The 519 Toronto
Toronto's leading 2SLGBTQ+ community centre, hosting vibrant events and offering vital support services.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience vibrant festivals
The 519 Toronto
Best Time
Experience vibrant festivals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Toronto's leading 2SLGBTQ+ community centre, hosting vibrant events and offering vital support services.
"A beautiful space and iconic in the lgbtq+ community, but recent actions have drawn significant criticism."
🎯 Support Community Programs
Purchase Pride-themed items from partners like Nutbar; proceeds support The 519's essential services.
♿ Accessibility Info
The 519 is wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for ND-friendly events.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Green Space Festival
Church-Wellesley Village
A vibrant five-day celebration of music, performance, and community during Pride.
Community Programs
Various rooms within the centre
Essential services and resources for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, including support and listings.
Partnership Events
Various locations, often advertised online
Collaborations with local businesses, like Nutbar, for Pride-themed events and fundraisers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Community Hub & Event Space
Pride Weekend Hotspot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Support Community Programs
Purchase Pride-themed items from partners like Nutbar; proceeds support The 519's essential services.
♿ Accessibility Info
The 519 is wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for ND-friendly events.
🤝 Seek Resources
Staff are helpful in gathering and providing listings of resourceful services for the community.
🚫 No Public Wi-Fi
Plan accordingly as public Wi-Fi is not available within the facility.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Support Community Programs
Purchase Pride-themed items from partners like Nutbar; proceeds support The 519's essential services.
♿ Accessibility Info
The 519 is wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for ND-friendly events.
🤝 Seek Resources
Staff are helpful in gathering and providing listings of resourceful services for the community.
🚫 No Public Wi-Fi
Plan accordingly as public Wi-Fi is not available within the facility.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The 519 is recognized as an iconic and beautiful space within Toronto's LGBTQ+ community, with staff often praised for their helpfulness in providing resources. However, recent reviews express deep disappointment and betrayal regarding the centre's actions towards unhoused individuals during Pride events, questioning its commitment to its most vulnerable community members.
"No public wifi. They close facility an hour before 9; and staff are partially helpful. And limit / restrict where you can sit, not comfortable or accessible."
Ruby Salem
"Having TPS violently displace unhoused 2SLGBTQ+ people during Pride is beyond cruel. It's betrayal. You brand yourselves as a safe space but turned your back on the most vulnerable in our community when they needed you most. This is violent, heartless, and unforgivable, and during the very month meant to celebrate and protect our community. This place is supposed to be a refuge, not an extension of police violence and neglect. You don't get to wear the rainbow while turning your back on the most vulnerable. Shame on every single one of you."
C Q
"I just came back from a conference there.
A beautiful space and iconic in the lgbtq+ community"
Katrin Clouse
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The 519 is located in the Church-Wellesley Village. It's accessible via public transit, with streetcar and subway options nearby. Check the TTC website for the most current routes and schedules.
Yes, The 519 is wheelchair accessible, making it a comfortable and inclusive space for all visitors.
Street parking can be limited in the Church-Wellesley area. There are several paid parking garages within walking distance. Consider using public transit to avoid parking hassles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to The 519 itself is generally free as it's a community centre. However, specific events like the Green Space Festival may have ticket requirements or suggested donations. Check their official website for event details.
While the centre aims to be open, some reviews indicate the facility closes an hour before 9 PM. It's best to check their official hours or contact them directly for the most accurate information.
The 519 offers many free programs and services. Some special events or workshops might have a fee or suggested donation. Partnerships, like with Nutbar, also contribute to fundraising.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The 519 hosts a variety of events, including the annual Green Space Festival featuring music and performance, as well as community gatherings and workshops.
Absolutely. The 519 is a leading 2SLGBTQ+ community centre that provides essential programs and services. Staff are known to be helpful in gathering and providing resource listings.
No, public Wi-Fi is not available at The 519. Visitors should plan accordingly and ensure they have their own data access if needed.
Some visitors have noted that seating can be limited or restricted in certain areas, and may not always be comfortable or accessible.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While The 519 itself may not have a full-service cafe, they often partner with local businesses for events. For example, during Pride, Nutbar offered special Pride smoothies with proceeds going to The 519.
Information on bringing outside food and drinks is not readily available. It's advisable to check with the centre directly or observe any posted guidelines.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted. However, always be mindful of others and respect privacy. For events, check specific photography policies.
The exterior of the building and any event decorations, especially during Pride, can make for great photo opportunities. The vibrant atmosphere of the Green Space Festival is also very photogenic. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏳️🌈 2SLGBTQ+ Community Members
🤝 Budget Travelers & Those Seeking Support
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 519's Role in the 2SLGBTQ+ Community
Recent reviews, however, highlight a complex reality. While the centre is celebrated as a safe space, some incidents, particularly concerning the displacement of unhoused individuals during Pride events, have led to significant criticism. These reviews suggest a disconnect between the centre's stated mission and its actions in certain situations, raising questions about its commitment to the most vulnerable within the community.
Despite these controversies, the staff are frequently praised for their politeness and helpfulness in providing resource listings. This duality underscores the ongoing dialogue and challenges faced by community centres in balancing diverse needs and public perception.
Navigating Events and Partnerships
Beyond its signature festival, The 519 actively engages in partnerships with local businesses. A notable example is the collaboration with Nutbar for Pride weekend, where special Pride smoothies were sold, with a portion of the proceeds donated to The 519. These collaborations amplify the centre's reach and provide unique opportunities for the community to support its mission.
When attending events, visitors should be aware of potential crowd levels, especially during Pride. While the centre aims to be inclusive, some reviews have pointed out limitations in seating and accessibility, which is worth considering for attendees with specific needs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit