Every Brick has a Story to tell…

In Riverside Toronto, there is a plethora of historic buildings and a layered history of the urban planning and development starting from before the 1800s.

Detailing of Jilly's brick

Detailing of Jilly’s brick

Ever wonder how certain buildings were built? How did people build structures without contemporary tools? Are there reasons why you see an abundance of some materials over others, and most intriguingly, what are the politics and back stories behind what was built in riverside, and what never ended up materialising. 

Scadding Cabin Plaque

Scadding Cabin Plaque

This Walk is a collection of stories behind the urban planning that shaped both Riverside and had an impact on the wider city of Toronto. From Toronto’s first house – Scadding Cabin – gracing the Riverside boundary, the Opera House being a vaudeville hot spot, the artisanal process of making the signature Riverside bricks, to the development to Don Mount Court/Rivertowne community – Canada’s first mixed-income development.

Opera_House,_Toronto

The Opera House – former Vaudeville Haunt

This fascinating walk will be led by two knowledgeable East-siders:

Adrian Lightstone, local resident, engineering/architectural economist, and overall urbanist, he has contributed to Spacing Magazine, The Globe and Mail, and Toronto Star on urban planning related issues.

Edward Keenan is the author of “Some Great Idea: Good Neighbourhoods, Crazy Politics and the Invention of Toronto” and writes columns about city politics, planning and life for The Grid, The Toronto Star, and Spacing. He spent his childhood living in Riverside.

Space is limited. Register now and get inspired: https://riversidewalkfest2013.eventbrite.com

Riverside WalkFEST was possible due to generous sponsorship from Streetcar.