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Toronto Then & Now

December 10, 1920/September 27, 2026 - Looking west on Bloor St W from Christie St in the Koreatown and Christie Pits neighbourhoods of Toronto. The archive photo shows the street over 100 years ago. It features horse-drawn wagons, a man holding a sign that reads "Dec 10, 1920," labourers working on the tracks and a streetcar in the distance. On the right side of the old photo, Willowvale Park is visible, which is now known as Christie Pits Park

West on Bloor St W from Christie St in 1920 &...

July 6, 1922/September 27, 2026 – Looking northwest towards the corner of Christie St and Bloor St W in the Christie Pits neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows what was then known as Willowvale Park, when it extended to the corner. It also shows a horse drinking from the combination "man-horse-dog" water fountain and trough once on Christie St. In 1983, the greenspace and sports facility bordered by Bloor St W, Christie St, Barton Ave and Crawford St was officially renamed Christie Pits Park. It was named after the Christie Sand Pits quarry that operated on the site before it became a park in 1908. The present-day photo shows the corner today where a southbound split was added to Grace St

Christie Pits Park in 1922 & 2026

Between 1930-35/September 17, 2026 – Looking southeast across Bloor St W from west of Dufferin St in the Bloordale Village neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows the National Cash Register Company building on the left, which was demolished long ago, and part of Kent Public School on the right. Today, the former school is part of a mixed-use development called the Marlow, shown under construction in the present-day photo

Across Bloor St W from west of Dufferin St between 1930-35...

Between 1920-26/September 17, 2026 – Looking southeast along Bloor St W from Dufferin St in the Bloorcourt Village of Toronto. The archive photo shows a portion of the Canadian Bank of Commerce (CIBC) building in the right foreground, with the Toronto Public Library - Bloor/Gladstone Branch in the background. Both buildings still stand and continue to serve their original functions today. The vintage photo also features a billboard for Beacon Finnan Haddie, a traditional Scottish dish made from cold-smoked haddock

Bloor St W and Dufferin St between 1920-26 & 2026

June 7, 1943/September 17, 2026 – Looking west along Bloor St W from Jane St in the Lambton-Baby Point neighbourhood of Toronto. A few businesses visible in the archive photo include Lion Station Gas Station, where gas was 18¢ a gallon (about 4¢ a litre), and further down the street Liggett's Drug Store and Loblaw Groceteria

Bloor St W and Jane St in 1943 & 2026

Between 1983-89/September 17, 2026 – Looking west along Bloor St W towards Jane St in the Bloor West Village neighbourhood of Toronto. A few establishments visible in the archive photo include Mercer Floor Coverings, The Whimsical Touch, Bloor Jane Food Market, and across Jane St, the Odeon Humber Theatre (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 1465, File 515, Item 1 - Urban Design photographs)

Along Bloor St W towards Jane St between 1983-89 & 2026

1890s/September 27, 2026 – Looking northeast along Richmond St, towards Yonge St and the Confederation Life Building, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto. The majestic building was constructed between 1890 and 1892 and designed by the architectural firm Knox, Elliot & Jarvis. It spans an entire block from Yonge St to Victoria St. The Confederation Life Association used this building as its headquarters until 1955. In 1973, it was added to the city's heritage register. In 1981, a fire swept through the historic building while the landmark was undergoing a $13 million renovation. In the days leading up to the fire, workers had putting on a new roof using hot tar. Although the heritage building suffered significant damage, city engineers determined it was stable enough to be saved from demolition, and most of the structure was later restored. Today, the building is home to many shops, restaurants and offices. In the left foreground of the present-day photo is what was originally the Robert Simpson Co. store and, more recently, was home to The Bay, which closed in 2025

Confederation Life Building in the 1890s & 2026

May 1953/September 27, 2026 - Looking northeast up Yonge St from north of Asquith Ave in the Yorkville neighbourhood of Toronto. A few establishments visible in the archive photo in the right foreground are Three Sevens Open Kitchen Restaurant (where Fish & Chips were 35¢), The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co, and, a few doors down, Parker's Dye Works & Cleaners. In 1975, construction began on the $30 million Metropolitan Center Library, the red-brick building shown in the present-day photo, which opened in 1977. Today known as the Toronto Reference Library, the building was designed by architect Raymond Moriyama

Yonge St from north of Asquith Ave in 1953 & 2026

March 12, 1950/September 27, 2026 - Looking west towards 302 Yonge St at Dundas St W in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto. The archive photo shows the building when it was home to The Bank of Nova Scotia, Coward Clothes, United Cigar Stores and Kay's Shoes. Notice the neon sign pointing to the entrance of the clothing shop, which reads "It's easy to play the Coward Clothes way." The two-storey, limestone-clad building was completed in 1949 and features an Art Modern-inspired rounded corner. Scotiabank was last listed at this location in the 1996/1997 Toronto City Directory. Since then, it has housed various retail stores, including The Gap, XXI, and currently a Rogers flagship store. The building was added to the city's heritage register in 2007

Yonge St and Dundas St W (NW) in 1950 & 2026

Between 1939-41/September 27, 2026 - Looking southeast towards the corner of Yonge St and Church St in the Yorkville and Rosedale-Moore Park neighbourhoods of Toronto. The archive photo shows a Sky Chief Gasoline billboard and the Hotel Morrissey. In 1936, a few years before the old photo was taken, Willie Morrissey, a colourful racehorse owner and boxing promoter, bought the hotel, originally constructed as an apartment building. He renamed it the Hotel Morrissey. In the late 1940s, it became known as the Morrissey Tavern. By the mid-1960s, it was owned and operated by the Dongas family and became a favourite hangout for local residents as well as university students, who affectionately called it "The Mo." The tavern closed its doors in September 1997, and the building was replaced by the present-day structure in 2003. The storefront previously served as a Shoppers Drug Mart and is now home to the Toronto Islamic Centre & Community Services

Yonge St and Church St (SE) between 1939-41 & 2026

Between 1930-35/September 27, 2026 – Looking north across Richmond St W at Yonge St in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto. The archive photo shows the corner storefront window when the building was home to Simpsons department store. The building was constructed in phases between 1895 and 1912 and was originally known as the Robert Simpson Company Limited. In 1978, the Hudson's Bay Company acquired the property, and in 1991, the store transitioned from Simpsons to The Bay. The Hudson's Bay Company closed its doors in 2025. In the vintage photo, notice the word "SIMPSONS" on the building on the right. This area was later covered by a plaque for The Bay, which was recently removed, revealing "Simpsons" engraved on the building

Simpsons Building (former premises) between 1930-35 & 2026

July 29, 1925/September 17, 2026 - Looking east on Bloor St W towards Perth Ave, east of Dundas St W from the railway overpass in the Junction Triangle of Toronto. The archive photo shows TTC tracklaying across what was known then as the "Bloor Street gap." This gap referred to the stretch of Bloor St W from Lansdowne Ave to Dundas St W. This work bridged the gap across Bloor St W, allowing the Bloor streetcars to run right across the city from Luttrell Ave in the east to Jane St in the west. The streetcar tracks were removed following the opening of the Bloor-Danforth subway (Line 2) in 1966. In a Toronto Daily Star article, Robert Thomas Allen humorously wrote, "The new subway will put an end to the notorious Bloor Sardine Syndrome." The track work in the vintage photo coincided with the 1925 construction of the railway underpass, where Bloor St W dips down to pass beneath the railway bridge, from where both photos were taken. Before the underpass was built, railway tracks crossed Bloor St W (at street level), west of Perth Ave. The underpass improved pedestrian safety and traffic flow. This section of the rail line was later abandoned and, since 2009, has been part of the car-free, multi-use trail called the West Toronto Railpath

