – April 2, 1982

Reflecting on how the community itself had changed, he added that Riverside in the 1960s was “definitely a working-class neighbourhood…”

“The community is younger now, and more couples and families. It’s more family oriented. With the new condo developments, there’s a lot more young professionals. Before these were condos, they were working areas.”

With so many local and family-owned businesses having come and gone in the neighbourhood in the time since Better Way Cleaners opened, we asked what kept them in Riverside. Edward shared that his roots are in this neighbourhood, where he grew up and went to school, and knows so well. He grew up in a large family in a busy neighbourhood, no stranger to hard work, with a strong sense of community. 

“It’s tradition”, he said, “My father opened this store. I grew up in this area, graduated from U of T and worked at TD bank. When my father was ready to retire, he asked me if I wanted to take over the business, and I’ve been doing this full time since 1988.”

“I come from a family of 8, and I’m number 6. All of us have come and worked here and then gone off to school, but I stuck around here and took over the business.”

When asked about what challenges the business has faced over the years, Edward chuckles and answers “Taxes! They’re crazy in this area” before adding:

“There’s been a decline in demand for dry cleaning services. When I worked at the bank in the 80s, everybody wore suits, skirts, dresses. Then they introduced casual Fridays… there’s just been a whole shift culturally and people rely on dry cleaning services less. Especially now, more and more people are working from home. Even when they do go to work, it’s sweaters or golf tops – when I was at the bank, it was jackets, ties, and suits. Dress codes are becoming less restrictive, and I guess that effects my line of business!”

Hanging proudly in the shop are plaques recognizing Better Way Cleaners as community sponsors. Ate right is Edward’s son’s hockey team, c. 2000.

What hopes do you have for Riverside’s future?

“I hope it continues to grow and trend with new stores. I would hope that this area becomes more like Queen and Spadina – how it’s so busy and they have some higher end shops. A shift towards more of a balance between retail and dining, to draw more young people in and keep them in the area.”

Edward shares that the main changes that the business has made over the years has been in their machinery and equipment, but their business model and approach has remained constant: “We’ve had the same storefront since 1965.”

Keeping up with industry standards, as well as shifting toward digital and automated technology has been the biggest business change. “We’ve updated our machines. The ones we have now are just three or four years old. We started 50 some odd years ago with used machines.”

Passers-by may be familiar with the cleaning machines visible from the window at Better Way Cleaners.

Does the technology change frequently in this industry?

“It has become a lot more computerized. Before, you could fix the machines with stuff you could get at the hardware store. Now when something breaks down, you have to call the specialist to fix it.”

Edward also shared the sad news of his father’s passing last year:

“It happened on Thanksgiving last year. He was 89 years old… Fine one day and didn’t wake up the next. He did start it all back here in ’65.”

Photo of the front counter inside Better Way Cleaners at 724 Queen St E

Photo of the front counter inside Better Way Cleaners at 724 Queen St E

When asked for any final thoughts for this article, Edward mentions that he plans on retiring in the next few years. While there are no concrete plans regarding what to do with the business, or a set date in his mind, Edward is fond of his years in Riverside. He says he embraces change and is excited for the future of this neighbourhood — which he will observe from retirement. 

40 years 40 stories graphic

FIND THE SERIES HERE AS WE SHARE NEW STORIES EACH WEEK

DO YOU HAVE A STORY OF THE RIVERSIDE BIA? SUBMIT YOUR STORY

Meet our #QueenEastEats Community Supporter: Hullmark

We’re excited to thank Hullmark , one of our Queen East Eats Community Supporters!

Hullmark is a real estate and investment development team which is heavily involved in supporting community. Owner Jeff Hull has carried on Hullmark as the family business that started with his grandfather, investing in the same neighbourhoods the family first lived in.⠀

“We are pleased to be part of Queen Eats Eats. The programme is helping shine a spotlight in support of so many hard hits businesses through this summer and fall, including White Lily Diner and other beloved Hullmark tenants. Our Queen Street Eats eateries and bars have so many unique local flavours and so much personality that makes up the character of their neighbourhoods – we’re looking forward to seeing everyone out on the patios in support of local businesses!”~Jamie Zeldin, Director of Asset Management at Hullmark.

What’s #QueenEastEats?

It’s a series of giveaways, colourful displays, public art, tours, business features, and more to welcome everyone to the Queen Street East al fresco dining experience this summer and fall. Stay tuned as we bring you something new every week! Learn more check out our Patio Map to plan your experience Queen East Eats in #RiversideTO & #Leslieville

 

Jamie Zeldin of Hullmark (left) with Ben Denham of White Lily Diner who are part of the CafeTO and Queen East Eats programme in 2021

Jamie Zeldin of Hullmark (left) with Ben Denham of White Lily Diner who are part of the CafeTO and Queen East Eats programme in 2021

Hullmark has been a strong community member within Riverside for many years, as a supporter of the Riverside Gateway Bridge Project and past events such as Wine & Craft Beer Fest, and the Eats & Beats Streetfest.

Beyond being just a real estate investment and development team, Hullmark is a city builder committed to shaping a vibrant urban Toronto, with their involvement in Queen East Eats certainly being no exception to this!

Queen East Eats Thank You Decal - Riverside Toronto

Big thanks to ALL our Community Supporters of ‘Queen East Eats’:

Hullmark, Outline Financial, The Wright Group, and Radical Road Brewery’s Marketplace

Riverside 40 Years, 40 Stories: Bank of Montreal & 711 Queen E

As part of the ’40 Years, 40 Stories’ series, we’re sharing the story of Riverside’s long-standing Bank of Montreal branch, which has been serving the community for over 100 years, and the latest adventures of the historic building at 711 Queen E.

