Municipal building.
Details of Site Location: The southwest corner of Queen Street West and Cowan Avenue.
Boundary History: Plan 332 had laid out lots for commercial use along Queen Street. The municipal building utilized two of these and extended south along the west side of Cowan, occupying one and a quarter acres.
Current Use of Property: Emergency housing.
Historical Description: As an incorporated community, Parkdale was officially a village in 1879 and included 487 acres. It had no municipal building but thoroughly organized itself with a Reeve and Council and many committees and officials. By 1883, the population had grown sufficiently for a step up to town status, effected in 1885. The size of the Council increased, as did the number of committees and officials. They had been meeting in other rented facilities. The need for a proper fire hall and better quarters for all of the municipal activity decided the matter. Architects J. Ades Fowler and his senior partner, Cuthbertson, prepared plans. Debentures were issued, and contracts let after the property had been acquired. The Town Hall was of red brick, in three storeys; it included a fire hall and engine house, a police station with a small jail, offices, and a council chamber. It opened in 1888 amid controversy, at more than double its estimated costs. Toronto had begun annexing adjoining towns and villages and unincorporated lands in 1883, and demanded financial statements for 1883/1884 and 1885. It was learned that Parkdale was carrying a substantial debt and annexation was postponed. The council, demanding to see the books, discovered mismanagement, and the treasurer resigned. Some negotiations with Toronto were resumed in 1886. But by 1888 all of the lands surrounding Parkdale had been annexed by Toronto and negotiations had to be speeded up. At a frothy council meeting in October 1888, the matter came to a head and precipitated pro and contra meetings everywhere. A vote was taken, and by 1889 Parkdale was annexed with Toronto assuming its debt load. City police took over the Town Hall and the Toronto Fire Department made the local fire hall part of the city system. The former councillors became aldermen in a newly established ward. In 1931, the town hall was demolished to provide space for a more modern police station.
Relative Importance: The Parkdale Town Hall has less importance than most others of its kind, but as an historic site it represents the aspirations of the community looking to the future in a period of fast growth. It can also symbolize a lack of prudence in the struggle to grow and serves as a reminder that all public affairs should be fully available to public scrutiny. In the years that followed annexation, Parkdale grew and acquired many fine buildings and a loyalty from its residents that is still apparent. As an incorporated community absorbed into the modern city it has status and deserves recognition of that fact.
Planning Implications: A plaque at the site of the Town Hall would appropriately recognize the pride of local people in their own community, and inspire it in newcomers.
Reference Sources: Goad’s Atlas 1890, 1910; City Directories, 1890 to 1930; Toronto Reference Library.
Acknowledgements: Maps Project.