Toronto could soon pay tribute to one of its most influential music venues with a permanent heritage plaque. City Council will decide this week whether to release $5,300 in developer-funded community benefits to cover the remaining costs of the plaque recognizing the former Village Corner music venue at 174 Avenue Rd.

Part of the plaque’s cost has already been covered through community crowdfunding. If Council approves the motion, introduced by Councillor Dianne Saxe and seconded by Councillor Lily Cheng, the remaining $5,300 would come from Section 37 funds linked to the development at 124 and 128 Pears Ave.

The Village Corner was launched in 1960 by John Morley and Roy Davies, two 30 year-old expatriates from England. It began as a modest, L-shaped room that could only squeeze in about 60 people. In 1962, it took over the barbershop space next door and increased its capacity to 100. It only operated for seven years, but despite its small size and short run, the club became a hub for Canadian talent.

“While other local coffeehouses featured international folk artists, the Village Corner focussed on Canadian folk musicians, both amateur and professional,” Saxe’s Member’s Motion states.

The venue helped launch the careers of artists who would later shape the country’s musical identity. Gordon Lightfoot recorded his first album, Live at the Village Corner, at the venue with fellow musician Terry Whelan as part of the duo called the “Two Tones” (Lightfoot later returned to play some of his first solo gigs there). Ian & Sylvia and David Wiffen also found an audience at the venue, alongside visiting blues musicians like Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.

According an old 1960 Toronto Star article about the venue, the space wasn’t a hangout “for the student beatnik element or potential law breakers.” Many professional people sang their as well, everyone from doctors to management consultants and even horse show riders.

With 50-cent memberships and $1 admission, the “Corner,” as affectionately known to locals, became a place where people from all walks of life could relax.

“One “Corner” regular is Ian Tyson, a clean shaved 24-year-old Vancouverite who makes folk signing his career. Performing on Saturday nights in tight fitting blue jeans and a freshly laundered sports shirt open at the neck, he sings about feudal England, the Great Depression and prison blues with a relaxed easy manner,” the Star article reads.

This item will be considered by City Council from Oct 8-10, 2025.