Events
Toronto Gone Wild — Untold Stories of Toronto’s Waterfront: A Talk with Author M. Jane Fairburn
Museum of Toronto, in connection with Spacing Magazine, has invited me for an evening of stories and wide-ranging discussion of all-things-waterfront on May 15, 2024, at 401 Richmond Street West. The discussion will focus on the historical interplay between Torontonians and the natural world, and how forging connections between people and landscape through time contributes to a shared sense of place, and deeper sense of belonging.
The event is part of Museum Toronto’s innovative Toronto Gone Wild exhibit — you can register online here: bit.ly/MJF-mot
Where: 401 Richmond Street West, Toronto
When: Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Previous Events
York Pioneer and Historical Society Annual General Meeting
Jane will be the guest speaker at the York Pioneer and Historical Society’s 2020 Annual General Meeti
Where: John McKenzie House, 34 Parkview Avenue, Willowdale
When: January 26, 2020, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
An evening with Jane Fairburn and Sinfonia at the Toronto Hunt
Where: The Toronto Hunt, 355 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ontario M1N 1R1
When: June 21, 2018, 6:00 p.m.
Glenn Gould was raised in the Beach and lived on Southwood Drive until he was almost thirty years old. Jane will read from Along the Shore and will offer her insights into the neighbourhood’s influence on Gould and in turn Gould’s views on his Toronto.
The evening will include a concert with Sinfonia musicians, a four course dinner with dessert buffet and silent auction.
Contact Sinfonia Toronto for tickets to this one-time special event.
Women’s Group
Where: Birchmount Bluffs Community Centre
When: March 26, 2018, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Jane will give a talk on the local history of the Beach and Bluffs districts, with special reference to her new projects. See: https://www.facebook.com/pg/janefairburnalongtheshore/about/?ref=page_internal
Canadian Federation of University Women, Scarborough Chapter
Where: Knox Church, 2569 Midland Ave, Scarborough
When: October 15, 2018, 8:00 p.m.
Jane will give an overview of Along the Shore: Rediscovering Toronto’s Waterfront Heritage, with special reference to the Scarborough Bluffs. Her recent project, Longing for the Land: Meditations on Rural Ontario, will also be discussed in the context of preservation and environmental renewal.
Curran Hall Community Association
Where: Curran Hall Community Centre, 277 Orton Park Rd, Scarborough, ON, M1G 3T4
When: April 3, 2017, 7 p.m.
Jane will give an overview of the history, landscape and people of the Toronto shore, with special reference to the Scarborough lakefront.
Myseum of Toronto
Where: Meet up location for the bus tour to be announced.
When: March 11, 2017, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Please join Mural Routes and Jane Fairburn for a tour of the historical roots of Scarborough and its lakefront, depicted through a series of murals along Kingston Road.
Explore public art where you may not expect it, discover the stories behind each mural, learn the complex history of Toronto’s east end, and look towards Toronto’s future – all on this whirlwind tour.
This event is part of the Myseum Intersections festival. Registration is required and will be available shortly at muralroutes.ca. Questions can be directed to Natalie Dewan at natalie[at]muralroutes[dot]ca or at 416 698 7995.
The Scarborough Shore, Remembered
Where: The Estate Banquet Centre, 430 Nugget Avenue, Scarborough
When: February 21, 2017.
Jane will join the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario (Scarborough) and discuss the history of the Scarborough Bluffs and adjacent districts. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s plans for waterfront development will also be discussed.
Walking Tour of Guild Park and Gardens, Heritage Toronto
Where: Guild Park and Gardens
When: July 31, 2016, 1:30 p.m.
Jane will be participating in a Heritage Toronto Walking Tour of Guild Park and Gardens. The Guild’s heavily wooded ravine and adjoining lakefront is a critical piece of the Toronto Region and Conservation Authority’s Scarborough Waterfront Development Project.
Beach and East Toronto Historical Society — The Life and Work of City Builder Roland Caldwell Harris: Citizen of the Beach. View the full details here.
Doors Open, 2016, Guild Park and Gardens
When: May 29, 2016. Tours start at 10:00 a.m., noon, 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
Where: 201 Guildwood Parkway, Scarborough Jane will participate in the noon and 2:00 p.m. sessions at Doors Open. Please note: four tours will be held during the course of the day (listed above), so be sure to come at a time that suits you best!
