Small structure is a big part of Mississauga’s history

It’s not a large structure by any stretch, but it’s a big — and illuminating — part of Mississauga’s history.

Situated on the south side of Dundas Street West, steps east of Mississauga Road right across from Erindale Park and the banks of the Credit River, Erindale Community Hall sports a cozy, cottage-like appearance.

It hasn’t grown, physically, by much since it was built in October 1928 and it would be a safe bet the vast majority of passing motorists don’t even notice it quietly sitting there.

But for those who stop and take notice, and listen, the unassuming community hall speaks loudly to a local Erindale Village history that in the early 20th century placed a great importance on a sense of community and of people gathering together for social occasions and to conduct any political business of the day.

On a grander scale, the building gives a nod to a time in Mississauga’s history, pre-amalgamation in 1974, when community halls dotted a landscape filled with many villages that would eventually comprise what is today Canada’s seventh-largest city.

“In Mississauga, community halls are a relic of pre-amalgamation. They yield information about the ‘village’ culture that existed before Mississauga became a city,” City of Mississauga officials note in an online description of Erindale Community Hall. “Community halls remind us that Mississauga is a collection of smaller communities.

“Moreover, they are reminiscent of Mississauga’s rural roots, before the postwar building boom,” the city’s description continues.  “Specifically, they recall a time when community halls were essential to village culture. At the hall’s opening, Lieutenant Governor W.D. Ross praised the fundraising efforts of the Women’s Institute, saying that ‘they could not overestimate the value of the work done by them to make life less lonely and to bring men and women in closer fellowship.’ The hall is a testament to the importance with which the early 20th century esteemed the notion of community.”

Erindale Community Hall, circa 1928. (Photo: City of Mississauga)

In a post this week to social media, Mississauga officials noted the historical significance of the building, the hall — which owns a historical designation.

“Erindale Hall has been bringing our community together since 1928. From suppers and weddings, it’s been a hub for connection and celebration,” city officials said. “Still in use today, it’s a lasting symbol of Mississauga’s village roots and sense of community.”

Erindale Community Hall officially opened in October 1928 and immediately attracted people from as far away as Toronto, city officials say. Specifically, the visitors came for the annual St. Peter’s November Fowl suppers of the day.

Additionally, the local Now and Then Club and the Women’s Institute met there, as well as other local groups including Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, Mississauga officials note.

“The hall hosted many weddings and showers. In 1946, Toronto Township Board of Education operated the hall as a classroom beginning in September 1946 through 1947 to teach classes 1 and 2 of Springfield School,” the city continued.

Use of the hall increased during the 1950s, officials say, with events taking place there that included teen town dances, dance lessons, weddings, church services, meetings of young church-goers, polling stations, local meetings, recitals and talent shows.

Many emerging churches over the decades have used the hall as a temporary house of worship, the city added.

A large room inside Erindale Community Hall as it appears present day. (Photo: City of Mississauga)

Still in use today, Erindale Community Hall is available by appointment only and can be rented for small gatherings, meetings, birthdays, workshops and other similar events. Upper level capacity is 40 to 80 people while the lower level can accommodate 12 to 30 people.