Heritage Toronto and the Toronto Legacy Project, in partnership, are launching a new program of commemorative plaques that celebrates the bygone lives that helped to build the city of today.  Each plaque will mark a site where a notable artist, scientist, or thinker lived or worked.

Many cities have similar programs, such as London, Paris, New York and Barcelona. Toronto has the Cabbagetown People plaques, but this is the first city-wide initiative.

"This program will certainly increase awareness about the depth of talent that has always existed in Toronto," said Mayor David Miller. "These first plaques creatively commemorate some of the writers and poets who played a major role in building Toronto's literary legacy."

"This program will enrich our cityscape," said Toronto's first Poet Laureate and founder of the Legacy Project Dennis Lee. "And it should still be going strong a hundred years from now."

Numerous dignitaries and a very large crowd attended the presentation, which recognized its significance to our multicultural fabric. Heritage Toronto was there to celebrate as well.

Some photos from the event:

The Honourable Jason Kenney, MPP for Calgary Southeast; Mayor David Miller; Carl Benn, Chief Curator, Museums & Heritage Services, City of Toronto; and Peter Ortved, Board Chair, Heritage Toronto

Mayor Miller addresses the crowd

Peter Ortved speaks

The large crowd

The plaque is revealed