The Combined Probus Club of Scarborough. A Glimpse of the Past Remembered: The Scarborough Shore — from Birch Cliff to the Rouge
When: February 4, 2016, 10:00 a.m.
Where: 45 Lawson Road, Scarborough
Jane will give a talk on the history, landscape and people of the Scarborough shore, from Birch Cliff to the Rouge River.
The Royal Canadian Yacht Club
When: November 26, 2015
Where: Royal Canadian Yacht Club, 141 St. George Street, Toronto
Jane will present Along the Shore, with special reference to Toronto Bay and the city’s rich nautical history.
Agincourt Garden Club
When: October 5, 2015, 8:00 p.m.
Where: Knox United Church, Christian Education Centre, 2569 Midland Ave Toronto, ON M1S 1R4
Jane will give a presentation on the history, landscape and people of the Scarborough shore, from the Rouge River to Birch Cliff. 
The Lake, the Gully and the Wreck: Exploring the Meadowcliffe Flat
When: July 19, 2015, 2:00 p.m.
Where: The walk begins at the intersection of Bellamy and Kingston Roads and then proceeds south towards the lake.
Jane, in conjunction with Lost River’s John Wilson, will walk the Meadowcliffe Flat and tell stories related to the history, landscape and people of the Scarborough shore. 
Guild Park: Where Art Meets Nature (Four free public tours organized by Doors Open Toronto, Heritage Toronto & Friends of Guild Park)
When: May 24, 2015. Tours start at 10:00 a.m.; noon; 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Where: Guild Park and Gardens, 201 Guildwood Parkway, Scarborough
Jane will participate in the morning sessions at Doors Open. Please note: four tours will be held during the course of the day (listed above), so be sure to come at a time that suits you best!
Rus in Urbe: Exploring Toronto’s historic Guild Park and Gardens
When: May 23, 2015
Where: Guild Park and Gardens, 201 Guildwood Parkway, Scarborough
Jane will participate in a discussion about the structure of the landscape at Guild Park and Gardens, and the site’s broader cultural heritage context, focusing on its centuries old connection to Lake Ontario and the natural world. 
Beta Sigma Phi Annual Meeting
When: April 30, 2015, 6:00 p.m.
Where: The Queen’s Palace, 1173 Brimley Road, Scarborough Jane will present her book, Along the Shore: Rediscovering Toronto’s Waterfront Heritage.
Port Credit Yacht Club
When: April 1, 2015, Mississauga, 8:00 p.m.
Where: Port Credit Yacht Club, 115 Lakefront Promenade
Jane will present Along the Shore, with special reference to Toronto’s nautical history.
Hart House Dinner Series, Guest Speaker
When: March 11, 2015, 6 p.m., north dining room
Where: Hart House, University of Toronto
Please join Jane Fairburn and University of Toronto Alumni for a reception and intimate 3-course dinner. University of Toronto event page: http://uofttix.ca/view.php?id=1125
Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation Historical Gathering
When: February 19, 2015, 2:00 p.m. (gathering from February 18, 2015 to February 20, 2015)
Where: Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, New Credit Community Centre
Jane will discuss her book, Along the Shore: Rediscovering Toronto’s Waterfront Heritage, and early points of contact between the Mississaugas and European newcomers in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Along the Shore: A Glimpse of the Past Remembered Ontario Archaeological Society (Toronto Chapter)
When: February 18, 2015, 7:30 p.m.
Where: University of Toronto, Room 246, Second Floor Board Room, Anthropology Building, 19 Russell Street
Jane will discuss new waterfront insights gleaned from her book, Along the Shore.
Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club’s Toonie Thursdays lecture series
When: February 12, 2015
, 7:00 p.m.
Where: 30 Ashbridge’s Bay Park Road
Jane will present Along the Shore, with special reference to Toronto’s nautical history.
