Downtown Yonge East in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 11, 2025
1. International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793 Marker
In 1919, 11 steam shovel operators, known today as operating engineers, gathered at the Elliott House Hotel on this site to establish the Local 793 chapter of the International Union of Steam Engineers.
The Trade Unions Act, passed in 1872, legalized unions in Canada. This was in response to the growing power of people who were fighting for workers' rights. IUOE Local 793 was formed 47 years later to advocate for safe and fair working conditions for Toronto's steam engineers, who laboured in a dangerous industry.
IUOE Local 793 members have helped build much of Toronto's key infrastructure and many of its landmarks, such as the CN Tower, the SkyDome (now Rogers Centre), and New City Hall, as well as residential and commercial buildings, subway lines, and hospitals.
Union members operate a wide range of hoisting and earth-moving equipment in all areas of the construction industry. The union's priority is to ensure the health and safety of its members, provide skills training, and negotiate with employers for wages, pensions, and benefits. In 2020, IUOE Local 793 represented more than 17,000 operators and industrial and mining workers in Ontario and Nunavut.
Erected 2020 by Heritage Toronto.
Topics and series. This historical marker is
this page online
Location. 43° 39.286′ N, 79° 22.574′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in Downtown Yonge East. It is at the intersection of Shuter Street and Church Street, on the right on Shuter Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 65 Shuter Street, Toronto ON M5B M5B, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto and on the Golden Horseshoe. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Athenaeum Club (1891) (within shouting distance of this marker); Cooper and Gillespie Houses (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Michaels Cathedral Rectory (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); St. Michaels Cathedral (about 120 meters away); Metropolitan United Church (about 180 meters away); Early Greek Orthodox Community (about 180 meters away); William Lyon Mackenzie (about 180 meters away); Mackenzie House (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toronto.
Also see . . . About Us (IUOE Local 793). Excerpt:
Our story began Dec. 11, 1919 when 11 very determined men gathered at the Elliott Hotel in downtown Toronto to discuss their future.(Submitted on August 17, 2025.)
At the end of that meeting, the men sent a letter to H.M. Comerfordin Chicago, Illinois, then general president of the International Union of Steam Engineers, requesting that he immediately grant a charter and supplies for a new hoisting engineers local to represent workers in Toronto.Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 11, 20252. International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793 Marker - wide view
The charter members were Frank Dennis, Joseph Valin, James Hawkins, William Wells, J.S. Miller, Thomas Lahey, Dave McBlaine, Mat Clark, A. Richardson, J. Wright and R.J. Elliott.
The men got their charter and the local was on its way.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 295 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 17, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
