As the city’s oldest neighbourhood, the buildings and landscapes of St. Lawrence are a connection to Toronto’s past, chronicling in built form the evolution of our city. But like so many other historic city centres in North America, much of the neighbourhood was in peril in the 1950s and 60s as industrialization (and then deindustrialization), decay and obsolescence took their toll on this once thriving commercial district.
Sign up for the TSA Walking Tour St. Lawrence to see how the work, activism and ideas of 20th and 21st century architects, planners and designers helped not only preserve the area’s past, but bring new life to this once decaying neighbourhood. Explore examples of modern spaces that carefully frame historic landmarks, art pieces that resurface long forgotten stories, and new additions that reinterpret history and bring new life into the district. Along the way, you’ll learn about the birth of the city’s heritage conservation movement, ongoing efforts to preserve historical spaces and artefacts and the different approaches to conservation, and the role new developments play in safeguarding the city’s history.
Logistics
All TSA Walking Tours require prior registration. You can register online anytime prior to the start of the tour. Walk-ins will be accommodated pending tour capacity and exact change is required ($15, HST included). Please note the TSA Membership discount is only available for tickets purchased online.
This TSA Walking Tour St. Lawrence is 2 hours long and includes mostly exterior stops. Access to the market buildings is dependent on opening hours and special events and is not guaranteed.
Your tour guide will be equipped with a microphone and speaker system to ensure you’re able to hear the tour clearly and we’ll find places to sit in the shade whenever possible.
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the tour begins for your tour guide to check you in. The team encourages you to go paperless — use either your digital ticket or your name for check-in.
The TSA tours take place rain or shine, so double check the weather on the day of your tour and dress appropriately. Should inclement weather require tour cancellation, someone will reach out in advance of the tour to the email/phone number you shared when registering.
Accessibility
The TSA strives to host inclusive, accessible tours that enable all attendees to fully engage with the experience. Their Walking Tours take place on mostly flat terrain, such as city sidewalks and paths. To notify the team of any accommodations you may need, or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact: tsa@torontosocietyofarchitects.ca.
TSA Walking Tours are made possible thanks to the generous support of the Ontario Association of Architects and the passion and dedication of our volunteer Tour Guides.
