Architecture for the Concrete City

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How has Toronto’s public architecture evolved with the city around it?

Hop aboard for a full-day bus tour with architecture critic Alex Bozikovic to explore some of Toronto’s most striking public architecture—and how these landmark buildings are being reimagined for the city today.

From the sweeping modernism of Toronto City Hall and Scarborough Civic Centre to the Brutalist Albert Campbell Library, explore how architects used new forms, materials, and ideas to transform civic spaces into welcoming public spaces for a rapidly growing Toronto. Along the way, we’ll consider how these landmark buildings continue to evolve to meet contemporary needs—such as how the National Ballet School combines adaptive reuse with new construction, or what preservation means at sites like 2 Queen Street West, where layers of change have dramatically reshaped the original building.

Please note: While light refreshments and snacks will be offered complimentarily as part of this bus tour, participants are expected to bring full lunches with them on to the bus.

This tour will be led by Alex Bozikovic. Alex Bozikovic has been the Architecture Critic for The Globe and Mail since 2013. He covers architecture, planning, landscape architecture and related subjects ranging from the built environment to housing policy. His book 305 Lost Buildings of Canada (2022) on the social and architectural history of cities across the country was a national bestseller. His first book, Toronto Architecture: A City Guide (2017) is a comprehensive guide to buildings in Toronto.

Current or future events in the same event series will appear here.

Alex Bozikovic (tour leader) speaking to tour participants, Heritage in Transition bus tour, November 2, 2025. Image by Oscar Akamine.

Tour participants inside Downsview Campus Centre for Aerospace and Aviation, Heritage in Transition bus tour, November 2, 2025. Image by Oscar Akamine.

Heritage in Transition tour, Waterworks Food Hall, Condos and Residences, November 2, 2025. Image by Oscar Akamine.

Entrance to Northfield House with plaque, 400 Jarvis Street, January 31, 2022. Image by Herman Custodio.

FitzGerald Building Revitalization at the University of Toronto, Built Heritage nominee, 2025 Heritage Toronto Awards, 2024. Image by Steven Evans Courtesy of ERA Architects.

Registration

This tour is provided for $100.00/person. The total cost is $108.47 (includes a $8.47 transaction fee). Please note that space is limited on our tours. You may not be able to join a tour group if you have not registered ahead of time through our website.

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Accessibility

The nearest TTC Stop is Queen Station, accessible by taking the Line 1 subway, the 501, 503, 504, or 505 streetcards, or busses 19 or 97.

The nearest Green P parking lot is on site at 110 Queen Street West.

There are public bathrooms in Toronto City Hall, Scarborough Civic Centre, and Toronto Public Library – Albert Campbell Branch.

FAQs

What should I do if I can’t find the group at the start location?+

Our staff and volunteers will be at the tour’s starting location 30 minutes prior to each tour. Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the tour to allow time for check-in. Feel free to call us at (647) 542-3450 if you are having trouble finding the start location.

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