Rochdale College was a student residence and “free university” at Bloor and Huron streets in Toronto. Toronto Public Library historians write that the University of Toronto’s Campus Co-op incorporated it in 1964, that 840 residents moved into the unfinished 18-storey tower in September 1968, and that a $175,000 yearly property tax would be waived if it housed an educational system (TPL). The Canadian Encyclopedia says it had no curriculum, exams, degrees or traditional faculty (Canadian Encyclopedia).
It took in many young people from the fading Yorkville scene (Henderson, 2006). TPL says it developed a reputation as Canada’s largest illicit drug market, though no figures measure that trade (TPL). The Le Dain Commission’s report lists a “Rochdale Klinic” among Canada’s street clinics (Le Dain appendices).
A court-appointed receiver took over in 1972, and the last residents were removed in May 1975 (TPL). Since 1979 the building has been the Senator David A. Croll Apartments (Canadian Encyclopedia). Groups that began there include House of Anansi Press, Coach House Books and Theatre Passe Muraille (TPL).
The full story, from the 1964 co-op to the building today, is on our history page: Rochdale College, Toronto’s free university.
Sources
- Toronto Public Library: Rochdale College 1968–1975
- Canadian Encyclopedia: Rochdale College
- Henderson, 2006, Toronto’s Hippie Disease
- Le Dain Commission Final Report, appendices M, P and Q
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