Ontario Heritage Foundation celebrates King Edward Hotel's 100th anniversary with provincial plaque

TORONTO - One of the city's landmark hotels was honoured today as it celebrated its 100th anniversary. In the Vanity Fair Ballroom of Le Royal Meridien King Edward, Ontario Heritage Foundation Chairman Allan Gotlieb, Le Royal Meridien King Edward General Manager Tony Cousens and other dignitaries unveiled a provincial plaque commemorating the hotel affectionately known as the "King Eddy."

"Today is a significant event," said the Honourable David H. Tsubouchi, Minister of Culture. "The King Edward Hotel has been a central part of Toronto's city life for 100 years."

Allan Gotlieb acknowledged the importance of provincial plaques. "They tell the story of the special places and events in Ontario's history, to be enjoyed now and by future generations", he said. "The King Edward Hotel is one of those special places."

When it opened in 1903, the hotel was immediately embraced by the city. The fireproof, eight-storey building - designed by eminent Chicago architect Henry Ives Cobb and prominent Toronto architect E.J. Lennox - provided luxury and service in dramatic settings. The 18-storey tower, with its top-floor Crystal Ballroom, was added in 1920-21.

"As we celebrate 100 years of service excellence," said Tony Cousens, "it is appropriate to reflect upon our past and celebrate the visionaries who built the hotel. I also want to recognize the support of past patrons and the many employees - including prior General Managers - that have contributed to the hotel's success. As we move into the hotel's second century, the King Edward takes pride in 'Respecting the Tradition and Embracing the Future.'"

On its 100th anniversary, the King Edward Hotel remains a vibrant and elegant meeting place for local and international visitors.

This plaque unveiling is part of the Ontario Heritage Foundation's special provincial plaque program. Our distinctive blue and gold plaques commemorate more than 1,100 significant people, places and events in Ontario's history.

As part of the celebrations, a special 100th Anniversary Mother's Day Brunch will be held at the hotel on May 11, 2003. Le Royal Meridien King Edward is pleased to donate a portion of the proceeds from its 100th Anniversary Celebrations to the Ontario Heritage Foundation to support heritage in the province.

The Ontario Heritage Foundation is a not-for-profit agency of the Government of Ontario, dedicated to preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage for all of us to enjoy now and for others to experience in the future.

For further information on The King Edward's 100th anniversary celebrations, visit www.lemeridien-kingedward.com/anniversary.

- 30 -

For more information, contact:

Ontario Heritage Foundation
Gordon Pim
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Telephone: 416-325-1484
E-mail: gordon.pim@heritagefdn.on.ca

Le Royal Meridien King Edward
Beth McBlain
Director of Communications
Telephone: 416-645-2003
E-mail: pr@lemeridien-kingedward.com