Beach and East End throw Doors Open to all

Doors Open Toronto is featuring a number of Beach locations in its lineup this year. The program, which began as a millennium project in 2000, allows visitors to peek inside many city buildings which are normally closed to the public or would charge an admission fee for entry. On the weekend of May 28 and 29, almost 150 city buildings will open their door to visitors.

Our neighbourhood is showcasing a Beach Walking Tour that includes the R.C. Harris Water Filtration Plant, the Beach Library, the Leuty Lifeguard Station, Kew Williams Cottage in Kew Gardens and an opportunity to shop and have a bite to eat. There will be two tours on Saturday: 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 3 p.m.

At the corner of Main Street and Benlamond Avenue, just north of Kingston Road, Calvary Baptist Church will be welcoming visitors on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Take a look at the beautiful stained glass windows, one of which features a war memorial from WWII.

Hope United Church, at the corner of Danforth Avenue and Main Street, will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Originally called Hope Methodist and founded in 1884, it is the oldest church on the Danforth.

Around the corner from Hope United Church is the East Toronto Masonic Temple, located at 15 Chisholm Ave. Visitors will be able to enter the lodge rooms, which are normally open only to members, and ask questions of Masonic members. There will be a barbecue, Shrine Clowns and more family-friendly events. The building will be open both Saturday and Sunday form 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At Queen Street East and Woodbine is Fire Station 227. The building, with its familiar clock tower, was built in 1905 and recently underwent extensive renovations. It will be open both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about Doors Open visit www.toronto.ca/doorsopen/

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