Bloor St W towards Perth Ave in 1925 & 2026

1972/September 27, 2026 - Looking southeast towards the corner of Spadina Ave and Sussex Ave, in the Harbord Village neighbourhood of Toronto. The businesses in the archive photo include Spadina Food Market and William Funeral Chapel. Today, the corner building is home to Bhoj Indian Cuisine, while the former funeral chapel serves as the University of Toronto's Daniels Architecture Commons

Spadina Ave and Sussex Ave (SE) in 1972 & 2026

October 2, 1931/September 27, 2026 – Looking northwest towards the corner of Lansdowne Ave and Bloor St W, in the Junction-Wallace Emerson neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows the streetscape 95 years ago. It features the Imperial Bank of Canada (CIBC) building once at the corner. In the background is the Canadian General Electric Company Ltd. Ward Street Works water tower, which still stands today. In the foreground, the streetcar lines that used to run along both streets are also visible. Around 1977, CIBC replaced the majestic building, constructed in 1907, with the present-day structure. The bank vacated the building in the mid-1990s, after which it became home to Discount Optical

Lansdowne Ave and Bloor St W in 1931 & 2026

1956/May 24, 2026 – Looking southwest across Shuter St towards Massey Hall at Victoria St in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto. The archive photo shows the front of the venue 70 years ago, featuring posters for a Barbershop Quartet festival and a performance by the Berlin Philharmonic. It also shows Massey Hall with its "moustache"-style fire escape, a safety feature installed on the front and sides of the building in 1911 at a cost of about $5,000. Massey Hall was established in 1894 when industrialist Hart Massey built it as a gift to the people of Toronto to promote the arts. While the venue has undergone several updates over the years, it was closed from 2018 to 2021 for significant interior and exterior restoration. The exterior project included removing the iron stairs and restoring the brick and masonry. A team of experts worked to restore the "MASSEY MUSIC HALL" limestone letters, sourcing matching stone to recreate some of the damaged letters. Today, the state-of-the-art performance venue, which includes a new seven-story tower and the historic music hall, is collectively called the Allied Music Centre. The expanded facility features four performance venues, a recording studio, and creative workspaces

Massey Hall in 1956 & 2026

1972/July 25, 2026 – Looking southwest towards the back of Maple Leaf Gardens at Church St and Wood St, in the Church-Wellesley neighbourhood of Toronto. Known as one of the "cathedrals of hockey," the arena was built in just five months and twelve days. The Toronto Maple Leafs played their first game there on November 12, 1931, facing off against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Leafs won 11 of their 13 Stanley Cup championships while playing in this arena. Their last game at Maple Leaf Gardens took place on February 13, 1999, once again against the Blackhawks. In 2004, Loblaw Companies acquired the historic arena. Renovations began in 2009, during which the roof, rafters, and exterior of the structure were preserved. Today, it is home to a Loblaws grocery store and the Toronto Metropolitan University Mattamy Athletic Centre, which features a 2,700-seat hockey rink on its upper level

Maple Leaf Gardens Building in 1972 & 2026

1950s/July 25, 2026 – Looking northwest on Carlton St, just east of Church St, in the Church-Wellesley neighbourhood of Toronto. Both photos feature Maple Leaf Gardens in the background, with the archive photo showing Conn Smythe (fifth from the right) alongside former Leafs captains standing in the order of their leadership: Clarence "Hap" Day (man on the far left), Charlie Conacher (seventh from the right), George "Red" Horner (sixth from the right), Syl Apps (fourth from the right), Bob Davidson (third from the right), Ted "Teeder" Kennedy (second from the right), and Sid Smith (on the far right). Conn Smythe purchased the Toronto St. Patricks hockey team in 1927 and soon renamed it the Toronto Maple Leafs, changing the team colours from green and white to blue and white. In 1931, Mr. Smythe commissioned the construction of Maple Leaf Gardens, which was built in a record-breaking five months and twelve days at a cost of $1.5 million. In the Leafs' first year in the new arena, they won the Stanley Cup. During Conn Smythe's tenure, which ended in 1961, he led the team to six additional championships. The Leafs relocated to what's now known as Scotiabank Arena in 1999. In 2004, Loblaw Companies Limited purchased the historic venue, renovated it, and today it is home to TMU's Mattamy Athletic Centre and a Loblaws store

Maple Leaf Gardens Building in the 1950s & 2026

Circa 1950/September 6, 2026 - The front entrance to Central Technical School (CTS or Central Tech), located at 725 Bathurst St in the Harbord Village neighbourhood of Toronto. The Collegiate Gothic-style school was designed by the architects Ross & MacFarlane. The main tower, part of the original building constructed between 1913 and 1915, features a stone archway entrance with panelled oak doors and sculptures symbolizing industry and science. Upon opening, the mammoth-sized school had upwards of 400 classrooms and workshops. Offered subjects included chemistry, fine arts, brickmaking, math, cooking, engineering, and even hat trimming. In 2005, the school was added to the city's heritage register. Today, Central Tech serves as a full-service secondary school with a student population of nearly 1,600

Central Technical School circa 1950 & 2026

June 8, 1952/April 3, 2026 – Looking northwest towards Yonge St from Wood St, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto. The archive photo shows a much different streetscape from nearly 75 years ago. It shows Yonge St during the construction of the Yonge Street Subway, now known as Line 1, or the Yonge–University Line. In the vintage photo, a few businesses in the background, from left to right, include Household Finance Corporation, the Royal Bank of Canada, and Train Bros. Ltd., a used car dealership. In the right foreground, the Grenville Antique Shop was located in the corner storefront

Yonge St and Wood St in 1952 & 2026

Mar 12, 1951/September 27, 2026 - Looking north up Dufferin St from Bloor St W, in the Bloorcourt and Bloordale Village neighbourhoods of Toronto. A few establishments visible in the archive photo include the Joy Oil Company gas station and the Bell Telephone Company of Canada on the left, while Cushing Drugs and Hurst Bros Real Estate are located on the right. Today, the former gas station site is occupied by the TTC Dufferin Subway Station, while Bell continues to operate at the same location

Dufferin St and Bloor St W in 1951 & 2026

1972/May 24, 2026 – Looking southwest towards the corner of Spadina Ave and Dundas St W in the Chinatown neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows St. Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church once at the corner. Originally St. Phillip’s Anglican Church, the 750-seat church held its first service in the building in 1884. Designed by architect A.R. Denison in a plain French Gothic style, the church cost $17,000 to construct. It featured red brick, stone trim and a corner tower with a spire that rose to 40 metres (130 feet). In 1944, the property was acquired by the Hungarian Catholic community and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto and renamed St. Elizabeth of Hungary. In 1985, the parish relocated to 432 Sheppard Ave E, and the century-old church at Spadina Ave and Dundas St W was demolished and replaced by the Dragon City Mall, which opened around 1987 (City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Planning Board fonds, Fonds 2032, Series 841, File 74, Item 13)

St. Elizabeth of Hungary RC Church (former site) in 1972& 2026

Circa 1924/September 17, 2026 - Looking east along Bloor St W towards Perth Ave in the Junction Triangle neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows cars, including a Chrysler Six in the right foreground, as well as a horse-drawn wagon waiting for a northbound train to pass. It also shows Milne's Coal Co. branch yard, one of seven around the city at the time. This stretch of Bloor St W, from Lansdowne Ave to Dundas St W, was notoriously dangerous for pedestrians and drivers, and it was known as the "Bloor Street Gap" or the "Half-Mile Gap". In 1925, to improve traffic flow and for pedestrian safety, the railway underpass was constructed, where Bloor St W dips lower to pass beneath the elevated railway bridge. This stretch of the rail line was later abandoned, and since 2009, it has been a part of the car-free multi-use trail called the West Toronto Railpath. One consistent feature in both photos is the house in the centre-right background; its upper floor can be seen just above the locomotive in the vintage image

East along Bloor St W towards Perth Ave, circa 1924 &...

