R.C. Harris Filtration Plant, 1952. Photo: Toronto Archives.

 *Excerpt from the Scarborough Mirror, Aug. 30, 2012.

Scarborough filtration plant’s namesake honoured
Exhibit celebrates 100th anniversary of R.C. Harris being named Toronto’s waterworks commissioner

Article By Joanna Lavoie

An exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the appointment of Roland Caldwell (R.C.) Harris as Commissioner of Works for the City of Toronto is being presented Sept. 15, 2012 to March 2, 2013 at The Market Gallery, 95 Front St. E., Second Floor.

The exhibition – titled “The Water Czar: R.C. Harris Works for Toronto, 1912-45′ – chronicles the remarkable 33-year career of the Toronto public works legend as the head of the city’s works department through archival photos, maps and plans, and rarely – or never-before-seen artifacts.

Roland Caldwell Harris, 1933.
Photo: Toronto Archives.

WONDERFUL TRIBUTE

“This exhibition is a wonderful tribute to a remarkable city builder. When Torontonians drink a glass of tap water or cross the Prince Edward Viaduct, they are benefiting from his work,” said Scarborough Centre Councillor Michael Thompson, chair of the city’s economic development committee, in a release.

An international engineering firm, CH2M HILL, is sponsoring the exhibition. The company’s history includes a merger with Toronto-based Gore, Naismith and Storrie, which worked closely with Harris throughout his career.

Harris, who became Toronto’s works commissioner following a series of water-related scandals that led to the resignation of the city engineer, was appointed not necessarily for his technical acumen but for his administrative ability.

CIVIC VISION

Before long, he developed a civic vision where public works were viewed as the cornerstone of greater Toronto. During his three-decade career, Harris tackled a number of the city’s water challenges notably developing bridges and making the harbour more accessible, obtaining a secure supply of tap water and getting rid of the city’s wastewater.

DRINKING WATER

The circa-1941 water treatment plant at the foot of Victoria Park Avenue and Queen Street East, which currently provides 45 per cent of Toronto and York region’s water supply, is named in honour of Harris’ many accomplishments.

The Market Gallery, a program of the City of Toronto’s Cultural Services that presents exhibitions dedicated to Toronto’s art, culture and history and offers educational programs for school groups and adults, is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please visit The Market Gallery website for more information.