A hub for arts, culture and heritage on Toronto's waterfront.

Canada Ireland Foundation (CIF) has signed a lease with the City of Toronto to transform an under-utilized and derelict heritage building on Toronto's waterfront into a vibrant new hub for arts, cultural and heritage programming.
The property, now known as The Corleck Building, was originally The Administrative Building for the Canadian Malting Company, whose enormous silos remain next door, overlooking Ireland Park and Billy Bishop Airport.

When The Corleck Building opens in Spring 2023, it will become a vibrant new hub for arts, culture and heritage on Toronto’s waterfront.  The Corleck Building will present new opportunities for the Irish-Canadian community to explore its deep roots, and to engage with the many diverse cultures that enrich the city today.  

- Robert G. Kearns, Founder & Chair of the Canada Ireland Foundation

Already in the Summer of 2021, before renovation work began, The Corleck Building hosted the MIOTAS/MYTH exhibition, featuring original works by a talented collection of Canadian artists.  The exhibition welcomed some 3,000 visitors, received positive media attention, and became a social media phenomenon.

On November 2, 2021, a special groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the official start of construction work on The Corleck, as well as the launch of the second phase of rehabilitation work by The City of Toronto on the Canadian Malting Company silos and the surrounding public realm on Eireann Quay.

The Foundation was honoured to be joined at this event by Mayor John Tory, Councillor Joe Cressy as well as Dr. Eamonn McKee, Ireland's Ambassador to Canada.  Many additional dignitaries, partners and supports were on hand, including The Honourable Seamus O'Regan (Federal Minister of Trade), Mr. James Maloney (MP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore and Chair of the Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group), and Mr. Chris Glover (MPP for Fort York-Spadina).

The adaptive reuse and transformation of The Corleck Building is being designed by Kearns Mancini Architects, with construction managed by Boszko & Verity.
Financial support for The Corleck Building has been provided by The City of Toronto, The Government of Ireland, as well as generous private donors.

 Canada Ireland Foundation and Chair Robert G. Kearns wish to thank the following for their landmark philanthropic contributions:

Aidan and Pat Flatley
Stephen Smith and Diane Blake
Jonathan See
The Pollock Family Foundation
The Duffy Family Foundation
 Tyler and Claire MacNamara

To lend your support to this ambitious project, make a donation online or email us at admin@canadaireland.com

Renderings by Kearns Mancini Architects

 

 

 

 

 

Photos from the groundbreaking ceremony held November 2, 2021.