August 30, 1931/September 27, 2026 – Looking south towards 235, 237 and 239 Queen St W, between Simcoe St and Duncan St, in the Entertainment District of Toronto. The establishments in the archive photo, from left to right, include Mrs. Annie Suomi Restaurant (Quick Lunch), William E. Smith barbershop, Louis Kirshenblat barbershop and St. Patrick's Billiards & Pool. In 2007, the city added these three buildings to the heritage register. Notice that the centre storefront still features bevelled leaded-glass transom windows today

235, 237 and 239 Queen St W in 1931 & 2026

1920s/September 6, 2026 – Looking northeast towards Central Technical School (CTS or Central Tech) from Harbord St just east of Bathurst St, in the Harbord Village neighbourhood of Toronto. Construction of the school began in 1913. It was designed in the Collegiate Gothic style by the architects Ross & MacFarlane. In September 1915, at the cost of nearly $2 million, which drew criticism, as some considered it a "white elephant," the school welcomed its first students. Upon opening, the school had upwards of 400 classrooms and workshops, offering a wide range of subjects, including chemistry, fine arts, brickmaking, math, cooking, engineering, and even hat trimming. One unique feature included a room where a house could be constructed from the ground up and fully furnished. Just a month after opening, the mammoth "too big" school was almost too small, with about 1,400 students in day classes and 3,000 in night classes. Students attended the school for two years, taking a variety of subjects before deciding on a trade to pursue. To accommodate the growing number of students and to add new facilities, the school has undergone several expansions over the years

Central Technical School in 1920s & 2026

Circa 1920/July 25, 2026 - Looking south towards 495 Bloor St W, between Brunswick Ave and Borden St, in The Annex neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows the storefront when it was home to the Brunswick Meat Market. Today, Souvlaki Place occupies the space

Brunswick Meat Market (former) circa 1920 & 2026

1972/September 6, 2026 - Looking northwest towards the corner of Spadina Ave and Sussex Ave, in the Harbord Village neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows when the storefront of 698 Spadina Ave was home to Spadina Coin Wash. The three-story building was constructed in 1885 and initially served as John James Funston's grocery store, with residential units on the upper floors. From 1984 until about 2019, the storefront housed Ten Editions, a second-hand bookstore. The heritage-designated eastern and southern facades of the Victorian building were preserved and are now part of Oak House, a 23-storey student residence for the University of Toronto, which was completed in 2025

Spadina Ave and Sussex Ave (NW) in 1972 & 2026

Circa 1920/September 6, 2026 – Looking northwest from Dufferin St just south of Bloor St W in the Brockton Village neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo features Kent Senior Public School, which opened in 1908. It was designed in the Edwardian Classical architectural style by architect C.H. Bishop. The school was named in honour of Herbert A. E. Kent, who served as a trustee for the Toronto school board for 21 years. In 2012, the school closed due to declining enrollment. Four years later, the building was declared surplus, and the property was then sold to developers. In 2020, the building was added to the city's heritage register. The site is currently being redeveloped, with a mixed-use project called the Marlow under construction

Kent Senior Public School Building, circa 1920 2026

March 28, 1949/September 6, 2026 - Looking north up Christie St from Bloor St W, in the Christie Pits and Seaton Village neighbourhoods of Toronto. The archive photo shows the intersection over 75 years ago. On the left was what was then known as Willowvale Park, and on the right were Frank McKee's service station and Trinity Taxi. The vintage photo also shows when a streetcar line travelled along Bloor St, as well as the "man-horse-dog" water fountain and trough once on the west side of Christie St. At that time, this section (about 80 m) of Christie St was a two-way street before the southbound split was added to Grace St. In 1983, the greenspace and sports facility was officially renamed Christie Pits Park. The site of the gas station is today home to Bloor Park Medical Centre

North up Christie St from Bloor St W in 1949 &...

1972/September 6, 2026 – Looking northwest towards the corner of Huron St and Sussex Ave, in the Huron Sussex neighbourhood near the University of Toronto. The three-storey, heritage-designated building at the corner was constructed in the late 1880s for Thomas Charlton's grocery store, at a cost of $3,000. It served as his store until approximately 1905. After that, it continued to function as various grocery stores and later as a butcher shop until 1959. In the early 1960s, it became home to the Chelsea Shop, which sold antiques until it closed in approximately 1990. Over the years, it has also served residential purposes. The storefront still displays the signs "Chelsea Shop" and "Antiques." In recent decades, the building has housed various businesses, including Westwood Creative Artists, which has since relocated

Chelsea Shop Building in 1972 & 2026

June 16, 1948/September 6, 2026 – Looking north up Dufferin St towards Bloor St W from Awde St (today Croatia St), in the Brockton Village neighbourhood of Toronto. The left side of the archive photo shows Kent Senior Public School in the foreground. On that same side, in the background, is the National Cash Register Company, which was demolished long ago. In the present-day photo, the former Kent School building, which closed in 2012 and was sold to developers in 2016, is currently being redeveloped into a mixed-use project known as the Marlow. Another important detail about the archive photo is that it shows Dufferin St just before it widened. Notice the depth of the lawns and also that the trees have been limbed in preparation for their removal and the roadway expansion

Dufferin St looking north to Bloor St W in 1948 &...

March 28, 1949/September 6, 2026 - Looking north up Spadina Rd from Bloor St W in The Annex neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows the York Apartments on the left, the Bank of Nova Scotia on the right and the streetcar track that once ran along Bloor St. The present-day photo shows a widened roadway. The York Apartments, which date back to 1912, still stand today, while Scotiabank continues to operate at the northeast corner, now in a contemporary building

North up Spadina Rd from Bloor St W in 1949 &...

May 6, 1977/February 15, 2026 – Looking towards the northwest across Carlton St towards Jarvis St in the Church-Wellesley neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows the streetscape nearly 50 years ago. At the northeast corner was a Shell gas station, while the northwest corner was a used car lot. Along the west side of Jarvis St is a row of homes constructed between 1863 and 1875. These homes still stand today and are listed on the city's heritage register. The round apartment building in the background of the vintage photo is the Village Green Apartments at 50 Alexander St. Since the mid-1980s, the gas station site has been home to the Carlton on the Park office and residential condominiums. In the mid-1990s, the Jarvis Carlton Apartments, a red brick building, replaced the car lot

On Carlton St towards Jarvis St in 1977 & 2026

Between 1980s-98/April 3, 2026 – Looking towards the northeast corner of Bathurst St and Adelaide St W in the Fashion District of Toronto. The beige brick buildings in the centre-right of the photos are a combination of two buildings. The house fronting Bathurst St was built in 1869 and was originally the residence of John Mulvey. The extension facing Adelaide St W was constructed between 1910 and 1911 for St. Mary’s Parish to serve as their literary and athletic club. In the 1980s, these heritage-designated buildings became home to the Factory Theatre, which purchased the property in 1999

Factory Theatre between 1980s-98 & 2026

March 1, 1940/March 14, 2026 – Looking southwest towards the corner of Gerrard St E and Jarvis St, in the Garden District of Toronto. The archive photo shows Nicholls Drug Store and the Avonmore Hotel after a fatal fire gutted the building. The hotel, which opened in 1891, was found negligent for allowing a wooden receptacle in the dining room where ashtrays were discarded. The hotel was repaired and later housed men in need. In the late 1970s, the corner was converted into a parking lot; today, it is the site of a residential building

Avonmore Hotel (former site) in 1940 & 2026

April 29, 1924/August 29, 2026 - Looking northeast towards the corner of Bloor St W and Spadina Rd in the Annex neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows The Bank of Nova Scotia at the corner. Today, the bank still serves customers at this location, though it now occupies a modern building. Another notable detail in the old photo is the house on the right. The west half of this building still stands today, with an extension added to its front long ago. In the current photo, you can see it as the two-story grey building that was once home to Pizza Pizza and, before that, the Varsity Restaurant