The Shellback Club
When: November 26, 2014, 12:00 p.m. (Noon)
Where: Royal Canadian Yacht Club, 141 St. George Street, Toronto
Toronto Island has been known to Aboriginal peoples for millennia. Please join Donald Smith, Professor Emeritus and author of Mississauga Portraits: Ojibwe Voices From Nineteenth Century Canada, M. Jane Fairburn, author of Along the Shore: Rediscovering Toronto’s Waterfront Heritage and Maxwell King, Educator and member of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation for a lively discussion on the presence of the Mississaugas in the Toronto area in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Book reading, Chapters.Indigo, Scarborough
When: November 8, 2014, 2:00 p.m.
Where: 20 William Kitchen Road, Scarborough
Jane will read from Along the Shore. Signed copies of the book will be available at the event.
Pioneers and Pleasure Gardens, Settlement and the Suburbs: Scarborough’s Remarkable Waterfront Past
When: October 28, 2014, 7:30 p.m. Host: Scarborough Historical Society
Where: Toronto Public Library: Bendale, 1515 Danforth Road, Scarborough Jane will give a presentation on the history, landscape and people of the Scarborough shore, from the Rouge River to Birch Cliff.
Doors Open Ontario — Small Arms Building, Mississauga
When: September 27, 2014, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Small Arms Building, 1352 Lakeshore Road East (at Dixie Road) Mississauga, Ontario
Jane will read from Along the Shore. Books will be available for sale at the event. http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Mississauga.aspx
William Henry Moore, Moorlands and the Rouge
When: September 24, 2014, 11:00 a.m. Host: Probus — Pickering
Where: Pickering Recreation Complex, O’Brien Room, 1867 Valley Farm Road
From Menecing to Hiawatha: Toronto Island and Its People in the 18th and 19th Centuries
When: September 18, 2014, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Ward’s Island Clubhouse, Toronto Island www.torontoislandcafe.com
Toronto Island has been known to Aboriginal peoples for millennia. Please join Donald Smith, Professor Emeritus and author of Mississauga Portraits: Ojibwe Voices From Nineteenth Century Canada, M. Jane Fairburn, author of Along the Shore: Rediscovering Toronto’s Waterfront Heritage and Maxwell King, Educator and member of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation for an evening of lively discussion on the presence of the Mississaugas in the Toronto area in the 18th and 19th centuries.
A Glimpse of the Past Remembered: The Scarborough Shore — from Birch Cliff to the Rouge
When: Saturday, September 13, 2014, 2:00 p.m.
Where: Toronto Public Library: Cedarbrae, 545 Markham Road, Scarborough
Jane will give a talk on the history, landscape and people of the Scarborough shore, from Birch Cliff to the Rouge River.
A Stroll Along the Shore
When: May 26, 2014
Where: The Red and White Book Club
When: May 25, 2014 Times for the walk (Jane will be present for the noon and 2:00 p.m. walks): 10:00 a.m. 12 Noon 2:00 p.m. 4 :00p.m.
Where: Guild Park and Gardens, Scarborough
Please join Jane, John Mason and other speakers for a historical walking tour of one of Toronto’s best kept secrets — Guild Park and Gardens, perched high on the Scarborough Bluffs, overlooking Lake Ontario. Further details about the walk can be found here: http://guildpark.ca/events?eventId=866565&EventViewMode=EventDetails
Mad Walking Group
When: May 20, 2014, 12:30 p.m.
Where: West Rouge Community Centre, 270 Rouge Hills Drive, West Rouge
Jane will give a presentation on the history, landscape and people of the Scarborough shore, with special reference to the West Rouge.
Probus — Guildwood
When: May 14, 2014, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church, 140 Guildwood Parkway, Scarborough
Jane will give a talk on the history, landscape and people of the Scarborough shore. 
Jane’s Walk, 2014: Scarborough Bluffs. A Stroll Along the Shore — from First Peoples to the Arts and Crafts Suburb
When: Saturday, May 3, 2014, 2:00 p.m.
Where: Scarborough Bluffs 
A walking tour of a portion of the Scarborough Bluffs in the Cliffside district, featuring author Jane Fairburn, along with Mural Route’s Karin Eaton and the Toronto Public Library’s Marie Belanger, will commence on the southwest corner of Midland Avenue and Kingston Road, near the historic Refreshment Room.
A Walk Along the Shore: Lambton House Speakers Series
When: April 27, 2014, 2:00 p.m.
