The evolution of Toronto since World War Two with former Mayor David Crombie. In this exciting survey of Toronto's modern history, the city's former mayor, David Crombie, investigates the powerful ideas, institutions and events that have transformed "Toronto the Good" into one of the world's most dynamic and culturally diverse metropolises. Still passionately engaged in Toronto's civic affairs, Mr. Crombie will draw on years of public service to explore the city's history, assess its current challenges and opportunities, and look ahead at the issues that will define Toronto in the 21st century.

This course is led by David Crombie, a former mayor of Toronto, member of parliament, federal cabinet minister, president of the Canadian Urban Institute and founding chair of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust. Mr. Crombie is president of David Crombie and Associates Inc. and currently serves as chair of the Advisory Council for the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) and chair of the Toronto Lands Corporation. A chancellor emeritus of Ryerson University, Mr. Crombie is an officer of the Order of Canada and an Order of Ontario recipient.

Doors will open one hour before the first class. Registrants will receive supplementary materials in advance of their first class.

Thursdays, October 19–November 30, 10a.m. to noon
*Please note there is no class on November 9

October 19: 1945 – Toronto the Good
An introduction to the idea of cities as systems of survival and a brief portrait of Toronto at the end of World War II.

October 26: Mid 1940s to Mid 1950s – Emerging Metropolis
Out of the Depression of the 1930s and the end of World War II comes a generation of Torontonians seeking substantial change and a new normal in their lives.

November 2: Mid 1950s to late 1960s – Boomtown on the Lake
Growth and change?the bigger, the better is the order of the day as a burgeoning consumer revolution takes hold and the demand for public services explodes.

November 16: Late 1960s to early 1980s – The City That Works
The Reform Movement recasts the very idea of Toronto as a "liveable city" and goes against the prevailing North American model of city building and city life.

November 23: Early 1980s to the end of the 20th century – A World Class City
Emerging ideas about privatization and the role of government, multiculturalism and the importance of nature in the city dominate the thinking of an ever-expanding Toronto.

November 30: The 21st century so far – Global Toronto
Revolutionary forces impacting Toronto's economy, ecology, community life and the renewal of its public realm are reshaping Toronto?s understanding of itself and its future.