Site of City Hall before start of construction October 16, 1961 Photographer: Panda Associates City of Toronto Archives, Series 1318, Item 265
Original building permit for New City Hall June 21, 1961
Ground was broken for the New City Hall on November 7, 1961. Mayor Nathan Phillips, Q.C., turned the first sod for the building and its surrounding square, which had already been named in his honour to recognize his tireless advocacy of the City Hall project. (That day also happened to be the Mayor’s 69th birthday, and the crowd sang ‘Happy Birthday to You.’) The ceremony took place in front of the Registry Office.
Program for sod turning for City Hall 1961 City of Toronto Archives Series 1232, File 9
Sod-turning ceremony November 7, 1961 City of Toronto Archives, Series 1476, Item 35
Mayor Nathan Phillips’ Christmas card ca. 1961 City of Toronto Archives Series 1232, File 9