Government of Canada honours prestigious home of professional women’s club.
Toronto, Ontario, October 21, 2011 -- On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Ms. Stella Ambler, Member of Parliament for Mississauga South, today commemorated the importance of the Heliconian Hall, a place of national historic significance.
A special ceremony was held in Yorkville at the Hall. Accompanied by the Chair of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Dr. Richard Alway, Ms. Ambler unveiled a commemorative plaque dedicated to the home of the Heliconian Club.
“I am proud to commemorate this historic site which has been instrumental in fostering relationships among creative and professional women in Toronto,” said Ms. Ambler. “Heliconian Hall was and continues to be an important part of our history.”
Heliconian Hall was constructed as a church in 1876 and has been the home of the Heliconian Club since 1923. With its eclectic mix of music, art, literature and dance, the Heliconian Hall provides a meeting place for professional women from a variety of artistic disciplines, to express, share and develop their talents.
“Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to recognize important landmarks and milestones that strengthen our national pride and support our cultural heritage,” said Minister Kent. “Today we celebrate the legacy of the Heliconian Hall, renowned for bringing together professional women from the music, art, literature, and dance communities to stimulate social and intellectual interaction.”
Created in 1919, and supported by Parks Canada, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the government of Canada through the Minister of Environment regarding the national historic significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada’s history. Parks Canada manages a nationwide network of national historic sites that make up a rich tapestry of Canada’s cultural heritage and which offers visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring discoveries.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
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Information:
Amandeep S. Chawla
Promotions Officer
Southwestern Ontario Field Unit
Parks Canada
905-518-6585
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
