TL;DR
The Symes is a heritage-designated Art Deco event venue at 150 Symes Road in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood. Originally built in 1933 as a city incinerator, it reopened in 2017 as a stunning event space with nearly 10,000 square feet across two rooms and an outdoor terrace. Capacity ranges from 280 seated in the Scarlett Room to 750 standing in the Grand Symes. Pricing typically falls between $200 and $300 per person depending on the caterer.
What: Heritage-designated Art Deco event venue
Where: 150 Symes Road, Toronto (Junction neighbourhood)
Total space: ~10,000 sq ft across two rooms plus terrace
Capacity: Up to 750 standing (Grand Symes), 280 indoor + 250 terrace (Scarlett Room)
Price range: ~$200 to $300 per person (caterer-dependent)
Best for: Weddings, corporate galas, brand activations, fundraisers, product launches
Planning a photo booth activation at The Symes or another Toronto venue? Get an instant quote to see pricing for 35+ booth types.
History of The Symes: From City Incinerator to Art Deco Event Space
The story of 150 Symes Road begins in 1933, when the City of Toronto built the structure as one of its municipal waste incinerators. The project fell under the direction of R.C. Harris, Toronto’s longest-serving Commissioner of Public Works, a man famous for insisting that civic infrastructure deserve architectural beauty. Harris commissioned architect John James Woolnough to design the building in the Art Deco style, the same philosophy that produced the legendary R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant (often called the “Palace of Purification”) on Queen Street East.
The incinerator operated for decades before closing in 1996. For years afterward, the building served as a location for film and television productions, its soaring ceilings and industrial bones making it a natural set. But the architecture sat underused until 2016, when a restoration project began to transform it into a proper event venue.
On November 8, 2017, 150 Symes Road reopened as The Symes, sharing the building with Junction Craft Brewing. The venue is the passion project of three co-founders: Viviana Kohon, Namita Tandon-Walsh, and Caitie Yue. Their restoration preserved the building’s heritage attributes, including the rough incinerator brick, stone and metal elements, circular windows, cornices along the rooflines, and horizontal banding on the exterior. The building carries Heritage designation under the Ontario Heritage Act, protecting these features for future generations.
This history matters for event planning. Heritage designation means the venue carries architectural gravitas you simply cannot replicate with decor. It also means vendors need to meet certain insurance and compliance standards, a point worth noting early in your planning process.
The Junction Neighbourhood: Location and Access
The Symes Toronto sits on 5.5 acres of land beside Stock Yards Village in the Junction District, one of Toronto’s most characterful neighbourhoods. The Junction has evolved from a working-class industrial area into a hub of craft breweries, independent restaurants, and creative studios, all while retaining the gritty authenticity that makes it distinct from polished downtown corridors.
For guests, the venue is accessible by both car and transit. TTC riders can reach it via Keele Station and connecting bus routes. Drivers benefit from a free parking zone on site, which is increasingly rare for Toronto event venues of this caliber.
The neighbourhood context adds to the guest experience. Attendees arriving early can explore the Junction’s restaurant scene, and the area’s industrial-chic character aligns perfectly with the venue’s own aesthetic. If you’re comparing The Symes against other unique event venues in Toronto, the Junction location is a genuine differentiator.
Event Spaces at The Symes
The venue offers two distinct rooms plus an outdoor terrace, totaling nearly 10,000 square feet of adaptable space. Each room has its own personality, and the multi-room layout is one of the things that sets The Symes apart from single-hall venues.
The Grand Symes (Ground Floor)
The Grand Symes is the venue’s showpiece. At 5,800 square feet with vaulted ceilings and three skylights, the room floods with natural light during daytime events and takes on a dramatic, moody quality at night. Capacity runs up to 750 guests standing or 400 seated.
One feature that event planners and vendors consistently praise: vehicle access directly into the Grand Symes. You can drive catering trucks, staging equipment, or even luxury vehicles straight into the space. For elaborate setups (think product launches with a car on display, or large-scale entertainment installations), this eliminates the logistics headaches common at heritage buildings with narrow doorways and no loading docks.
