TORONTO – His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex today unveiled an Ontario Heritage Foundation plaque celebrating the Toronto-Dominion Centre (TD Centre). The TD Centre altered Toronto's cityscape and influenced the future design of many buildings throughout the country.

"We are pleased to be working with TD Bank Financial Group and The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited to recognize this icon of Modern architecture," said The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Foundation. "It is important that we are now recognizing modern architecture for its heritage value. The modern movement changed the appearance and function of cities across Canada in the short span of three decades. The presence of HRH The Earl of Wessex makes this occasion even more significant."

Designed by influential architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the TD Centre is a prominent example in Canada of Modern architecture known as the International style.

The International style, often used synonymously with Modernist architecture, was named for its applicability to different cultural and climatic conditions, implying a universal design approach and aesthetic that could be valid anywhere in the world. It favoured modern materials and standard modular parts for ease of fabrication and erection and shunned surface decoration.

The TD Centre is an important landmark that helped to stimulate the appetite for Modern architecture in Toronto's post-war construction boom. Its influence can be seen in skyscrapers across the country.

"It is important for us to recognize the importance of modern buildings as part of the cultural landscape of the province," said Ontario Minister of Culture, Madeleine Meilleur. "The TD Centre epitomizes the beauty of Modern architecture."

"The development of the TD Centre represents a special symbol in the bank's history and growth," said John Thompson, Chairman of the Board, TD Bank Financial Group (TDBFG). "Our former chairman and CEO Allen Lambert was deeply involved in the development of the TD Centre, personally supervising the construction between 1964 and 1968. Today's recognition by the Ontario Heritage Foundation is a wonderful complement to TDBFG's 150th anniversary celebrations throughout 2005."

"Canada's Landmark Urban Destination, the Toronto-Dominion Centre was considered radical when it was constructed in 1967," said Peter Sharpe, President and CEO, The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited. "As one of our flagship assets, we are proud of its architectural legacy and of the business growth that started when this tower broke the ground for Toronto to enter onto the world stage. After almost four decades it is still one of Canada's most sought after business addresses."

This unveiling is part of the Foundation's Provincial Plaque Program that commemorates significant people, places and events in Ontario's history. The Foundation has unveiled over 1,180 of these distinctive blue and gold plaques.

The Ontario Heritage Foundation is a not-for-profit agency of the Government of Ontario, dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.

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Contact:

Lori Theoret
Media Relations and Marketing Coordinator
Ontario Heritage Foundation
Telephone: 416-325-5074
E-mail: lori.theoret@heritagefdn.on.ca