Hello, While preparing to co-facilitate (with local historian/author Jim Adams) the upcoming historical tour focused on Toronto's Runnymede neighbourhood, I came across the story of Frederick George Topham. Frederick George Topham was born in 1917 in Toronto.He attended King George Public School and Runnymede Collegiate Institute.Before enlisting, he worked as a miner … [Read more...] about Lesson 44: Courage in the Line of Fire. The Story of Corporal Frederick George Topham, VC
Toronto
Lesson 43: Build Something That Outlasts You
Hello, While preparing to co-facilitate a historical tour focused on Toronto's Runnymede neighbourhood, I came across the story of John Scarlett. John Scarlett was born in 1777 in Newcastle-under-Lyme, England, into a world of change and opportunity.As a young man, he moved to Antigua, where he gained experience in commerce. By the time he was 32, Scarlett decided to … [Read more...] about Lesson 43: Build Something That Outlasts You
Lesson 39: What Toronto’s Stock Yards Can Teach Us About Resilience
Good morning friend,Toronto’s Stock Yards tell a story of growth, transformation, and resilience. Once a bustling hub, the Stock Yards shaped Toronto's economy and identity. Picture this: St. Clair Avenue West in the 1940s. Streetcars clang, cars honk, and hundreds of animals move in great herds across the road, guided by lead cattle toward the abattoirs. At its … [Read more...] about Lesson 39: What Toronto’s Stock Yards Can Teach Us About Resilience
Lesson 32: What Jane and Finch Teaches Us About City Building
Good morning, Look around your neighbourhood. Maybe it’s a gleaming condo corridor. Maybe it’s a quiet residential street. Maybe it’s a mix of towers and storefronts, cars and kids, parks and pavement.Now ask yourself: Who planned this place? Who invested in it? And who is involved to make it a true community? Every neighbourhood is shaped by decisions: … [Read more...] about Lesson 32: What Jane and Finch Teaches Us About City Building
Lesson 30: Make Your Mark on Your City, Inspired by Toronto’s First Mayor
Good morning, Nearly two centuries later, what can William Lyon Mackenzie still teach us about building a better city? In my reading of his story, I find that one of his beliefs was that true democracy requires active civic participation, including fair elections, public debate, and citizen involvement, principles that are essential to good governance. When York became … [Read more...] about Lesson 30: Make Your Mark on Your City, Inspired by Toronto’s First Mayor