Where: Lambton House, 4066 Old Dundas Street, Toronto
Prince Edward Co. Authors Festival
When: April 12, 2014, 11:00 a.m.
Jane will give a presentation and read from Along the Shore: Rediscovering Toronto’s Waterfront Heritage Stay tuned for further details, http://www.pecauthorfest.com/.
Toronto Public Library — Jane will deliver a talk on Along the Shore: Rediscovering Toronto’s Waterfront Heritage
When: April 3, 2014, 2:00 p.m.
Where: Deer Park Branch, 40 St Clair Ave East, Toronto
A discussion with Stephen Young of the Toronto Public Space Initiative will follow Jane’s presentation.
Along the Shore — A Reading
When: March 30, 2:15 p.m.
Where: New Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Avenue, Toronto
Jane will be reading from Along the Shore in honour of International Women’s Day.
Along the Shore: the History, Landscape and People of the Toronto Waterfront in Image and Stories
When: March 26, 2014, 12:30 p.m. Host: Women’s Art Association of Canada
Where: 23 Prince Arthur Avenue, Toronto
Along the Shore — New Insights About Toronto’s Waterfront Heritage
When: March 18, 2014, 6:15 p.m.
Where: University of Toronto, Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road
Jane will be speaking to Rotary International, Mississauga West Branch.
Probus — Highland Creek
When: February 18, 2014, 11:00 a.m.
Where: Royal Canadian Legion Hall, 45 Lawson Road, Scarborough
Jane will give a talk on the history, landscape and people of the Scarborough shore.
Toronto’s Eastern Shore in Image and Stories
When: January 28, 2014, 6:00 p.m. Host: Riverdale Historical Society
Where: St. Matthew’s Clubhouse (Riverdale Park East at Langley and Broadview) Jane will give a talk on the history, landscape and people of the Toronto waterfront, with special emphasis on the eastern shore, from the Island to the Beach.
High-level Panel Discussion on the Prospect of Jets at the Island Airport and the Future of the Toronto Waterfront
When: December 9, 2013, 7 p.m.
Where: OISE Auditorium, 252 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Room G162
I will be part of the above-noted panel that includes former mayor David Crombie, renowned architect Jack Diamond, and former city planner Paul Bedford. The panel will be moderated by John Lorinc, editor of Spacing magazine. 
Please attend and voice your strong opposition to the lunacy of a plan that would allow private interests to irrevocably damage our greatest public asset — Toronto’s waterfront: http://www.nojetsto.ca/event/ Click here to read my statement in support of NoJetsTO.
Algonquin Island Association * Christmas Boutique
When: December 7, 2013, 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Items may be previewed the evening of Friday, December 6, 2013, starting at 6:00 p.m.)
Where: Algonquin Island Association Clubhouse, Toronto Island, 18 Wyandot Avenue, Algonquin Island.
The Shellback Club
When: December 4, 2013, 12:00 p.m. (Noon)
Where: Royal Canadian Yacht Club, 141 St. George Street, Toronto
Jane will present Along the Shore, with special reference to Toronto’s nautical history.
Framing Dames Book Signing
When: On the evening of November 29, 2013 — details to follow
Where: The Framing Dames, 362 Old Kingston Road Please join Jane for a book signing at Framing Dames.
The Beach: New Insights About a Time Honoured Neighbourhood
When: November 20, 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Where: Toronto Public Library, Beaches Branch, 2161 Queen Street East
Jane will give a talk to the Beach and East York Historical Society on the remarkable past of the Beach district, with references to the challenges it faces as the community moves forward into the twenty-first century.
Friends of Guild Park and Gardens Gala Fundraiser
When: November 16, 2013
Where: Cedar Ridge Creative Centre, 225 Confederation Drive Scarborough
Jane will read from Along the Shore. Books will be available for purchase at the event. Photo info: Horse’s head, Emanuel Hahn. Guild Park and Gardens, c. 2009. © Jane Fairburn. ‘
Christmas at Cedar Ridge’
When: November 10, 2013, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Cedar Ridge Creative Centre, 225 Confederation Drive, Scarborough
Come and meet Jane at Scarborough’s annual one-of-a-kind craft show and sale. Signed copies of Along the Shore will be available for purchase just in time for Christmas.