Bloor St W and Spadina Rd (NE) in 1924 & 2026

Circa 1945/August 29, 2026 - Looking southwest towards Lake Shore Blvd and Fourth St in the New Toronto neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows the New Toronto Hotel, constructed in the 1930s. Over the years, the hotel has had a few name changes, including Boulevard Inn and Jay-Jay's Inn, and is now known as the Westlake Boutique Hotel

New Toronto Hotel circa 1945 & 2026

April 29, 1943/August 29, 2026 – Looking northeast towards the corner of Bloor St W and Jane St in the Lambton Baby Point, Bloor West Village and Swansea neighbourhoods in Toronto. The archive photo shows the streetscape from over 80 years ago, and architecturally, not much has changed. Two buildings that still stand today include the Bank of Toronto on the corner, now home to Juno Veterinary, and the Jane Street Apartments, part of which is visible on the left

Bloor St W and Jane St (NE) in 1943 & 2026

1937/August 29, 2026 – Looking southwest along Bloor St W from east of Jane St in the Bloor West Village, Swansea and Lambton Baby Point neighbourhoods in Toronto. The archive photo shows the streetscape from nearly 90 years ago. The left side of the vintage photo shows the former TTC Jane St Loop, along with Tamblyn Drugs, once located at 2445 Bloor St W

Bloor St W from east of Jane St in 1937 &...

1920s/July 25, 2026 – Looking northeast towards the corner of Yonge St and Alexander St in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto. The archive photo features the Colling Tire Shop located in a three-storey building once at the corner. Next to it stood an auction mart, followed by a restaurant and another tire shop. The buildings along the east side of Yonge St, from Alexander St up to Maitland St, were torn down in the early 1950s to make way for the Yonge Subway Line, now known as Line 1 or the Yonge–University Line. The subway opened in 1954, after which the block was redeveloped. Those replacement buildings have also been demolished to construct the Teahouse Condos, which were completed in 2023

Yonge St and Alexander St (NE) in the 1920s & 2026

August 22, 1973/May 3, 2026 – Looking north up Victoria St from south of Lombard St, in the St. Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto. Both photos show the Comstock Building on the corner at 75 Victoria St. Constructed in the early 1890s as an office building, it was designed by architects Denison & King. The archive photo shows when the building housed Leon's Restaurant, which, according to the sign, served "Bacon or Ham n' Eggs - Fish & Chips - Fast Take Out Service". The Comstock Building was added to the city's heritage register in 1973. Today it's home to House of McGrath restaurant

Comstock Building in 1973 & 2026

1960/May 3, 2026 – Looking southeast on Yonge St, between Shuter St and Queen St, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto. The archive photo shows a view of Yonge St from Albert St when the two streets intersected. The businesses in the vintage photo include Rose Jewellers, the Toronto Dominion Bank and the Colonial Tavern. The bank building, notable for its four Corinthian columns and hemispherical dome, was constructed circa 1906 and designed by architect E.J. Lennox. The grand building was added to the city's heritage register in 1973. TD Bank closed this location in 1989. After undergoing renovations, the building served as the offices of the Toronto Historical Board from 1992 to 2001. Today, the landmark at 205 Yonge St houses an asset management company. The Colonial Tavern opened in 1947 in a building that had previously operated as a hotel. A fire destroyed the building in the same year that the vintage photo was taken. It was rebuilt and reopened in 1961. A few legendary musicians who performed at the Colonial Tavern include Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Rush. The tavern closed its doors in 1987, and the building was torn down

Toronto Dominion Bank Building in 1960 & 2026

1972/May 3, 2026 - Looking northeast towards the corner of Victoria St and Lombard St, in the St. Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto. Both photos feature the Comstock Building on the corner at 75 Victoria St. This 3-storey structure, completed in the early 1890s, is clad in orange brick with stone elements and was designed by the architectural firm Denison & King. The Victorian-era building features a corner tower, along with intricate carvings and decorative brick details. One of the building's early tenants was the Globe Savings & Loan Company. A few businesses in the Comstock Building in the vintage photo include Leon's Restaurant, City Typewriter Company, and Maxie's Smoke Shop. Also notice the neighbouring building on the left. The archive photo shows it as home to the Sheldon Pub House; however, when it was constructed in 1907/08, it was originally known as the Strand Hotel. These two buildings are listed on the city's heritage register and currently house the House of McGrath restaurant

Comstock Building 1972 & 2026

1972/March 14, 2026 – Looking south on Leader Ln from Colborne Ln towards Wellington St E and Front St E, in the St Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows Graf Bobby Café Restaurant Tavern, which specialized in Austrian cuisine, in the building in the left foreground. Constructed in 1855, this heritage-designated building at 36-40 Wellington St E was designed by architect John G. Howard. Today, it is home to Playa Cabana. The vintage photo also shows part of the Perkins Block, built circa 1860, in the centre, and the St Lawrence Centre for the Arts on the right. Both of these buildings stand today. The parking lot visible in the right foreground has since been replaced by an office tower. Leader Lane was named after The Leader newspaper that was once located in a building at the southwest corner of King St E and Leader Lane

Leader Lane in 1972 & 2026

June 19, 2021/March 14, 2026 - Looking northeast towards the corner of Dundas St E and Church St in the Garden District of Toronto. The 2021 photo shows the corner when it was home to an Esso gas station & Circle K convenience store, which closed in 2022. The 2026 photo shows early stages of construction of a 53-storey, purpose-built rental tower at 241 Church St. Now mostly hidden by the new development, there are a few buildings to mention. In the left background is the George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). The other buildings in the center background were constructed in phases between 1910 and 1950 for the Robert Simpson Company. In the 1990s, these heritage-designated Simpson buildings were converted into lofts, now known as The Merchandise Building

Dundas St E and Church St in 2021 & 2026

Circa 1912/August 22, 2026 – Looking northwest towards the corner of Bloor St W and Dufferin St in the Bloordale Village neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows when the Dufferin Hotel was located at the corner. The hotel first appeared in the 1889 edition of the Toronto City Directory, and by 1892, Angus Kerr was listed as the operator of the establishment. Also known as the Dufferin House, in 1905, the hotel lost its liquor license due to a "lack of accommodation" and opposition from locals. Mr. Kerr continued to be listed as residing at the address until the 1912 directory

Dufferin Hotel (former site) circa 1912 & 2026

July 15, 1937/August 22, 2026 - Looking southeast toward Dufferin Gate near the foot of Dufferin St at Exhibition Place. The archive photo shows the second Dufferin Gate, built in 1912. Architect George W. Gouinlock designed the gate, which was replaced in the late 1950s by today’s parabolic archway to make way for the Gardiner Expressway (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1231, Item 1446 - James Victor Salmon photographer)

Dufferin Gate in 1937 & 2026

1960s/August 29, 2026 - Looking south from the balcony of the Administration Building at Toronto's Exhibition Place. The archive photo shows a boy listening to a transistor radio during the Canadian National Exhibition, with both photos showing the Princess Margaret Fountain and the Better Living Centre in the background. The pocket transistor radio came out in 1954

Canadian National Exhibition in the 1960s & 2026

Between 1980-85/July 25, 2026 – Looking northeast up Yonge St from Dundas St, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto. A few businesses visible on the right side of the archive photo include Sa-Gi's Delicatessen, Franks Hamburgers, Pinball Games, Pasta Plus, Biltmore Theatre and Cheapies Records & Tapes. Today, this stretch of the block is home to The Tenor - a retail, entertainment, and office complex

