A banner once declared “Honos Per Ministrium” at East York Collegiate Institute. This translates to “Honour through Service.” These words encapsulate the spirit of this Toronto institution. East York Collegiate Institute stands at the corner of Coxwell and Cosburn Avenues.
East York Collegiate Institute began as East York High School in 1927. The renowned architect George Roper Gouinlock designed it. He was the son of George Wallace Gouinlock. Initially, East York High School merged with a local vocational school. A decade later, it adopted the name East York Collegiate Institute. Additions like the auditorium and double gym expanded the school in the 1950s and 1960s.
East York Collegiate Institute underwent major renovations in 1988. A new wing was added to the north and south. A second double gym was also constructed. The cost was $9.9 million. Only the entrance arch remained from the original school. The rest of the building was demolished. It now serves as a parking lot. Architects Page and Steele designed the modern school.
Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau visited East York Collegiate Institute in 1977. This visit marked a significant moment in the school’s history.
East York Collegiate Institute briefly implemented a school uniform policy in 2002. However, the school removed it in 2023.
East York Collegiate Institute boasts a robust athletics program. The Senior Boys’ Hockey team has a strong record. The Varsity Girls’ Hockey team reached OFSAA in 2008-09 and 2011-12. The Junior and Senior Boys’ Soccer squads also perform well. From the 1950s to the 1980s, the school excelled in Canadian-rules Football and Baseball. The Senior Boys Cross Country team qualified for OFSAA in 2009 and 2010. The Girls Junior Basketball team won the city championship in 2009-10. More recently, the Varsity Girls’ Outdoor Soccer team secured back-to-back City Championships. They qualified for OFSAA in 2018-19 and 2021-22.
Since 2002, East York Collegiate Institute has participated in the FIRST Robotics Competition. This international competition teams students with professionals. They solve an engineering design problem. In 2002, the East York FIRST Robotics Team won the Highest Rookie Seed Award. In 2011, Team 907 reached the Semi-Finals at the Greater Toronto Area Regional. They repeated this feat twice in 2012. East York also received the Creativity Award for their 2012 Robot.
East York Collegiate Institute emphasizes community service. Team 907 mentors younger Robotics Teams in the Greater Toronto Area.
East York Collegiate Institute has many notable alumni. These include athletes, actors, and politicians. David Collenette is a former Cabinet Minister. Mike Holmes is a home contractor and television host. Peter Mahovlich and Cam Newton are former NHL players.
East York Collegiate Institute continues to educate students. The school’s current enrolment is around 1,055 students. It remains a vital part of the East York community. East York Collegiate Institute’s motto is still “Honos Per Ministrium”. It fosters a tradition of honour and service.