The new Civic Centre was a novel, modern structure, with its spacious corridors, cathedral height ceilings, open concept offices, and a modern new council chamber. Newspaper accounts were replete with futuristic descriptions of Moriyama’s design, calling the stark white building a “space age Taj Mahal,” “a big UFO,” and a “space station dropped into Scarborough.” Along with housing the municipal and Board of Education staff, the atrium provided a multi-purpose public space. For his design, Moriyama won the prestigious Vincent Massey Award in 1975.
Within months of opening, the Civic Centre and Albert Campbell Square became a popular gathering place for awards ceremonies, outdoor concerts, winter ice skating, art displays, charitable campaign launches, and events for children.
The complex also hosted cultural festivals by various communities as Scarborough transformed into one of the most diverse municipalities in Canada. Now surrounded by additional buildings and linked to Toronto’s transit system, the Civic Centre remains a central and important place in our City’s east end.
Other related Scarborough exhibits on our website, include:
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