Ontario Club relocating to old Dominion Bank

The Ontario Club will call one of Toronto’s newest landmarks, 1 King West, its new home this March.

The club, a networking hub for mining companies and investors alike, will reach the end of its 35-year lease on the top floor of Commerce Court South. Staying would have meant a doubling of rent.

Instead the Ontario Club will inhabit one of Toronto’s most stunning spaces. Formerly known as the Dominion Club, 1 King West was built in 1914 as the headquarters for the Dominion Bank of Canada. A major construction and restoration project was completed in October 2005 that included a 176-metre, 51-storey luxury condo tower among the tallest residential buildings in Canada, and on a height-to-width ratio, the slenderest building in the world.

The Dominion Club is located on the main, second and third floors, and includes the historic Banking Hall, 30-foot high ceilings gilded with crests of the Canadian provinces, marble floors and pillars and cathedral windows.

This is not the first time the Ontario Club has changed its address. Founded in 1909, the first permanent residence was at 16 Wellington St. in 1913. In 1968, the property was sold to the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce so that Commerce Court could be built, and since 1972 the Ontario Club has occupied the fifth floor of Commerce Court South at 30 Wellington St.

In 1992, the Engineers Club joined the Ontario Club, bringing with it many prominent members of Canada’s mining and financing community.

Present Dominion Club members will become part of the Ontario Club, which has a myriad of members.

The Toronto Consular Corps and international trade representatives meet regularly at the Ontario Club. As well, in 2003, Club Las Americas was started by the Ontario club to bring together Toronto’s Central and South American business and cultural community.

As a result of the move, club members will have additional benefits such as access to health club facilities and discounts on suites at the 1 King West hotel.