Bank of Toronto (1950)

630 Yates Street

Architect: William Frederick K. Gardiner

This is Victoria's best example of a Moderne bank. The structure has been cleaned of all Classical references and although plain, the design remains solid and conservativeÑlooking forward to the International style. Caste-stone panels face the building above its black marble base; the same marble defines the two-storey inset window panels. The splayed corner entrance is a traditional Victoria banking-hall feature and also though now put to other uses, the Toronto Bank's corporate crest is still proudly displayed above the door, a low relief sculpture with the incised motto "Industry, Intelligence and Integrity."