Research into the Ward, Toronto’s 19th-century immigrant settlement area, allows us to understand contemporary issues through a historical lens. Our attitudes towards issues like race, poverty, immigration, urban renewal, and planning are all revealed by studying the Ward and its history. The book The Ward: The Life and Loss of Toronto's First Immigrant Neighbourhood was an experiment in local history research, preferring the use of multiple diverse voices over the more traditional approach of one single narrative.

ABOUT MICHAEL MCCLELLAND
A registered architect and founding Principal of ERA Architects, Michael McClelland OAA, AAA, AIBC, NSAA, OAQ, FRAIC, CAHP, has specialized in heritage conservation, heritage planning, and urban design for over 30 years. Having begun his career in municipal government, most notably for the Toronto Historical Board, Michael continues to work with a wide range of public and private stakeholders to build culture through thoughtful, values-based heritage planning and design.