South Humber Park Pavilion Commemorative plaque, 2021.
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Resource ID
8765
Access
Open
Address
120 The Queensway, Toronto, ON M8Y 1H9
Credit Line
Heritage Toronto
Date of Creation
2021
Historical Themes
Architectural Heritage, Parks and Natural Heritage, Post-war urban development
Program Category
Historical Plaques
Time Period
1954-1998
Caption
South Humber Park Pavilion Commemorative plaque, 2021.
Description
Designed by architect Alan Crossley and structural engineer Laurence Cazaly, this Space Age comfort station is a local landmark and a rare example of the Googie architectural style in Toronto. Also known as the Oculus, the South Humber Park Pavilion opened following a major natural disaster.
On October 16, 1954, Hurricane Hazel struck Toronto with extreme wind and rain. More than 30 people were killed on nearby Raymore Drive when the Humber River washed away homes in the valley.
The new Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) took control of ravines and valleys after the hurricane. South Humber Park was created at this time, and the city’s parks department commissioned the pavilion for visitors to the picturesque property.
The South Humber Park Pavilion consists of a washroom building, a flagstone-paved area, and a concrete canopy with an opening called an oculus. In the years after it opened, the pavilion fell into disrepair. As a result of significant community effort, it was restored in 2021 by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario and Giaimo Architects.
Marker lat / long: 43.636504, -79.480283 (WGS84)