We have an update on Massey College and have now secured two other accommodation options.
Massey College – Updated
As indicated in our March 2 posting, Massey College offers dorm-style accommodation at a lower rate than Chestnut Residence, and much lower than traditional hotels in the downtown core. Massey College is a ten-minute walk from St Michael’s College, across the north edge of Queen’s Park, the grounds of the Ontario legislature.
Rooms include single beds and shared washrooms (not en suite). These rooms do not have air conditioning. The conference rate for a single room is $128.25 plus taxes.
They say: “Our summer residence features comfortable single and double rooms, daily breakfast, and access to common areas like the dining hall, common room, and laundry facilities—all designed to support your scholarly pursuits. With no more than two flights of stairs and excellent transit access (5 minutes to Museum and St. George subway stations), convenience meets affordability.”
The conference registration code is LHECONFERENCE2025, and it is valid for any booking with a stay between Friday, July 4, to Sunday, July 20. This is the registration link: https://www.masseycollege.ca/summer-residence-programme/.
Whitney Hall in University College
We are delighted to share that we can also offer an even more affordable accommodation option on the St. George campus at the University of Toronto. In addition to rooms at Chestnut House (en suite, air conditioning, breakfast included) and Massey College (shared facilities, air conditioning only in common spaces, breakfast included), LHE participants may also consider booking a room at Whitney Hall, one of the student residences belonging to the University of Toronto’s University College.
Whitney Hall is about 10 minutes’ walk from St. Michael’s College. Basic, single, dormitory-style rooms with shared, all-gender washrooms can be reserved for $50 CAD per night, taxes included. Participants should note that there is no air conditioning at Whitney Hall, and the weather in July tends to hover around 24 C (c. 75 F) during the daytime, frequently with high humidity. Whitney Hall is a lovely, historic building, however, and its rates are unbeatable for accommodation on campus or in the downtown core. For those who wish, there is a full catering option at Whitney Hall of $100 CAD per night, which includes three meals per day. Please note, however, that LHE will provide participants with snacks and some lunches, and Toronto has a terrific food scene.
Those wishing to book a room at Whitney Hall should e-mail the college directly at: uc.summerres@utoronto.ca. Quote our group booking code: UCWhitney25.
When you e-mail the college, please identify yourself as part of the Legal Histories of Empire group, with Catherine Evans as the main University of Toronto conference contact. Payment will be due on your arrival in Toronto in July.
Please note that availability over the summer months will be limited, and LHE participants should book as soon as possible and no later than 1 June 2025. Dates covered by the conference booking code are 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 July 2025.
Information about Whitney Hall is here: https://www.uc.utoronto.ca/students-current-students-residence-room-types-and-amenities. Here is a virtual tour of University College’s residences at Whitney Hall: https://youtu.be/1SKELtRqFJo?si=70ygoB-gHwRqofso
Chelsea Hotel
For those who would prefer a more traditional hotel, we are pleased to be able to offer a special rate at the Chelsea Hotel in downtown Toronto. The hotel is an 18-minute walk from St. Michael’s College, just a few blocks north of Chestnut Residence. Standard rooms with a queen-sized bed or two double beds are available for $269 CAD per night + tax. Our special rate applies from 8 July to 13 July 2025. As with our other conference accommodation options, participants are urged to book soon to avoid disappointment.
Those wishing to book at the Chelsea should use the link below: