Visiting the Central Technical School, Toronto, Ontario: Collegiate Gothic by Ross and MacFarlane, dating from 1915

The Central Technical School, Toronto, Ontario, is widely known simply as 'C.T.S.'

Some history and features

owes its origin to a school which commenced in 1892, housed at first in St. Lawrence Hall and other premises, before moving to its current building.

This was opened in 1915, the work of Montreal architectural partnership Ross and Macfarlane (1), the cornerstone having been ceremonially laid by Prime Minister of Canada Sir Robert Borden in 1913.

The building was executed in Collegiate Gothic style (2). Its stonework combines a variety of sources. A number of coats of arms are incorporated into the stonework above the arched main entrance.

As its name implies, the school has a strong, technical, as well as sporting, tradition, and the presence among its alumni of famous artists is an indicator of another of its longstanding emphases. It is governed by the Toronto District School Board.

Included among distinguished alumni of C.T.S. are: artist Lawren Harris (1885-1970), Companion of the Order of Canada, one of the Canadian Group of Seven; artist Aba Bayefsky (1923-2001), Member of the Order of Canada; and a number of prominent, living sports personalities.

The address of the Central Technical School is given as 725 Bathurst Street, Toronto, although the main entrance is more easily accessed via Harbord Street, which intersects Bathurst. A pleasing and wide panorama of the elevation of the main building's entrance, may, however, be obtained from Bathurst Street.

Notes

(1) Ross and MacFarlane, known later as Ross and Macdonald, were also responsible for the Royal York Hotel, the Maple Leaf Gardens and Union Station, Toronto, the Château Laurier, Ottawa, and the Fort Garry Hotel, Winnipeg.

(2) Collegiate Gothic is regarded as a variant of the Gothic Revival architectural style.

Also worth seeing

In Toronto itself, noted buildings include: the Ontario Parliament's Legislative Assembly Building, Queen's Park, Osgoode Hall, Old City Hall, Union Station, Ashbridge's Estate, Old Fort York, and many others.

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How to get there: Air Canada, flies to Toronto Pearson Airport, with wide North American and other connections, from where car rental is available. However, visitors to Downtown Toronto will find many sights to be easily walkable. Some facilities may be withdrawn without notice. For up to date information, you are advised to check with the airline or your travel agent. Please refer to appropriate consular sources for any special border crossing arrangements which may apply to citizens of certain nationalities.

MJFenn is an independent travel writer based in Ontario, Canada.