Up Yonge St from Dundas St between 1980-85 & 2026

1960/July 25, 2026 – Looking northwest towards the corner of Carlton St and Church St in the Church-Wellesley neighbourhood of Toronto. Both photos feature the Maple Leaf Gardens building. Construction began on June 1, 1931. Known as one of the "cathedrals of hockey," the arena was designed by the architectural firm Ross & Macdonald, with associate architects Mackenzie Waters and Jack Ryrie. The building took just five months and 12 days to complete, and on November 12, 1931, the Toronto Maple Leafs played their first hockey game in the arena against the Chicago Blackhawks. During their time in the building, the Leafs won 11 of their 13 Stanley Cups. The Leafs' final game at Maple Leaf Gardens took place on February 13, 1999, once again against the Blackhawks. In 2004, Loblaw Companies purchased Maple Leaf Gardens, and renovations began in 2009. The roof, rafters, and exterior of the historic structure were preserved. Today, it houses a Loblaws grocery store and the Mattamy Athletic Centre of Toronto Metropolitan University, which features a 2,700-seat hockey rink on the upper level

Maple Leaf Gardens Building in 1960 & 2026

Circa 1920/August 22, 2026 – Looking northwest from Dufferin St just south of Bloor St W in the Brockton Village and Dufferin Grove neighbourhoods of Toronto. The Kent Senior Public School, located at 980 Dufferin St, was established in 1907 and designed in the Edwardian Classical style by architect C.H. Bishop. It opened the following year and was named in honour of Herbert A. E. Kent, who served as a Toronto trustee for 21 years. The school closed in 2012 due to declining enrollment and was declared surplus in 2016 before being sold to developers. In 2020, the building received heritage designation from the city. The site is currently undergoing redevelopment into a mixed-use project known as the Marlow

Kent Senior Public School (former site) circa 1920 & 2026

May 27, 1929/August 22, 2026 - Looking east along Bloor St W, from Spadina Ave/Rd in The Annex neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows Varsity Tea Room on the left and the streetcars that once travelled along Bloor St W. In both photos, notice Bloor Street United Church visible in the background. The church building is currently undergoing redevelopment and will be part of Cielo Condos

Along Bloor St W, from Spadina Ave/Rd in 1929 & 2026

1980/August 22, 2026 – Looking southeast on Dovercourt Rd, between Northumberland St and Bloor St W, in the Bloorcourt Village neighbourhood of Toronto. In a building that previously housed the Arlington Tavern and, before that, the Arlington Athletic & Social Club, the Dovercourt Tavern, as shown in the archive photo, opened around 1970. Newspaper ads mentioned Newfoundland singer Michael T. Wall performing at the Dovercourt Tavern. In 1983, the building became home to Blondie’s Tavern, followed by Al Khaima Dinner Theatre. Since 2011, the building has had an additional storey added and has been converted into apartments

Dovercourt Tavern (former premises) in 1980 & 2026

Between 1929-30/September 6, 2026 - Looking west along Bloor St W towards Perth Ave in the Junction Triangle neighbourhood of Toronto

Bloor St W east of Perth Ave between 1929-30 & 2026

Circa 1994/September 6, 2026 - Looking north across Bloor St W from west of Spadina Ave/Rd in The Annex neighbourhood of Toronto. A few establishments visible in the archive photo, from right to left, include CIBC Banking Centre, Simman’s Jewellers, Chiropractic Clinic, Alicos Copy Center, S.W.A.K. gifts, and the Riviera Restaurant Tavern

Bloor St W west of Spadina Rd circa 1994 & 2026

May 27, 1929/September 6, 2026 - Looking north across Bloor St W from east of Spadina Ave/Rd in The Annex neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows the widening of Bloor St W along with TTC work. The vintage photo also shows The Bank of Nova Scotia on the left; today, the bank still serves customers at this location, though it now occupies a modern building. On the right side of the archive photo is the Varsity Tea Rooms, which later became the Varsity Restaurant. In the present-day photo, it's the two-story grey building that was recently home to Pizza Pizza

Bloor St W, east of Spadina Ave/Rd, in 1929 & 2026

Between 1920-26/August 22, 2026 - Looking west along Bloor St W towards Dufferin St, in the Bloorcourt and Bloordale neighbourhoods of Toronto. The archive photo shows a part of Kent Public School in the left background, behind the Guinea Gold Cigarettes billboard. It also shows the Bank of Commerce building with the triangular pediment in the centre right, and behind it, the National Cash Register Company. Over the past century, the streetscape has changed significantly. Today, the former Kent School is part of a mixed-use development known as the Marlow. One constant feature in both the old and new photos is the CIBC, which still operates from its original building, constructed in 1910

National Cash Register Co. (former site) between 1920-26 & 2026

April 28, 1939/August 29, 2026 – Looking northeast along Bloor St W at Lansdowne Ave in the Junction-Wallace Emerson neighbourhood of Toronto. The left foreground of the archive photo shows part of the Imperial Bank of Canada, later CIBC, in a building that was once on the corner. In the centre background of the vintage image, at the northeast corner, is a Tamblyn Drugs, a chain of Canadian pharmacies founded in 1904 by Gordon Tamblyn. Several of the buildings along this stretch of Bloor St W, from Lansdowne Ave to St Clarens Ave, still stand today. The archive photo also shows the streetcar lines that once ran along the two streets and features a President’s Conference Committee (or PCC) streetcar. This type of streetcar was introduced to the TTC fleet in 1938, with a total of 140 cars added that year at a cost of $3 million

Tamblyn Drugs (former premises) in 1939 & 2026

1972/August 29, 2026 - Looking northeast across Spadina Ave towards Bloor St W in The Annex neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo features several establishments along Bloor St W, from left to right: The Bank of Nova Scotia, Varsity Restaurant, N & N Super Market, Varsity Books, Pizza Pizza, Empire Boutique clothing & gifts, Meyers Cigar Store, and Sam's Gas Bar

Spadina Ave towards Bloor St W in 1972 & 2026

1976/August 29, 2026 - Looking north on Bloor St W, between Spadina Rd and Madison Ave, in The Annex neighbourhood of Toronto. Establishments visible in the archive photo, listed from left to right: Varsity Restaurant, N & N Supermarket, Varsity Books, Pizza Pizza, The Jean Store, and Scouts Toronto

Bloor St W, between Spadina Rd and Madison Ave, in 1976...

Circa 1994/August 22, 2026 - Looking north across Bloor St W from west of Spadina Ave/Rd in The Annex neighbourhood of Toronto. A few establishments visible in the archive photo, from right to left, include CIBC Banking Centre, Simman’s Jewellers, Chiropractic Clinic, Alicos Copy Center, and S.W.A.K. gifts

Bloor St W west of Spadina Ave Rd circa1994 & 2026

Between 1974-77/July 25, 2026 – Pembroke Inn, formerly the Pembroke Hotel, is located at 117 Pembroke St in Toronto's Garden District. Historical city maps show that a house first appeared at the site in 1858. At that time, William Elliot, a druggist, lived at the address. He later expanded the house into a 2½-storey structure. By 1885, it was home to Mr. William Falconbridge, a lawyer, who lived there until the mid-1890s. Various residents occupied it afterwards, and the house had further expansions. In 1945, the property was converted into the Allan Gate Apartments, and a year later, it became the Pembroke Hotel. In 1974, a fire broke out in the hotel, which had been vacant for a number of years. In the late 1970s, it was once again listed as apartments, followed by the Pembrooke Residence. More recently, it operated as a Knights Inn. In 2019, the establishment was rebranded as the Pembroke Inn, a 50-room, arts-themed, budget-friendly boutique hotel

