History and Objectives

Historic Post Office Captured by the Community

The fine neo-classical landmark had been left vacant by the Post Office in 1975. The City leased the building for twenty years (until 1999) and completely renovated it for community use. All that came about as a result of recommendations by a Neighbourhood Improvement Project (NIP). A Working Committee, made up of representatives of all facets of the South Riverdale Community, worked together for nearly two years in the late 60's to decide what facilities would be included in the new community centre.

The NIP Working Committee had recommended to City Council that a home be found in the neighbourhood for: a Public Library, the Child-Parent Drop-in Centre and other new community-controlled institutions; some city's departments "decentralized " into the neighbourhood; some community programme and office space; a large public hall which would be available to residents and local organizations at reasonable rates.

The Ralph Thornton Centre Bylaw was adopted by City Council in September 1980. We had our official opening on Valentines Day 1981.

The Centre was named for a beloved local community leader who died in 1975. Ralph Thornton, a retired taxi driver, lived on Hamilton Street for many years. He was a familiar figure walking the streets with his dog. He had been very deeply involved in the community organizing efforts of the early 70's, leading to the creation of the Greater Riverdale Organization.

The primary purpose of the Centre was to provide space for groups and individuals in the Riverdale area for their activities. Now the primary purpose of the Centre is to have a supportive environment in which the Riverdale community responds to issues and needs.

The  catchment area (large image) was defined in the bylaw as the Don River to the West, The Danforth to the North, Eastern Avenue to the South and Coxwell Avenue to the East.

In the beginning only the Public Hall on the second floor and the Community Room in the basement constituted "Ralph Thornton Centre". The rest of the building was managed directly by the City Property Department. The Building Inspections department occupied the whole third floor, and City Planning was on the Mezzanine. The Queen Saulter Library, and the Child-Parent Drop-in took up the whole ground floor as tenants of the city, not of the Centre.

In memory of ....

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