Old City Hall, Heritage courthouse in Old Toronto, Canada
Description
Old City Hall is a heritage courthouse in Old Toronto, Canada, built in the Romanesque Revival style along Bay Street in the downtown core. The red sandstone structure rises several floors with arched entrances, ornate windows and a tall clock tower that overlooks the surrounding lower buildings.
History
The building was completed between 1889 and 1899 following designs by architect E.J. Lennox to serve as the seat of Toronto's municipal government. After a new city hall opened in 1965, it was converted into a courthouse and continues to serve the legal system in the city.
Culture
The name Old City Hall marks its earlier role as the seat of municipal government before the administration moved to a modern building. Today lawyers, judges and residents enter the halls for court hearings, while travelers often pause at the entrance to admire the carved stonework and colored glass panels.
Practical
The courthouse operates on weekdays for hearings, and visitors can view the exterior facade from the sidewalk at any time. Interior spaces are accessible only during court hours, with security checks at the entrance.
Did you know?
The bell in the tower weighs over 5 tons and chimes at certain times of day, its sound carrying across several city blocks. The tower itself reaches over 100 meters (330 feet) in height and remains one of the tallest heritage structures in the downtown area.
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