Imperial Pub Closes After 81 Years, Marking End of an Era

The iconic Imperial Pub has officially closed its doors after 81 years of operation in downtown Toronto. Located at the bustling intersection of Yonge and Dundas, the pub first welcomed patrons in 1944, during the turmoil of World War II. The closure comes as Toronto Metropolitan University prepares to develop the block into a new student housing and education complex.

Ricky Newman, whose great-grandfather purchased the pub in 1944, expressed mixed emotions about the closure. “It’s heartbreaking that we won’t be here, but it’s wonderful to know that it’ll be part of the university because we always felt like we were,” he noted as patrons gathered for their final drinks on a rainy Saturday.

Legacy of Community and Culture

Originally opened as a hotel beverage room, the pub has seen significant changes over the decades, including evolving liquor laws that once prohibited men and women from sitting together. It became a beloved venue for live music, affordable beer, and social interaction, making it a cherished gathering spot for locals and students alike.

As the pub prepared to close, regulars reminisced about their experiences. Evan Sandham, a frequent visitor since 2012, overheard older patrons sharing stories that spanned decades. Britt Hamilton, a 1991 graduate of TMU, fondly recalled visiting the pub with friends during her university years. “It was just a really comfy, cozy place that we could walk to and just get rid of the stress of school,” she said, laughing while reflecting on the past.

For many, the Imperial Pub was not just a bar; it fostered a sense of community. Hamilton added, “You could sit and just talk to anybody who was here. It was the type of bar where you can come in and just sit on the couch. You didn’t have to come with people that you knew because you would always meet people here.”

Concern Over Cultural Loss

The closure of the Imperial Pub has raised concerns about the preservation of cultural landmarks in Toronto. Jade DeLuca-Ahoora, a recent TMU graduate and local filmmaker, expressed her dismay. “Toronto is losing so much culture right now,” she stated. She pointed out that similar establishments, such as the Velvet Underground, have also closed, contributing to a diminishing creative landscape in the city. DeLuca-Ahoora lamented the fact that the pub was not designated as a heritage site, which could have provided it with some protection.

Newman reflected on the pub’s legacy, emphasizing the joy it brought to the community. “It’s been an unbelievable privilege to be here and to host the City of Toronto,” he remarked. The pub, known for its friendly atmosphere and rich history, will be missed by many who frequented its welcoming space.

The final day at the Imperial Pub marked not just an end, but a poignant reminder of the changing face of urban life, where cherished local establishments give way to new developments. As Toronto Metropolitan University prepares to take over the property, the memory of the Imperial Pub will linger in the hearts of its many patrons for years to come.