Exploring Toronto's West End

Guest speaker: architectural historian Marta O’Brien

Explore the rich and diverse histories of West Toronto – home to some of our city’s oldest neighbourhoods. Using archival and current images, Marta will discuss Parkdale, Wellington Place and The Junction in this three-part multi-access illustrated series. This is a companion to Marta’s spring 2022 virtual series Exploring Toronto’s East End. Join us in person at the Miles Nadal JCC , on Zoom or register to receive the recordings!

If you would like to access the recordings of Exploring Toronto’s East End, please email lisar@mnjcc.org

PARKDALE: THE “FLOWERY SUBURB”

This former village began as an attractive alternative to downtown living. Over the past century the area has faced challenges and emerged as a home to people of all ages and circumstances. Many older buildings remain, and their ornate architectural elements are a treat to view. Marta will illustrate Parkdale’s story through its diverse architecture.

WELLINGTON PLACE NEIGHBOURHOOD: SHOWING TORONTO’S CHANGES 

Established west of the original town of York (later Toronto), this area includes a 19th-century military graveyard, converted factories, residential area, and part of the Entertainment District. We’ll also see a street seemingly frozen in the late 1800s. Marta will show how Wellington Place illustrates the changing roles of Toronto very well.

WEST TORONTO JUNCTION: A TRANSFORMATION

Named for the junction of several rail lines, this area developed as a railway town in the 1880s. Its significant industries, stockyards, locomotive shops, and freight yards provided employment for thousands of people. Through its buildings, Marta will show how the neighbourhood has adjusted to the loss of industry and railway jobs and thrived in the 21st century. Marta will also include some history about the Junction Shul (synagogue).

Marta O’Brien has been an architectural historian for more than 30 years. She earned her architecture degree with honours, and her Master’s degree researching the urban environment. Marta has taught architectural history courses for the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies, and through her company, Citywalks, she presents tours and illustrated talks for historical societies, seniors’ learning organizations, and others. In 2021, Marta was elected an Honorary Member of the Ontario Association of Architects. Marta has given many lectures at the Miles Nadal JCC over the years, including Toronto Island: A Unique Community; The Annex: Toronto’s First Suburb; the virtual series Architecture in our Own Backyard, and in spring 2022, the virtual series Exploring Toronto’s East End – a companion to this West End series. We are overjoyed to welcome Marta back to our building for the first time in four years! For more information visit citywalks.ca