An evening at Rue Pigalle
When: October 7, 2013, 6:30 pm.
Where: 927 Queen Street West
Jane will read from Along the Shore and discuss some of the influences behind its development. A book signing will follow. Please rsvp boutique@ruepigalle.ca.
Along the Toronto Shore: Its Past, Present, and Future
When: October 1, 2013, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Verity, 111d Queen Street East. Verity Speaker Series: Toronto Waterfront Forum
Jane Fairburn, along with Toronto’s Chief Curator of Museum Services, Wayne Reeves and Waterfront Toronto’s Ed Chalupka, will engage in an evening of discussion and stories about Toronto’s waterfront – its past, present and future. Books will be available at the event.
Lakeshore Culture Days
When: September 28, 2013, 2:00 p.m.
Where: Birds & Beans Café
Jane will tell stories about the Lakeshore and read from her book, followed by a question and answer period at the local coffee shop, Birds & Beans. A book signing will follow.
Word on the Street: Toronto Book and Magazine Festival, featured author
When: September 22, 2013, 12:00 p.m.
Where: Nothing But the Truth Tent
Jane will participate in a panel discussion entitled Placemaking Toronto, a tour of Toronto’s neighbourhoods through time. A book signing will follow.
Beach Book Club
When: September 17, 2013
Jane will lead club members on a walking tour of the Beach that focuses on some of the significant landmarks and events discussed in Along the Shore.
Lakeshore Village Festival
When: September 7, 2013, 11 a.m.
Where: New Toronto
Come out to meet Jane and get a signed copy of Along the Shore at the Vendor’s Alley Market Place!
Scarborough Seniors Write Launch, in partnership with the Toronto Public Library and Tropicana Community Services
When: September 5, 2013, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Toronto Public Library, Kennedy-Eglinton Branch 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Jane will read from Along the Shore.
Guild Alive with Culture: Arts Festival
When: July 27-28, 2013
Where: Guild Inn Gardens, 201 Guildwood Parkway
Jane will be offering signed copies of Along the Shore at the event.
Along the Shore book launch
When: July 10, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Balmy Beach Club, foot of Beech Avenue, the Beach — all welcome!
Heritage Toronto/Friends of Guild Park & Gardens — Where Art Meets Nature Walking Tour
When: July 6, 2013
Where: 201 Guildwood Parkway
Jane will discuss the geological formation of the Bluffs and the early pioneer presence at Guild Park, as well as read from Along the Shore.
Along the Shore pre-launch cocktail party and book signing
When: June 24, 2013, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Borden Ladner Gervais LLP 40 King Street West, 44th Floor
The Lakeshore’s Remarkable Waterfront Past: Traders and Settlers, Sailors and Swimmers
When: May 28, 2013
Host: New Toronto Historical Society Where: LAMP, 185 Fifth Street, 2nd Floor, New Toronto
Doors Open Toronto, Guildwood Park
When: May 26, 2013, morning
Where: 201 Guildwood Parkway
Jane will discuss the geological significance of the Scarborough Bluffs and early European settlement in the vicinity of Guildwood Park.
Along the Shore: Rediscovering Toronto’s Waterfront Heritage
When: May 22, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
Host: Toronto Postcard Club
Where: John McKenzie House 34 Parkview Avenue Toronto (North York)
William Henry Moore, Moorlands and the Rouge
When: October 9, 2012, 7:30 p.m.
Host: Pickering Historical Society
Where: East Shore Community Centre, 910 Liverpool Road, Pickering
Fire on the Water
What: A free, all-ages, all-day SWIM-IN and DANCE PARTY featuring INSTALLATION and live PERFORMANCE celebrating the water and our ties to Lake Ontario. I will be giving a series of readings from Along the Shore in the courtyard, beginning at 3:30 p.m.
When: Sunday, August 26, 2012. Bring your swimsuit and hope to see you there!
Where: Sunnyside Pavilion, Lake Shore Boulevard West, near the foot of Parkside Drive
The Toronto Waterfront: Its History, Landscape and People
When: July 7, 2012, 12:30 p.m.
Where: Scarborough Art’s annual outdoor Art in the Park event, 1859 Kingston Road
