“Casa Loma is regarded as a treasured heritage landmark”
WE WERE on a virtual flight from North America to Asia to Europe, the Middle East and Africa when we heard in effect Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing his resignation Tuesday, Manila time.
It merited a space in the Manila Standard world news page, when we heard the 53-year-old head of government he would leave office as soon as his party chooses a new leader, with slumping polls and internal division taking their toll after more than nine years in power.
We had the opportunity to listen to Trudeau, up close on Nov. 11 during Remembrance Day when we were in Oshawa, Ontario, a day to remember and honor those who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces and which marks the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918.
On Remembrance Day, Canadians observe a moment of silence at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. .
The resignation announcement literally brought us back to Ontario, where we spent a couple of weeks – thanks to our children Mian and Gerry and grandson Aaron as well as our first born Army, who flew with us their parents from Colorado Springs in October to what is called the True North.
One of the places that immediately returned to our sentiments and memories was Casa Loma, built in 1914 by financier Sir Henry Pellatt as a statement of Canada’s British legacy and association with empire.
We had the unforgettable experience to set foot on this vibrant hub – never mind the drenching rains and the unforgiving cold weather at two degrees Celsius that twilight time — that stands as a monument to its creator which surpassed any private home in North America.
With soaring battlements and secret passageways, it paid homage to the castles and knights of days of yore. To this day, we were told, it remains one of the only true castles in North America.
Casa Loma, which hosts events, film productions, and exhibitions, has been featured in many films and television shows, including Billy Madison and the 2017 version of Beauty and the Beast.
A Gothic Revival castle-style mansion and garden in midtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, it is now a historic house museum and landmark with 64,700-square feet of living space, surpassing Ravenscrag, a former mansion in Montreal, to become the largest private residence in Canada.
During World War II, the stables at Casa Loma were used to secretly research and produce sonar devices for U-boat detection.
Casa Loma. said to be haunted by the ghost of Lady Mary Palett, the wife of a financier who lived in the mansion, has 21 fireplaces, a central vacuuming system, its own telephone exchange with 59 telephones, an oven big enough to cook an ox, a great hall with an 8-meter ceiling hung with flags, chandeliers, and suits of armor, a 250-meter-long secret tunnel linking the house to the fine carriage room
It is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture with its intricate design featuring turrets, towers, and beautiful gardens, making it visually striking.
In January 2014, the city of Toronto awarded the long-term lease of the historic Casa Loma to Liberty Entertainment Group, which operates Toronto’s Castle as a unique special event facility as well as maintaining and enhancing the tourism and Toronto attractions grand experience.
The 2.4-hectare estate, which stands on the brow of a hill, is now owned by the City of Toronto and is regarded as a treasured heritage landmark.
Beyond doubt, Casa Loma has a fascinating backstory and a unique view of Canada’s past.
