History of Centre 55

1911

Built on the site of the former East Toronto Town Hall, the Centre 55 building was constructed to house Toronto Police Station #10 (later renamed Station #55). The police service shared the building with public health and community workers

1973

When Division #55 moved to a larger facility, a group of dedicated local residents began meeting to secure the building for a community centre. They encountered competition from the Department of Emergency Services, which wanted to use the building as a training school and ambulance station.

1974

Local residents successfully persuaded City Council, which contributed $100,000 for renovations. The plant was seeded.

1975

Community Centre 55 was born. Under the management agreement for the new community centre, the city was responsible for maintaining the building and core staff, while the centre would fund the programming.  Centre 55 was to be governed by a Board of Management, which was elected annually. For the first few years, the composition of the Board changed frequently as residents and community groups had different visions for the centre.

1981

Recognizing the immense difficulties for some members of the community during Christmas, Centre 55 began its Share-A-Christmas program, aimed at providing much needed support to individuals and families during the holiday season.

1983

Governance of the centre stabilized and an outpouring of fundraising began with a greatly expanded list of programs and services under the leadership of Centre 55’s third Executive Director, Bob Murdoch.

1984

The City of Toronto designated the building as of historical importance.

Today

Centre 55 continues to build on its great legacy as a pillar of community development and support with over 40 programs available for members of all ages, in addition to spearheading numerous events and fundraising campaigns. For now and forever, Centre 55 will be the heart of the community. We are proud to carry on this important tradition of programming and community service excellence.

The story of Hamper
In 1994, ED Bob Murdoch was trying to come up with a mascot for the Share-A-Christmas program and though a new addition to Santa’s reindeer might hit the spot. Quite by accident, the idea was added to a file that listed the families who were to get hampers from the centre, and a star was born. Local artist and illustrator Bill Suddick added his skills to complete the creation of Hamper.
Great Lakes Race
For 19 years, the centre sponsored and organized a 30-mile canoe race across Lake Ontario. In 1996, a specially designed canoe for disabled paddlers was part of the flotilla.
CC55 Jazzers
For several years, one of Centre 55's talented staff members offered free music lessons to local children. The CC55 Jazzers played at a number of events at the Centre and in the surrounding area.
100 Years of Service
Centre 55’s former Executive Director, Bob Murdoch, proudly displaying a hand-knit commemorative sweater celebrating the building’s 100 years as a pillar in the community
Early Days of Share-A-Christmas
Taken when the program was in its infancy, the Share-A-Christmas campaign has always been about coming together as a community for the betterment of those in need. Local police officers seen here lending a hand distributing free turkeys to the community.
Previous slide
Next slide
A+