Toronto Estonian cultural centre nears completion after years of delays

Toronto’s new Estonian cultural centre is nearing completion after years of delays, ERR reported. The centre in downtown Toronto was due to open in August, but construction is still under way. The community is instead marking the project reaching its final stage.

“The plan was to open in 2022, so the schedule has certainly shifted,” centre organiser Ellen Valter said. “We are really working hard now to finish the construction so that we can celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year in the newly opened centre.”

The project has been delayed by the pandemic, sharply higher construction costs, supply problems and technical issues. The centre is now expected to open by the end of the year.

“Honestly, I have no words. The Estonian community in Toronto and Canada has been working on this for the past 10 to 15 years. Now it is almost ready. It is completely unbelievable,” Reet Marten Sehr said.

The centre has cost 56 million Canadian dollars, or about 35 million euros, making it one of the Toronto Estonian community’s largest projects. It was financed with proceeds from the sale of the former Estonian House six years ago and private donations. The governments of Estonia and Canada have also provided support.

The sale of the former Estonian House remains a source of mixed feelings. Although the building was far from downtown and had become outdated, it held decades of community history.

“The old Estonian House was our home for a very long time. During the period when Estonia was not free, it was the meeting place for everyone who lived here. It was very difficult to leave the old Estonian House. I grew up there too,” said Veiko Parming, chairman of the Toronto Estonian House. “But the building was no longer in very good condition, and we had to move forward. Now we have a new Estonian House.”

The centre will include a concert hall, library, classrooms, offices and a restaurant. Its main aim is to bring Toronto’s Estonian community together under one roof, this time downtown and close to the centre of cultural life.

“I am really excited to see the children of our current generation running around here,” said Elin Marley. “We had games that we played in certain places and hid in all kinds of corridors in the old Estonian House. I am looking forward to seeing the next generation find all those little hiding places and places to run around in the new building.”

The centre’s approaching completion is being marked with a four-day cultural festival.