Heliconian Club

On Saturday, May 16 The Heliconian Club threw a Street Festival celebrating 150 years of historic Heliconian Hall, its home base for over a century. It was a grand party with special guests including our Patrons Marilyn Lightstone and Toronto City Councillor Dianne Saxe as well as John Caliendo, Co-Chair of ABC Residents Association, a major sponsor for the 150th celebrations. Also present were Mayor Olivia Chow and newly elected Dr. Danielle Martin, MP for University-Rosedale. Unfortunately, due to rain, the festivities were moved inside the Hall. A town crier gave a formal proclamation, "inviting neighbours, visitors, families, and friends to rejoice together in music, entertainment, heritage, and merriment." A packed audience enjoyed a mixed program of performances, a highlight of which was the Jesse Ketchum School Choir. Then everyone witnessed the unveiling of a new plaque from Heritage Toronto. To top it off, there was lemonade and cake for everyone.

Back by popular demand the Heliconian Club Writing Workshop Series is returning in 2026 with three new sessions.
REGISTER TODAY. SPACE IS LIMITED.

The sessions run from 1:00-4:00pm on the following days:

Getting Your Book Published: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Literary Agents, Editors and Publishers but Were Afraid to Ask with Deirdre Kelly

Thursday, June 11, 2026, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Deirdre Kelly, author, editor and long-time culture critic for The Globe and Mail, will moderate a panel comprising of a literary agent, editor and publisher. Get help with draft query letters and submit your questions to the experts in advance of the workshop for the answers you need to map your path to publication!


Humour Writing with Terry Fallis

Friday, July 10, 2026 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Join Terry Fallis, two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour and the author of ten national bestsellers, for a multi-part workshop featuring an interactive session on discovering your writing voice, examination of examples of humour writing to see why they work, and prompted humour writing with the opportunity to read and receive feedback. And of course, lots of laughter!


Mining for Memoire with Kate Marshall Flaherty

Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Back by popular demand, a new memoir writing program with Kate Marshall Flaherty. Kate is an award-winning poet, playwright and author who leads memoir writing workshops online, in libraries and community centres. Memoir is a magical platform for self-discovery. Prompts like an object or a photograph can stimulate memories that transport us back to the past and shed light on the present. Kate guides participants using the AWA method, which provides a safe space for taking writing risks and where each unique voice is valued.


All 3 workshops: Members $120 | Public $150

To register for the Writing Workshop Subscription (All 3 workshops) please click the following link:
https://torontoheliconianclub.wildapricot.org/event-6573262


***Free Bonus Session: In the fall of 2026. Advance notice to subscribers of a workshop on grant writing with representatives of the various arts councils.


To register for Individual Writing work shops please click the following links:

June 11, 2026: Getting Your Book Published: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Literary Agents, Editors and Publishers but Were Afraid to Ask with Deirdre Kelly
https://torontoheliconianclub.wildapricot.org/event-6560721

July 10, 2026: Humour Writing with Terry Fallis
https://torontoheliconianclub.wildapricot.org/event-6560718

August 11, 2026: Mining for Memoire with Kate Marshall Flaherty
https://torontoheliconianclub.wildapricot.org/event-6560719


For accommodations or more information please email the Heliconian Club at [email protected] or call 416-922-3618

TONIGHT (Tue May 19 @ 7pm) -- Come enjoy an evening of magnificent Chopin piano music, with some added anecdotes by Dr. Melody Chan! Tickets: $30 public, $25 members. Doors open 6:30pm, concert begins 7:00pm; refreshments & cash bar available. See you soon! HeliconianClub.org