This place is great for a low key event but they, in no way, should be advertised as a wedding venue. I understand noise restrictions in the city, but having to keep the music so quiet you can talk over it at 11pm doesn’t make for a great party. I get it that for a venue a strangers wedding is just another night, but shutting the music off halfway during the last song(3 minutes past curfew) with a smug look on your face is just a dick move. The space is nice and chill but seemed like the staff(and owner) were available only when they wanted and not when their needed. Also, cool you have a decibel reader to keep things«in line» but holding it next to the speaker isn’t necessary when you can barely hear the music at the other side of a room that is an open space with great acoustics. If I had to hear one more condescending«sorry» from the staff I would have puked.
A U.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Toronto, Canada
The egregiously poor quality of the customer service overwhelms any positive qualities this place may have. The office has no set hours so the staff are next to impossible to get in touch with. If you do manage to get in touch with them, you’ll be treated kindly, but totally ineffectively. For instance, when my wife and I inquired as to whether the venue was available for a wedding on a particular day, we were told«maybe» and couldn’t get a firm answer. That is outrageous — we were planning a wedding and need to know if it is available or not! We were also not told what the rental would cost – one of the most basic pieces of information! – without a length process of follow-ups. Amazingly, getting the staff to actually take our money and confirm that we had reserved the space was a challenge as well. But the coup de grace, and what made our experience with the staff not just irritating but downright infuriating, was that after the event the staff simply could not get it together to pay us back our security deposit, even several *months* after the event, despite numerous calls and emails. We were always assured that the cheque would be cut soon but it never was. We are *still* trying to collect our money, and still getting nowhere. The staff has failed at its most basic functions and there is no excuse for that. Avoid this place at all costs.
Kris U.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Richmond Hill, Canada
Super cool venue space that I had the privilege of visiting again last night when Great Lakes Brewery hosted their celebratory party for being Canada’s top brewery of the year for a second year in a row(2013 – 2014). Located just a hop, skip or a stumble away from the Bathurst Subway station, an in an area with more than adequate street parking(within certain hours), 918 is a hidden event venue gem that you actually might mistake as a church — and you’d be right one bc this little beauty used to be a Buddhist temple! The aesthetic is a tad dated in some spots but you can tell they’re working hard at modernizing the place more and more while retaining the original charm of the venue. The secondary room and basement are brand new, while the entrance way and the main«ball room» look more original. What I love about this spot? It’s the perfect raw space, and you could literally plan anything from a wedding, gala, or trade show to even a concert or speaking engagement here. It’s got that look that’s the right fit for just about anything — just need to use your imagination!
Jannies L.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Mississauga, Canada
Venue space is large and well situated, almost across from Bathurst subway station. Street parking is also easy along Bathurst St. Before attending an event there, I have wondered what it was while walking past a few times to visit a friend. It’s really basic inside the entrance, but once you get inside the hall, it’s very unique. Someone else said it used to be a temple, but I couldn’t tell. The slated wooden ceiling and low lights gave it an intimate feeling. There is a stage at the end of the long and wide space with a nice audio system. Bathrooms are downstairs and not too visible. I would definitely look into doing an event here!
Vanessa C.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Toronto, Canada
Unilocal had their party hosted at this venue. There are several rooms in there for events with multiple activites. It’s a neat little place and the main hall looks like a giant attic. The location is pretty convenient considering it’s close to Bathurst station for people with no cars. Great place to throw a company party!
Daniel B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Toronto, Canada
It’s an old Buddhist temple turned into an event space. That alone should tell you how cool it is. There are several rooms here, the centerpiece is the great hall… a wonderfully large room with a stage that’s outstanding for theater troupes, lectures or large meetings. With it’s massive space, interesting acoustics and good sight-lines, there’s also the obvious… you could throw a killer party in here. There are other rooms on the main floor. It’s a surprisingly good floor-plan for both separation of space and ease of use. Downstairs there are several breakout rooms, classrooms and a giant kitchen. The rumour is that the actual piano that Oscar Petersen learned on in Montréal is sitting detuned in the back of the main stage. Avant-garde groups in the city have been onto this place for a year. It’s been rented for everything from conferences and showcases to math-groups and chess clubs. They’ll work with you to arrange liquor permits, and are incredibly cool to partner with.