Item - 2026.MM39.22

Councillor Chris Moise, seconded by Councillor Stephen Holyday, recommends that:

1. City Council increase the 2026 Operating Budget for Heritage Toronto on a one-time basis by $10,000 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained in the development at 203 Jarvis Street (Source Account: XR3026 -3701111), secured for streetscape improvements, for the production and installation of a heritage plaque at 78 Mutual Street to commemorate the site where the Toronto Maple Leaf’s first played hockey (Cost Centre: HG0001).

When the National Hockey League was founded in 1917, its Toronto team played at the Arena Gardens on Mutual Street. Known as simply “Toronto” or the Toronto Arenas, the team was renamed the Toronto St. Patricks two years later.

Conn Smythe bought and renamed the franchise the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1927. Smythe changed the name to honor Canada's soldiers who wore the maple leaf while fighting during the First World War. He also changed the team's colors from green and white to blue and white.

The Leafs played at the Mutual Street Arena for its first 14 seasons before moving to the newly built Maple Leaf Gardens in 1931. The Maple Leafs are one of the "Original Six" National Hockey League teams and have won the Stanley Cup 13 times (11 as the Maple Leafs, one as the Arenas, and one as the St. Patricks).

The plaque will focus on 100 years of Maple Leafs history in Toronto, from the club’s formation to the present day.