For 103 years, 711 Queen St. E was home to the Bank of Montreal’s Queen/Broadview branch, serving the Riverside community through its financial services and community efforts. 

Did you know BMO was Canada’s first bank? Born and bred in Canada, it opened for business in 1817. It provided Canada’s first widely recognized and used currency. 

The following photos show the historic building at 711 Queen Street East from it’s opening in 1913 when Queen Street was made of cobblestones:

711 Queen Street East, where BMO used to stand, early 20th century, courtesy of newsroom.bmo.com

View of Queen Street East, view east across Broadview Avenue showing the BMO Building at 711 Queen E April 13, 1918 Photo source - Leslieville Historical Society

View of Queen Street East, view east across Broadview Avenue showing the BMO Building at 711 Queen E , April 13, 1918 (Photo source – Leslieville Historical Society)

1920 City of Toronto Directory

1920 City of Toronto Directory

Fast forward to the 1970s:

709 Corner of Broadview Ave. and Queen St. and BMO next door at 711 Queen E, looking south-east – 1972

709 Corner of Broadview Ave. and Queen St. and BMO next door at 711 Queen E, looking south-east – 1972

…and the late 1980s to 2013s:

BMO building beside The Real Jerk, Riverside, Toronto. Photo Credit - Chris Barker, May 2021

BMO nestled building beside colourful facade of The Real Jerk from 1989-2013, Riverside, Toronto. Photo Credit – Chris Barker, May 2021

Celebrating 100+ Years of Community-Building

On Saturday, June 1st, 2013, BMO Bank of Montreal invited customers and members of the community to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its Queen & Broadview branch.

“BMO proudly opened its Queen & Broadview branch in 1913 in the middle of what is now one of Toronto’s oldest commercial hubs,” said Andrew Auerbach, Senior Vice President, Greater Toronto Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. “One hundred years later, BMO continues to serve the financial needs of Toronto, which now boasts more than 2.7 million residents and is home to a diverse range of Fortune 500 companies,” (read the full official news release).

The 100th celebration continued as BMO celebrated 100 years in Riverside in style with refreshments, games, giveaways, photo opportunities, and formal speeches as part of Riverside’s annual street festival at the time, called ‘Sounds Like the Riverside’.

“I’d like to congratulate BMO on 100 years in our community,” said City Councillor Paula Fletcher. “Queen St. East has a rich heritage of culture and commerce, thanks to long-standing community members like BMO who contribute to the vibrancy of this neighbourhood.”

Over the years, BMO has contributed to the vibrancy of Riverside in various ways. In a literal sense, they helped light up the bridge as a Bronze sponsor of the Riverside Gateway Bridge Lighting project in 2015. 

Invitation for the July 5th, 2015 Riverside Gateway Bridge Project Launch celebration, which includes project community supporters like BMO

Invitation for the July 5th, 2015 Riverside Gateway Bridge Project Launch celebration, which includes project community supporters like BMO

They have also been known to host initiatives such as skate nights at Jimmie Simpson for families, free financial consultations, and workshops for small business owners. BMO has also been a sponsor of the Eats & Beats Streetfest and Riverdale ArtWalk, supporting local artists and the Riverside neighbourhood.

At the 2018 Eats & Beats Streetfest, BMO proudly celebrated 105 years in Riverside with a corner full of activities, gifts and prizes for local kids.

BMO's Tent at the 2018 Street Fest

BMO’s tent and mascot at the 2018 Eats & Beats Streetfest – pictured: Riverside BIA Executive Director Jennifer Lay, with a BMO staff festival volunteer (Photo credit: Riverside  BIA)

In 2016, after 104 years in the building at 711 Queen Street East, BMO made a big move their new home at 744 Queen Street East on May 4th, 2017 (the force was surely with them!). Once again, they celebrated their then 104 years in business by inviting the community into their space. They also changed their name a bit to reflect their new location as the BMO Queen & Saulter Branch

Images from BMO's move to 744 Queen E and Community re-opening as the BMO Queen/Saulter Branch

Images from BMO’s move to 744 Queen E and Community re-opening as the BMO Queen/Saulter Branch

Their new and current location features accessible entrance with automatic doors, multiple ATM machines and modern open concept offices. 

What happened with 711 Queen Street East?

The newest owner of the building where BMO operated for over a century is Dave, an entrepreneur and investor based in Toronto. When he first purchased the building in 2017, he was open to unique ideas for the space, recognizing its incredible, central location in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood, right on the corner of Queen and Broadview.

That’s how the beloved business venture Tertulia Espresso Bar came about to serve the community with coffee and baked goods in 2018:

Photo from Tertulia's 1 year anniversary

Tertulia Cafe at 711 Queen E for their 1 year anniversary in 2019

Photo from 2019 Riverside Coffee Tour which stopped at Tertulia to learn about Spanish Lattes - Credit-Riverside BIA

At the 2019 Riverside Coffee Tour which stopped at Tertulia to learn about Spanish Lattes – Credit-Riverside BIA

While unfortunately Tertulia succumbed to the devastating economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, closing in early 2021, new things are surely on the way for this historic property.

The building facade is currently under restoration which will be completed fall 2021, thanks to support from the City of Toronto’s Commercial and Industrial Facade Improvement Grant. The new facade will retain aspects of its Victorian roots while modernizing to fit the demands and standards of the 21st century, and to accommodate its new purposes.

The construction of 711 Queen St. E.

40 years 40 stories graphic

The ‘Riverside BIA 40 Years, 40 Stories’ Series is part of how we’re celebrating the 40th anniversary of this incredible neighbourhood of community-builders.

FIND THE SERIES HERE AS WE SHARE NEW STORIES EACH WEEK

DO YOU HAVE A STORY OF THE RIVERSIDE BIA? SUBMIT YOUR STORY

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