50 years of Scarborough Civic Centre

Scarborough's “architectural wonder” and the first planned town center in all of North America was celebrated on Sunday.

Designed by renowned Japanese-Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama as a quiet gathering place, the Scarborough Civic Center at 150 Dr. opened 50 years ago on June 29, 1973. The late Queen Elizabeth II attended this celebration.

This afternoon Mayor Olivia Chow, Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvey (Scarborough-Rouge Park) joined Scarborough Councilors Michael Thompson, Nick Mantas and Paul Ainslie at the Civic Center off Ellesmere and Brimley Roads for a special event to mark the centre's 50th anniversary.

“Over the past 50 years, the Scarborough Civic Center has been at the center of many memorable events that have shaped the history of Scarborough and Toronto. Today, it continues to serve its purpose as a meeting place for all,” Chow said in an Oct. 1 news release.

“As we celebrate this anniversary year, I look forward to seeing this space continue to grow as a place for the community to gather and enjoy for many years to come.”

The special golden anniversary event was attended by Elder Cat Criger, Elder Chris Leonard and Diarmuid Nash of Moriyama Teshima Architects, with Scarborough-based artist-researcher and architect Esmond Lee as Master of Ceremonies.

The event was marked by the introduction of new Koi to the existing pond installed in the building when the facility first opened, along with the presentation of a poem by Toronto Poet Laureate Lillian Allen.

The event also included musical performances as well as family activities, sports programs and an architectural tour.

Next, the Albert Campbell Square was marked by Scarborough throughout the day. Albert Campbell was the first mayor of Scarborough County and built the Scarborough Civic Center under his leadership.