Pembroke Inn between 1974-77 & 2026

Between 1974-77/March 23, 2025 – Looking southeast towards the Pembroke Inn, formerly the Pembroke Hotel, located at 117 Pembroke St in the Garden District of Toronto. Historical city maps show that a house first appeared at the site in 1858, where William Elliot, a druggist, resided. He later expanded the Victorian-era house into a 2½-storey structure. By 1885, it was home to Mr. William Falconbridge, a lawyer, who lived there until the mid-1890s. The house had various occupants after this, and further expansions were made over the years. In 1945, the property was converted into the Allan Gate Apartments, and a year later, it became the Pembroke Hotel. However, in 1974, a fire broke out in the hotel, which had been vacant for a number of years. In the late 1970s, it was once again listed as apartments and was later renamed Pembroke Residence. More recently, the hotel operated as a Knights Inn. In 2019, it was rebranded as the Pembroke Inn, a budget-friendly boutique hotel with an arts theme, featuring 50 rooms. Since 2021, the house has been listed on the city's heritage register as part of the Garden District Heritage Conservation District

Pembroke Inn between 1974-77 & 2025

Between 1972-78/July 25, 2026 – Looking southwest along King St W from Spadina Ave in the Fashion District of Toronto. The architecture along the streetscape is relatively similar in the two photos. The archive photo shows a CIBC branch in the corner storefront of the Samuel Building on the left, while today it houses a TD branch. The vintage photo also shows the Spadina Hotel on the right. Constructed in 1875, it was originally called the Richardson House. Currently, this space serves as a restaurant

King St W and Spadina Ave between 1972-78 & 2026

December 10, 1929/July 25, 2026 – Looking northeast towards the corner of Yonge St and Alexander St in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto. The archive photo shows the Colling Tire Shop, which was located at 495 Yonge St from 1919 to 1950, after which the shop moved diagonally across the street. This corner building, dating to the late 1800s, along with the others on the east-side stretch of Yonge St from Alexander St to Maitland St, was demolished in the early 1950s for the construction of the Yonge Subway Line, now known as Line 1 or the Yonge–University Line. The subway opened in 1954, after which the block was redeveloped. Those replacement buildings have also since been torn down to make way for the Teahouse Condos, completed in 2023

Yonge St and Alexander St (NE) in 1929 & 2026

1980/August 29, 2026 – Looking southeast on Bloor St W, between Lansdowne Ave and St Helen Ave, in the Dufferin Grove neighbourhood in Toronto. The archive photo shows the New Bloor Hotel and the Church of the Crusaders

New Bloor Hotel (former premises) in 1980 & 2026

April 13, 1943/August 22, 2026 – Looking west along Bloor St W from Jane St in the Lambton Baby Point neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows the Lion Service Station on the corner when a gallon of gas was 18¢, or about 4¢ a litre. A little further down the street was Loblaw Groceteria. The present-day photo shows the construction of a mixed-use building called the Bijou on Bloor. This stretch was once the site of the Humber Cinemas, along with several other buildings that were torn down to make way for the new condo

West along Bloor St W from Jane St in 1943 &...

March 1961/July 25, 2026 – Looking southeast towards the corner of King St E and Church St, in the Old Town, St Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo features the beautiful 3½-storey building once at the corner. According to a newspaper article, the building dated back to the 1850s. The Victorian-era building featured a mansard roof with iron cresting, along with arched and triangular pediments above the windows, which had open, stepped bases. It was home to various businesses throughout its years, including James H. Rogers, a hatter & furrier; Gallagher & Co. fruits; A. Clubb & Sons Ltd. cigars; and finally, Darrigo Bros. grocery and fruit. By 1970, there were calls to demolish the historic buildings along this stretch. Despite protests to save the structure, the corner building was torn down in 1971. In 1973, the neighbouring buildings along King St E were added to the city's inaugural heritage register

King St E and Church St (SE) in 1961 & 2026

October 1954/August 22, 2026 – Looking northwest along Bloor St W towards Jane St in the Lambton Baby Point and Bloor West Village neighbourhoods of Toronto. A few establishments visible in the archive photo include Bloor & Jane Snack Bar & Gray Coach Ticket Office, Hern’s Cleaners, Snelgrove Real Estate, Cecil Ward men’s wear, The Bank of Toronto, Lion Service Station and the Odeon Humber Theatre

Along Bloor St W towards Jane St in 1954 & 2026

1980/August 22, 2026 - Looking northwest along Lansdowne Ave from north of Bloor St W, in the Junction-Wallace Emerson neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows when Lansdowne Bingo once occupied the building, which was previously a Loblaw location

Lansdowne Ave north of Bloor St W in 1980 & 2026

April 13, 1943/August 22, 2026 – Looking northeast towards the corner of Bloor St W and Jane St in the Lambton Baby Point and Bloor West Village neighbourhoods of Toronto. The archive photo shows the Lion Service Station in the left foreground, where a quart of oil cost 15¢ and a gallon of gas was 18¢, or about 4¢ a litre. Also notice the directional marker featuring a lion on top of the station's tower structure. In the background of the vintage photo are The Bank of Toronto and the 23, 29 and 35 Jane St Apartments. These four buildings all stand today

Bloor St W and Jane St (NE) in 1943 & 2026

May 22, 1979/July 25, 2026 – Looking towards the southeast corner of King St E and Church St, in Toronto’s Old Town, St Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto. The block of three-storey commercial-residential buildings at 107, 109 and 111 King St E were built around 1842. A few establishments visible in the archive photo include Davidson Sails Marine Supplies Ltd., Trade Office Products, and Office Factory Equipment. This row of Georgian-style buildings was added to the city’s heritage register in 1973

107, 109 and 111 King St E in 1979 & 2026

April 21, 1980/July 25, 2026 - Looking southeast along King St E from east Church St in the Old Town, St Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto. A few of the establishments visible in the archive photo include York Belting and Pasquale Bros.; and in both photos, notice the St Lawrence Hall with the cupola in the background (City of Toronto Archives, Harvey R. Naylor fonds, Fonds 1526, File 15, Item 52)

St Lawrence Hall in 1980 & 2026

October 20, 1981/July 25, 2026 - Looking southeast along King St E from Church St in the Old Town, St Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto. A few of the establishments visible in the archive photo include Brown Office & Furniture and Marquette; and in both photos, notice the St Lawrence Hall cupola in the centre background

Along King St E from Church St in 1981 & 2026

1912/July 25, 2026 - Looking south down Spadina Ave from north of College St in Toronto

Spadina Ave and College St in 1912 & 2026

1972/January 25, 2020 – Looking southwest towards the corner of Parliament St and Richmond St E, in the Moss Park neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows the Forli BP service station and auto repair shop at the corner. In 1962, Mr. Forli opened the service station with BP (British Petroleum) while also operating his car mechanical services. In 1972, it became known as Forli Motors. After nearly 60 years in the auto business, the shop closed in 2021

Forli Motors (former premises) in 1972 & 2020

Circa 1983/April 3, 2026 – Looking east on Shuter St from in front of Massey Hall towards Victoria St in downtown Toronto. Massey Hall, a historic music venue in Toronto, opened its doors in 1894. It was a gift from industrialist Hart Massey to the people of Toronto to promote the arts. The archive photo features the venue's iconic hanging neon sign glowing red and shows part of the iron moustache-style stairs that were installed in 1911 as a fire safety measure. In July 2018, Massey Hall closed for extensive renovations. This included taking down and refurbishing the neon sign as well as removing the exterior stairs. On November 5, 2021, the restored sign was reinstalled above Massey Hall's red doors. It was illuminated again on November 24, 2021, in anticipation of the venue's reopening on November 25, 2021, which featured three nights of sold-out performances by Gordon Lightfoot

Massey Hall circa 1983 & 2026

April 22, 1971/July 2026 – Looking towards 100 Adelaide St E, located between Church St and Jarvis St, in the Old Town, St Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto. The archive photo shows the building when it housed Dominion Typewriters, whereas today, the storefront is home to Pearl Diver Restaurant

100 Adelaide St E in 1971 & 2026

July 2018/July 25, 2026 – Looking southwest at 147 Harbord St and Albert Jackson Lane, in the Harbord Village neighbourhood of Toronto. Harbord Fish & Chips, which opened in 1988, recently relocated a few doors to the east. Since May 2026, 147 Harbord St has been home to a Blondies Pizza location

147 Harbord St in 2018 & 2026

1984/May 3, 2026 – Looking northwest towards Dundas St W and Keele St in The Junction neighbourhood of Toronto. Both photos feature the Campbell Block, built in 1888, on the right. The building was restored to its former glory in 2015 using Leicester Orange Stock brick. Visible in the left foreground is a building constructed in 1907 and originally home to the Bank of British North America. This bank was acquired by the Bank of Montreal in 1918. For over a century, the building housed a BMO branch, which recently relocated three blocks to the west. A few of the establishments in the archive photo, from right to left, include Super Submarine, Blue Donau Bakery & Deli, All Seasons Textile yard goods, Alps Restaurant & Banquet Hall and Sears (Junction) catalogue store

Campbell Block at Dundas St W and Keele St in 1984...

