THE VALHALLA INN TO CLOSE ITS DOORS
AFTER NEARLY FIVE DECADES
AS A TORONTO LANDMARK

Dear Guests,

After nearly 46 years, the Valhalla Inn in Toronto is winding down operations.

Opened on May 23, 1963 by then-prominent Etobicoke home-builder Edmund Peachey, the Nordic-designed motor hotel/hotel property is slated to permanently close its doors August 16, 2009.

Peachey was a man of great vision who built his motor hotel along the busy 27 Highway not far from the former Malton Airport, now known as Pearson International Airport. Gaining his inspiration from the beautiful Nordic buildings he encountered while on a family vacation in Scandinavia, he commissioned architect George Robb to reflect those design elements and influences in the development of his property in Etobicoke, a vision successfully accomplished throughout the property from the classic three pods over the 'Nordic Dining Room' to the carved Viking ship bar of the adjoining 'Nordic Lounge'. The famed 'Mermaid Lounge' with its swimming "mermaids" and the see-through glass panels into the lower bar became legendary backdrops for vivid recollections still recounted by Lounge patrons of the time. The inner courtyard featured deer roaming about; the customary Christmas tree-decorating by local residents represented various international Christmas traditions; and even the main entrance door design and the adjacent Nordic themed original painted mural set the site apart as a unique property to be seen and experienced.

The Valhalla Inn employed hundreds of outstanding and dedicated staff throughout its history, including long service employees who remain on staff to this day: Director of Housekeeping, Maya Dikmic, and Nordic Dining Room Server, Sam Lippa.

The closing of The Valhalla Inn will make way for high-rise condominiums in a reincarnation of the 427 Highway corridor. The new project will carry over some of the famous elements of this landmark Nordic property as a permanent reminder of what once was.

On behalf of all the employees of the Valhalla Inn we thank you for your patronage.

Sincerely,
Joyce Welygan
General Manager
and all the employees of the Valhalla Inn