Opening Day - 1893

The Legislative Building was officially opened on April 4, 1893. Below are some interesting facts about that day:

• According to folk history, while riding to the opening Premier Sir Oliver Mowat is said to have turned to the Clerk and remarked, "Well, we built it. How are we going to fill it with people?" Within 20 years the building was full!
• The opening day proceedings began at noon, with the national flag, a Canadian Red Ensign, hoisted on its 22.5 metre mast. Citizens flocked to the site, and by 2 p.m. many thousands had gathered.
• Members of the public rode the new electric elevators up and down all day until one got stuck. They were then all shut off for the night.
• The force of the wind was so strong that a window in the west wing shattered and the flag was torn to shreds.
• When ready to fire the 15 gun salute, the Toronto Field Battery could not find the Honour Guard from Company Two, Royal School of Infantry. With just moments to spare, Company Two appeared on College Street and, urged on by a sweating sergeant-major, quickly marched into position.
• To get to and from the Legislature, a one horse cab ride home cost 20 cents, and a ride with two horses cost 25 cents.
• The April 5, 1893 article in The Empire had as its headline "Legislators in Fairyland" and read, "The opening of the Legislature and the new Parliament Buildings yesterday was a notable occasion. The completion of the building marks an epoch in the history of the province."