Canary District in Motion

Step into Toronto's Canary District, and explore a neighbourhood shaped by movement: of people, industry, rivers, railways, roads, and big city dreams. Our newest digital tour traces the area's transformation from its early days as "The Park" to a booming industrial hub, to a reimagined waterfront community that housed thousands of athletes for the 2015 Pan Am Games.

On this journey you'll discover a public school turned hotel turned diner, how railways and highways reshaped the Don Valley, public art that remixes Toronto's past into bronze, and the story behind the Canary District's name.

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This story was researched and written by Emerging Historian Deena Shirkool.

Photo of red brick building three-storeys tall with a tower. A yellow billboard advertises "Second City" in black lettering

PLAQUES

The Second City

TICKETS: $34.00+

Location: 110 Harbour Street

Tuesday, March 24 | 8:00 PM

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Join us at The Second City Mainstage 91st Revue for a night of classic sketches, improv, and a plaque unveiling to celebrate The Second City’s journey from Chicago beginnings to a Toronto comedy institution. Founded in 1959 as a cabaret theatre for improv and sketch comedy, The Second City opened a Toronto outpost in 1973 to spotlight emerging Canadian talent, first on Adelaide Street East and soon after at the Old Firehall on Lombard Street. Today, it continues the legacy at its Harbour Street location, opened in 2022.

Five people pose with a black and gold plaque in the middle, smiling to the camera.

Celebrating the courage of early Chinese immigrants

In case you missed it, we unveiled our new Chinese Laundries plaque on February 24, in collaboration with Councillor Chris Moise. The event featured remarks from Councillor Moise, Arlene Chan (Chinese Canadian historian and community advocate), and Jennifer Chow (a descendant of the owner of Chow Keung Handwashing Laundry—the last Chinese laundry to close in Toronto). You can see the newly installed plaque at 8 Adelaide Street East.

EMERGING HISTORIANS

Grow your career with us!

Are you a current student, recent graduate, or emerging professional? Become an Emerging Historian for the 2026 season! We're seeking tour guides, tour creators, digital content creators, and photographers/videographers to support our tours, programs, and digital experiences. Hone your skills, deepen your knowledge of our city's diverse stories, and obtain hands-on experience in Toronto's heritage sector. Check out our Careers page for more details and make sure to submit your application before March 20.

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Emerging Historian opportunities are made possible by the generous support of our donors and program partners:

Three people wearing blue shirts, with one holding a Heritage Toronto flag, are seen walking and smiling.

JOIN US

Love heritage? Volunteer with us!

Join our volunteer team as a Community Program Assistant (CPA) and help bring the city’s stories to life. Spend your summer and fall exploring Toronto’s neighbourhoods, meeting new people, connecting with your community, and learning the history behind the places you pass every day while supporting our walking tours and public events.

No prior knowledge or experience is needed—we welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and provide training and support. Learn more on our website and apply by Friday, March 20.

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Help build a more connected Toronto

Heritage connects us to one another and to the places we call home—and your support makes that possible. Donate today to help us deliver accessible, city-wide programming that reflects the diversity and spirit of our communities, bringing people together through our shared heritage.

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HERITAGE HAPPENINGS

Frank Darling, the mystery Canadian architect who designed Toronto

The prolific architect of Edwardian Canada designed hundreds of banks and grand buildings yet his indelible mark on the skyline is largely forgotten. (Monocle)

What’s next for the sprawling ravine site of the shuttered Ontario Science Centre?

With the Ontario Science Centre’s Don Mills site now unlikely to reopen, local leaders and councillors are pivoting to repurpose the ravine-hugging Moriyama building for community use. (Toronto Star)

Tenants heartbroken after 111-year-old Toronto building’s stained glass windows deemed fire hazard

The news comes after a Toronto Fire Service (TFS) inspector noted that the stained glass transom windows, which connect 11 of the building's apartments to short hallways, don't meet the city's fire code. (CBC)

GET SOCIAL WITH US

Image Credits

Canary Restaurant, May 27, 2006. Image by Cactus Forest.

The Old Firehall, 110 Lombard Street, 1991. Image: City of Toronto Archives

Jennifer Chow, Chris Bateman, Arlene Chan, Councillor Chris Moise, and Stewart Linton at the Chinese Laundries plaque unveiling, February 24, 2026. Image by Oscar Akamine.

Emerging historians Faith Ebanks on Being Black on King tour, June 13, 2024; Deena Shirkool on Canary District: Movement & Migration tour, June 5, 2025; Ela Gach on Yonge & St. Clair: Diners, Drinks, & Delis tour, July 24, 2025. Images by Rachna Shah, Oscar Akamine, Hammad Khalil.

Volunteers and staff, Firsts on Front Street community event, July 19, 2025. Image by Hammad Khalil.