Circa 1983/April 3, 2026 – Looking southeast across Shuter St towards the front of Massey Hall, at Victoria St in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto. The historic, world-renowned music venue Massey Hall was established in 1894, when industrialist Hart Massey built it as a gift to the people of Toronto to promote the arts. The archive photo shows Massey Hall with a "moustache" style fire escape, a safety feature installed on the front and sides of the building in 1911 at a cost of approximately $5,000. Throughout the decades, the venue has undergone several updates. From 2018 to 2021, the historic hall closed for significant restoration inside and outside the building. On the exterior, this project included removing the iron stairs and restoring the brick and masonry. A team of experts worked on restoring the "MASSEY MUSIC HALL" limestone letters, sourcing matching stone to recreate some of the damaged letters. Originally, the pediment featured intricately carved stone reliefs of an orchestra and musical instruments, which had disappeared or deteriorated over the years. Careful attention was given to this area to remove paint and reveal the shadows of the orchestra carvings. Today, the state-of-the-art performance venue, which includes a new 7-storey tower and the historic music hall, is collectively called Allied Music Centre. The expanded facility features four performance venues, a recording studio and creative workspaces

Massey Hall circa 1983 & 2026

February 15, 2026/November 8, 2025 – After the Hudson's Bay Company closed in 2025, the brass signs around the exterior of the flagship store — bounded by Queen St W, Yonge St, Richmond St W, and Bay St — were removed, revealing "SIMPSONS" in the stone beneath. The HBC signs featured the company's Coat of Arms and included the incorporation date of 2nd May 1670. Each sign measured approximately 74 cm by 103 cm. In April 2026, eight of these signs were sold at auction, with final bids ranging from $9,000 to $15,000. The building was originally home to the Robert Simpson Co. department store, which opened in the mid-1890s. In 1978, the Hudson's Bay Company acquired the property, and in 1991, this location transitioned from Simpsons to The Bay. Note that these photographs were taken from two different locations on the building

Simpsons and Hudson’s Bay Company signs in 2025 & 2026

June 6, 1975/May 3, 2026 – Looking northwest towards the corner of Yonge St and Wellesley St W in the Bay-Cloverhill neighbourhood of Toronto. A few of the establishments in the archive photo, from left to right, include the Mini Mart food store, The Millwheel Guitar Centre, Master John and Coach House Restaurant. While both the Second Empire-style corner building at 570 Yonge St and the neighbouring building at 574 Yonge St were built in 1876, the building that housed the Coach House at 574 Yonge St has been altered

Yonge St and Wellesley St W (NW) in 1975 & 2026

1972/May 3, 2026 – Looking southwest towards Massey Hall at the corner of Victoria St and Shuter St in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto. The concert hall was constructed between 1893 and 1894 and designed by architect Sidney Badgley for Hart Massey, an industrialist and operator of a large farm equipment manufacturing company. Originally named Massey Music Hall, it was a gift to the people of Toronto to develop the arts. Opening night was on June 14, 1894, featuring a performance of Handel's Messiah with a 500-member chorus and a 70-member orchestra. Along with once being home to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Massey Hall has hosted notable performers and speakers, including Gordon Lightfoot, The Tragically Hip, Rush, Bob Dylan and his band, Oscar Peterson, Nellie McClung, and Winston Churchill. Over the years, the "Old Lady of Shuter Street," named by Vincent Massey (the grandson of Hart Massey), has undergone several updates. A revitalization project began in 2013, and in mid-2018, the historic concert hall closed for extensive renovations. It reopened in November 2021 as the Allan Slaight Auditorium & Stage. These renovations preserved the building's heritage while bringing it into the 21st century. In 2024, a new 7-storey tower was unveiled on the south side of Massey Hall. This tower features live music venues, including the TD Music Hall and the Allied Music Centre Theatre. It also houses the Deane Cameron Recording Studio and offers creative spaces for artists. The state-of-the-art performance venue, including the historic music hall, is collectively referred to as the Allied Music Centre

Massey Hall in 1972 & 2026

June 6, 1981/July 25, 2026 - Looking east on College St from Spadina Ave in the Discovery District of Toronto. The four-storey brown-brick building on the left side of both photos was constructed in 1930 and designed by architect Benjamin Brown. The ground floor originally housed six retail stores, while dental suites and offices occupied the upper floors. Over the years, the building has been home to various businesses, including Tip Top Tailors, as shown in the archive photo. Today, it continues to host a variety of businesses. Notice the sign on the right side of the old photo for "H. Eisen Back Co. Ltd. - The Burlap Bag Products Ltd. - Jackson Bags"

East on College St from Spadina Ave in 1981 & 2026

May 20, 1927/July 25, 2026 - Looking west along College St from Spadina Ave in the Harbord Village and Kensington Market neighbourhood of Toronto

West along College St from Spadina Ave in 1927 & 2026

Between 1930-35/July 25, 2026 – Looking southeast towards the corner of Dundas St E and Bond St, in the Garden District of Toronto. The archive photo features the British-American Gasoline Service Station and Grant A. Edwards Auto Repairs at the corner. Note the old-fashioned spelling of "gasoline." In the right background of both images, the buildings of St. Michael's Catholic Cathedral Basilica are visible, including the school on the far right and the church featuring three dormer windows

Dundas St E and Bond St (SE) between 1930-35 & 2026

December 21, 2019/July 25, 2026 – Looking southeast at 147 Harbord St and Albert Jackson Lane, in the Harbord Village neighbourhood of Toronto. Harbord Fish & Chips, which opened in 1988, recently relocated a few doors to the east. Since May 2026, 147 Harbord St has been home to a Blondies Pizza location

147 Harbord St in 2019 & 2026

1962/August 16, 2025 – The FOOD sign on the Food Building located at 10 Nova Scotia Ave at Exhibition Place in Toronto. The archive photo shows a young woman in a Navy uniform seated in the “O” of the sign, holding a donut. Her hat reads, “HMCS Shelburne.” Notice the open seating area in the vintage photo, which has since been closed in. The mid-century Modern style Food Building was completed for the 1954 CNE, and its iconic "FOOD" lettering above the south entrance is in a sans-serif font

The FOOD Building sign at Exhibition Place in 1962 & 2026

June 8, 1952/July 25, 2026 – Looking southwest towards Yonge St from Alexander St in the Downtown Yonge Area of Toronto. The archive photo features the construction of the Yonge Street Subway—now known as Line 1, or the Yonge–University Line. The vintage photo also shows several businesses from right to left, including the Grove Restaurant, Grosvenor Spoke Shop, Empire Wallpaper, and St. Charles Restaurant/Tavern. In the left foreground, a small section of the Grosvenor Hotel is visible. One structure that appears in both photos is the St. Charles Tavern clock tower. The tower dates back to the 1870s and originally served as a hose drying tower when the Yonge Street Fire Hall No. 3 stood at the site. The recently restored clock tower and the facade of the neighbouring building are now part of the Halo Residences condo tower

