WMSC Holiday Party 2025!

William Morris Society of Canada
Holiday Party

Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 6 pm
Faculty Club, University of Toronto, 41 Willcocks St.

 

This year we will return to a traditional BUFFET setting! There will be many delicious dishes on offer (see attached menu) from which you will choose your own festive meal, including turkey, striploin, salmon, and gluten free and vegan options. Table seats will not be assigned; come early and sit with your friends, or get to know someone new…we Morrisians are an amiable sort! Readings and prizes will add to a fun evening.

The dinner cost is $89 for members, which includes a three-course meal, tea/coffee, tax and tip. Non-member guests are welcome to attend for $99 per person. A bartending service will be on hand for wine and beer, at an additional cost (credit or debit only).

Dinner will start at 6 p.m. but the room will be available from 5:15 p.m. for mingling.

You can register at https://forms.gle/zDuBugt8wJauiScz8 and pay via PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/RNDF65XZUW3PL. You'll notice the drop down menu has options to pay for 1 or 2 members, 1 member and 1 guest, etc.  Please register and pay by November 28, 2025.

Given the mail disruptions this year, we recommend that you pay via PayPal.

 

WMSC Zoom Event: Old City Hall film screening

 

Old City Hall - Film Screening

November 19, 2025, Time: 7:00 PM EDT

Members only Zoom Event

 

Old City Hall, Toronto (1901) - City of Toronto Archives (Fonds 1231, Item 311)
 

 

Toronto’s Old City Hall opened in 1899 and has had two very distinct lives. It started as a combined city hall and courthouse but was mostly thought of as The City Hall. After City politicians and administrators moved to Viljo Revel’s futuristic New City Hall in 1965, OCH continued as a Courthouse only, the biggest in the country. It is now shut and awaits a decision from the City as to its future.

 

OCH has already had two near-death experiences: from the downtown Toronto fire of 1904, and clearance for the construction of The Eaton Centre in the 1960’s. The film makes clear what a spectacular building it is and why it is worth preserving. 

The film is the story of the building’s architect, architecture and place in history as the centre of civic life of Toronto for 66 years. It includes wonderful footage of the interior including murals, stained glass, woodwork and courtrooms. It is hoped the film will be a catalyst for a discussion of the future of the building.

 

 

Michael Kainer practiced law in Toronto until his retirement and is a self-taught filmmaker. He has co-produced two documentary shorts and five feature length films. All have Toronto historical and cultural themes. The WMSC showed Michael's film “Not just an Island: A History of the Toronto Island” in 2022. Michael has worked extensively in the Toronto arts and non-profit communities both as a lawyer and volunteer.