Open events

This guided walking tour invites participants to explore the rich social history of downtown Toronto, tracing the evolution of its communities through centuries of migration, labour movements, public health reform, and civic activism. Guided by Sarah Olsen, a student in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program at George Brown College, the tour represents a unique example of applied student research in tourism.

Participants will journey through monuments and landmarks that reflect both old and modern Toronto, highlighting the shifting nature of the city’s identity and the enduring power of social connection. Through immersive storytelling, the tour demonstrates how the city's landscape has been shaped by collective resilience and evolving notions of belonging.

This session embodies the Reframing Togetherness theme by fostering meaningful connections between people and place. Using the city itself as a lens for understanding social transformation, it illuminates the often-overlooked histories that continue to inform present-day struggles for equity and inclusion.

To ensure accessibility, the tour will also be made available in alternative formats, including a pre-recorded video hosted on YouTube and self-guided materials.

By blending academic insight with lived experience, the tour offers a timely and compelling contribution to Congress 2025—highlighting the importance of community histories and shared spaces in shaping more connected, inclusive futures.