Haldenby, Eric Wilson

CBE, MC, UD, FRAIC 
2T1 Architecture 
Inducted: 1983 

Eric Wilson Haldenby (1893-1971) entered into an enduring partnership with Alvan Mathers in 1921 to form one of Canada’s leading architectural firms.  His university studies were interrupted by gallant action in France. He was later responsible for the 48th Highlanders War Memorial in Queen’s Park, Toronto, to honour fallen comrades in the First World War.

He played a leading role to attract new business to the firm of Mathers and Haldenby, which earned national and international attention for excellence. The buildings of the Head Offices of Imperial Oil, Bank of Nova Scotia and the Globe and Mail rose to improve the Toronto skyline. He designed the Sir James Dunn Science Building for Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Eric was Chairman of the Toronto Chapter, Ontario Association of Architects (1935) and Chairman, Architect Registration Board of Ontario (1960).  His design of University Club House, Toronto, won first prize in 1929, which was one of several awards he received.

In 1940, once again in military action, he commandeered a French train to lead the 48th Highlanders out of an enemy trap.

Achievements

  • Gave outstanding leadership to 48th Highlanders of Canada
  • Imported a uniqueness to his design of buildings
  • Ontario Architects served well by him