Ides 70: Malting Silos

Built in 1928 at the foot of Bathurst Street, the Canada Malting Silos provided grain to many industries in the city, including brewing. They were among the first grain elevators made of concrete instead of wood , which was a fire risk. The stark functionalism of the building helped shape modern architecture and the design of the city’s waterfront.

Slated for demolition in 1980, the city rallied to save this landmark. In 2007, the area was converted to Ireland park, a public space commemorating the tens of thousands who fled Ireland during the Great Famine. As recently as a few months ago, ground was broken on a total revitalization for the neighbourhood and the silos themselves.

By the end of 2023, the area will have been completely repurposed into a new waterfront hub for arts and culture, featuring a plaza with seating areas by the water’s edge, purpose-built spaces for hosting special events, and ambient lighting that can transform the malting silos into iconic waterfront beacons.