In this profusely-illustrated, non-technical presentation, you will learn how Toronto has become a “centre of the universe”  for Astronomical research, education, public outreach, and communication, in parallel with the growth of the city and country.  You will meet some of the remarkable people (e.g. Helen

Sawyer Hogg), and organizations (e.g. the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada), and facilities (e.g. the Da«vid Dunlap Observatory) which have helped bring us to where we are today.  Along the way, you will also appreciate the many ways that astronomy impacts society and culture — in the past, and today.