St. Charles Tavern Clock Tower in 1952 & 2026

1976/July 12, 2026 – Looking north towards the Paul Kane House, located at 56 Wellesley St E, just east of Yonge St in the Church-Wellesley neighbourhood of Toronto. Paul Kane (1810-1871) was an Irish-born Canadian painter known for his artwork depicting the landscapes of the West and Indigenous peoples. In the mid-1850s, Kane purchased the property on Wellesley St E and built a stucco cottage, which was later expanded in that decade. After Paul Kane died in 1871, his family continued to live in the home. In 1873, the house was clad with buff brick, and a porch was added. The Kane family owned the house until 1903. From 1925 until 1973, the building served as a hall for the Evangelical Church of the Deaf. The city purchased the property in 1978 for a reported $500,000, which included $170,000 in support from the province's Wintario funding. The following year, the house was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, and a city park was created. The Church Isabella Residents Co-operative later leased the land and abandoned house, and in 1985, with plans by architect Paul Reuber, the Paul Kane House was renovated, divided into two apartments, and incorporated into a residential development that opened in 1986. This house was preserved thanks to the efforts of local residents and heritage organizations. An interesting note: According to an article in the April 5, 1974, edition of The Toronto Star, "For almost 100 years, everyone except the minister believed that the house had disappeared." This changed in 1973 when a student working for the Toronto Historical Board walked up a laneway beside the former Evangelical Church of the Deaf, which had been built in 1926 directly in front of the Paul Kane House. The student discovered the house and went on to prove that it was originally the home of Mr. Kane

Paul Kane House in 1976 & 2026

May 17, 1938/July 25, 2026 – Looking north up Yonge St from south of Alexander St/Grosvenor St in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto. A few of the establishments visible in the archive photo include the Grosvenor Hotel in the right foreground as well as Colling Tire Shop and Lindy's Auto Supplies in the building across Alexander St. On the left side of the vintage photo is a sign for the Commodore Café. One building that is partially visible in both photos is in the background on the left, across Grosvenor St. In the present-day photo, it's the beige and grey, three-storey building that's to the left of the Downtown Yonge pole. It was built in 1887 as a Bank of Montreal branch, which it was still serving as in the archive photo. More recently, its storefront has been used as restaurant space

Up Yonge St from south of Alexander St in 1938 &...

1980s/July 12, 2026 - Looking east towards Granby Parkette from Yonge St, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto. Granby St once intersected with Yonge St and allowed vehicle traffic. In the early 1980s, this intersection was closed, and a parkette was created. The archive photo shows when the building in the left foreground was home to the Academy Seafood & Steak Restaurant. The building in the right foreground is the College View Apartments

East towards Granby Parkette/Granby St from Yonge St in the 1980s...

1980s/July 12, 2026 – Looking east towards Turko Park and McGill St from Yonge St in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto. The intersection where McGill St and Yonge St meet was closed in the early 1980s, and a parkette was created. The stone arch shown in the present-day photo, now known as the McGill Street Arch, came from the former St Andrew's United Church building, once located on Bloor St E. The church was demolished in 1981, and its stone arch was preserved, relocated and rebuilt as a pedestrian gateway

East towards Turko Park/McGill St from Yonge St in the 1980s...

Early 1990s/July 12, 2026 – Looking west towards 570 to 576 Yonge St, from just north of Wellesley St in the Bay-Cloverhill neighbourhood of Toronto. A few of the establishments in the archive photo, from left to right, include the Convenient Plus, Vintage Jeans, Coach House Restaurant, Sonya’s Tea Room and Fashion Fashion clothing boutique. These buildings date back to the 1870s and are listed on the city’s heritage register

570 to 576 Yonge St in the early 1990s in 2026

1972/July 12, 2026 – Looking northwest towards the corner of Dundas St E and Bond St, in the Garden District of Toronto. A few of the businesses in the archive photo, from left to right, include the Imperial Hotel, Biggar Lock & Key, Old Stone Mill (clothing), Raffles Restaurant, the Windeler Electric Co. and Shaw Laboratories (dental products), located in the building that features the Reliance Engravers ghost sign. In the background of both photos on the right, the steeple of the First Lutheran Church is also visible. A portion of this Dundas St E block, from Bond St to Victoria Lane, has been demolished to make way for a 21-storey TMU student residence

Dundas St E and Bond St (NW) in 1972 & 2026

Circa 1979/July 12, 2026 – Looking northeast along Yonge St from south of Gould St, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto. A few of the establishments visible in the right foreground of the archive photo include Jean Junction, Guys & Gals, The Shirt Factory, The Pin Ball Spot, and Music World. These businesses are located in a building constructed in the late 1880s, initially known as the Empress Hotel, and later renamed the Edison Hotel. The site where the old hotel once stood is currently is home to the World Food Market, a collection of food outlets. In the distant left of the vintage photo is the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Sam the Record Man and A&A Records. Today, the corner is home to the Toronto Metropolitan University's Sheldon & Tracy Levy Student Learning Centre, which opened in 2015

Along Yonge St from south of Gould St circa 1979 &...

1956/April 3, 2026 - Looking north up Yonge St towards College St/Carlton St, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto. The archive photo shows several notable buildings, arranged clockwise starting in the lower left corner: Eaton's College Street store, the Canadian Bank of Commerce in the castle-like building (which was originally home to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, or IOOF), the construction of the Westbury Hotel, and the S.S. Kresge Co. store. Today, the former Eaton’s store is known as College Park. The castle-like building now serves as office and commercial space, while the Westbury Hotel has been converted into a Courtyard by Marriott. The location where Kresge's once stood has been replaced by The Ellington, a mixed-use building featuring both residential and commercial spaces

Up Yonge St towards College St/Carlton St in 1956 & 2026

Between 1977-83/July 25, 2026 – Looking northeast towards the corner of Yonge St and Alexander St in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto. The archive photo shows Pizza IL’ Panzerotto in the storefront on the left. In the mid-2010s, this building, along with the others on this stretch of Yonge St, was demolished to make way for the Teahouse Condo towers. The vintage photo also shows Toronto Workshop Productions (TWP) in the brown-brick building in the background on the right. This building still stands today and has been home to Buddies in Bad Times Theatre since 1994

Yonge St and Alexander St (NE) between 1977-83 & 2026

July 1953/July 12, 2026 - Looking north toward what was previously known as the Almont Hotel, at 3166 Lakeshore Blvd W at Kipling Ave, in the New Toronto neighbourhood of Etobicoke. The heritage-designated building dates back to 1890 when it opened as a hotel operated by John Shean. By the 1897 Toronto City Directory, the hotel was under new ownership. It continued to change hands throughout the years, operating under various names, including the New Toronto Hotel beginning in 1900. In the early 1930s, it became known as the Almont Hotel, a name it retained until the 1980s. In the late 1980s, it transitioned into Chatters nightclub, followed by Leritz Restaurant, and in the mid 2000s, became the Phantom Lounge. Today, the historic hotel building is home to the Humber College Fashion Institute

Almont Hotel (former premises) in 1953 & 2026

1980s/July 12, 2026 – Looking southeast across Yonge St towards McGill St in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto. The intersection where McGill St and Yonge St meet was closed in the early 1980s, and between the two buildings, Turko Park was created. The stone McGill Street Arch, shown in the present-day photo, came from the previous St. Andrew's United Church building, once located on Bloor St E, opposite Park Rd. The church was demolished in 1981, and its stone arch was preserved, relocated and rebuilt here as a pedestrian gateway. In the centre background of both photos is 21 McGill St. The building was home to the exclusive Twenty One McGill Club for women. Since 1994, it has served as the administrative offices for Covenant House Toronto

Yonge St and Turko Park/McGill St in 1980 & 2026

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