Algonquin Island Association

Algonquin Island Association

416-203-0965
18 Wyandot Avenue, Algonquin Island
Toronto, ON  M5J 2E

AIA History

A short history of the Algonquin Island Association (AIA)

The first houses on Algonquin Island were floated down by barge from Hanlan’s Point in 1938, and were placed around the periphery of the Island. The houses on the interior streets were later built after WWII, when many returned veterans used their housing grants to build a home. By 1949, most of the 110 lots on Algonquin were taken.

As many Algonquin residents began to stay in their homes over the winter a vibrant community formed, holding bridge parties, skating parties on the lagoon, and other social events. They built an AIA clubhouse in 1950. This building immediately became the focus of community life, hosting a New Year’s Dance, a bridge club, a garden club, a drama society, badminton, yoga, and dance classes. In 1964, a regular play program for moms and preschoolers was also set up at the AIA (early beginnings of the Waterfront Montessori that continues to thrive today).

In June 1989 the AIA clubhouse burned to the ground in a tragic fire. However, committees were immediately formed to rebuild the AIA, as a huge co-operative effort. By the end of 1990, the new clubhouse was in full use. Since then, it has been used by the entire Island community as a winter community centre, holding a wide range of activities: an annual Christmas Boutique of Island handicrafts, a Valentine Dance, a New Year’s Dance, yoga, dancing classes, cooking classes for kids, book readings, film nights, poker, euchre, and dart tournaments and more.

In the summer months, the Island community shifts its location over to the Ward’s Island Association clubhouse (WIA) for organized community fun. During the prime summer months, the beautiful AIA clubhouse is available to city folks for weddings, reunions, private celebrations, retreats and seminars. Torontonians are welcome to enjoy this wonderful facility, situated amid acres of pristine parkland with the most gorgeous skyline patio.

 

AIA Schedule of Weekly Events

Algonquin Island Association
 
Weekly Schedule of Events
 
Mondays 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Shadowland and Youth (aged 10+)

Contact: Anne Barber at 416-203-0780

Tuesdays 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Pilates with Doug Hamburg
Contact: Doug at 416-203-0934

Wednesdays 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.: Iyengar Yoga with Karen McKinnell
Level 1 – Wednesdays 7:15 – 8:45 PM 
Level 2/3 – Wednesdays 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Contact: Karen at 416-203-0800
 
Sundays 11:00 – 12:30 a.m. Pilates with Doug Hamburgh
Contact: Contact Doug at 416-203-0934
 
 Weekdays 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Waterfront Montessori Children’s Centre
Contact: Kathleen Roerick at 416-203-1017

 

Class participants must be AIA members
 

 
For rental / schedule bookings contact [email protected] or 416-203-0965

Bookings info

Imagine Your Wedding or Summer Event on the Beautiful Toronto Islands!
Fabulous lakeside patio overlooking the city

The Algonquin Island Association clubhouse offers:

A charming community hall with seating up to 110 guests.

Small functional kitchen with a gas range

Recommended caterers (experienced serving the island)

Choice of other caterers

The chance to decorate as you wish a natural setting, fresh air, outstanding view

Excellent setting for weddings, bat/bar mitzvahs, retreats, reunions, and office seminars

 

 click to download building layout

For rates, vendors, and more information about renting the AIA or other island venues please go to torontoislandvenues.com

 For information regarding rental of facilities please contact  Yvonna Nauman at [email protected]

Directions from Ward’s Ferry Dock to the AIA

To get the AIA you have to catch the City ferry at the foot of Bay Street @ Queens Quay. Take the ferry to Wards Island. Then walk to the main road and walk to your right or west to the first bridge. Go over the Bridge and walk straight toward the Toronto Harbour. Turn left and proceed to the end of the walk. You are now at the AIA. This is approximately a 15 minute walk.

Here is a link to the Toronto Island Ferry Schedules, etc.