Discover Toronto's history as told through its plaques
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Philosopher's Walk Amphitheatre
Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted November, 2012
This University of Toronto plaque is on Philosopher's Walk about halfway between Bloor Street West and Hoskin Avenue. Here's what it says:
Coordinates: 43.666352 -79.395208 |
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Well before European settlers arrived, the natural ravine now known as Philosopher's Walk was a likely gathering place for the Anishinaabe people (Mississauga Ojibway). During the spring, the stream that once ran through this site would have been teeming with wildlife and native fishermen would have lined the banks with gill nets and fish weirs to partake of this bounty. For them, the stream would have been a sacred site - a place of powerful and audible spirits.
Philosopher's Walk continues to be a special meeting place to this day. The amphitheatre you see here rests at the point where a number of paths intersect and is a natural gathering place for university students, school groups and pedestrians from all walks of life. Built from Wiarton limestone, the amphitheatre is designed to be an acoustically vibrant venue for informal lectures, learning experiences outside the classroom, and live performances. When not in use, it serves as a quiet oasis for contemplation in the heart of a bustling city.
Related webpages
Philosopher's Walk
amphitheatre
Anishinaabe
Related Ontario plaque
The Huron Fish Weirs
More Philosopher's Walk plaques
Taddle Creek 'lost river'
Queen Alexandra Gateway
More
Parks and Recreation
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