The Scarlett Room (Second Floor)
The Scarlett Room occupies the second storey and offers 4,100 square feet of more intimate space. The room accommodates 280 guests indoors and features the same exposed brick, circular windows, and Art Deco details that define the building. Access is via elevator, which matters for accessibility compliance and for loading heavy equipment.
Adjacent to the Scarlett Room is a south-facing terrace with unobstructed 180-degree views of the Toronto skyline. The terrace holds 250 guests and serves as an outdoor extension for cocktail hours, ceremonies, or receptions. Multiple couples on Wezoree describe the terrace’s sunset views as one of the highlights of their event.
Multi-Room Event Flow
The layout naturally supports a ceremony-to-cocktail-hour-to-reception flow across different spaces without anyone needing to leave the building. Couples on review platforms consistently highlight this as a defining advantage. One reviewer on Wezoree noted they “got to move to a different space for the ceremony, cocktails, and reception,” which created distinct chapters within their wedding day rather than one long stretch in a single room.
This multi-room capability also means the venue team can execute room flips (transforming a ceremony setup into a reception layout) while guests enjoy cocktails elsewhere. A photographer who has shot at The Symes described how the venue “accommodated such amazing food stations, room flips, and two cocktail hour time slots,” calling the experience of working there “the ultimate.”
Pricing at The Symes Toronto
The Symes operates on a preferred caterer model rather than offering in-house food service, so pricing is partly dependent on which caterer you choose. That said, the general range falls between $200 and $300 per person. WeddingHero lists minimum wedding prices starting at $200 to $250 per person, while EventSource places the range at $250 to $300 per person.
These figures typically cover venue rental and catering together, but exact inclusions vary by caterer and event type. Corporate events, brand activations, and galas may have different pricing structures. The key takeaway: budget roughly $200 to $300 per guest as a starting point, then refine based on caterer selection and add-ons.
For context on how this compares to other premium Toronto venues, see our guides on Casa Loma wedding costs and Liberty Grand pricing.
Amenities and Practical Details
What’s Included
The Symes provides complimentary Wi-Fi, wheelchair access, a bridal suite, audio-visual equipment, bar facilities, outdoor terrace access, and a free parking zone. The elevator serving the Scarlett Room is essential for both accessibility and logistics.
The Preferred Caterer Model
There is no in-house kitchen at The Symes. Instead, the venue maintains a curated list of approved catering partners. This approach gives clients variety while ensuring quality control. The approved list includes 10tation, Daniel et Daniel, Food Dudes, Toben Food by Design, Citizen Catering, The Drake, and PR Creative Caterers, among others.
The list is notably diverse, covering everything from creative tasting menus to kosher cuisine to South Asian wedding specialists. Outside vendors may also be permitted depending on the event, though working with a preferred caterer streamlines coordination since those teams already know the venue’s kitchen setup, service areas, and timing.
Accessibility
Wheelchair access is available throughout the venue. The elevator to the Scarlett Room accommodates mobility devices, and the ground-floor Grand Symes is step-free via the drive-in entrance. For vendors bringing heavy or bulky equipment, the elevator dimensions and weight limits are worth confirming during the planning phase, particularly for second-floor events.
Why Couples and Planners Choose The Symes Toronto
The venue carries a 4.7-star average rating and a 100% recommendation rate on Wezoree from couples who’ve hosted events there. Reviewers consistently highlight several themes.
The blank-canvas flexibility. The Symes’ architecture provides built-in drama (vaulted ceilings, skylights, exposed brick, Art Deco metalwork) without dictating a rigid aesthetic. As one couple put it, “It’s the perfect blank canvas for whatever event you want and you’re able to really create the wedding for YOU.” You get atmosphere without having to fight the room.
The team. Reviewers repeatedly mention the staff by name, particularly Viviana, Namita, Nathalia, and Rachel. One couple shared that after their original venue declared bankruptcy, “Namita and her team at the Symes embraced us with the kindest, most organized and professional service” and hosted their 135-plus person wedding in the Scarlett Room, which “was seamlessly transformed between the ceremony and reception.”
Corporate suitability. While most online coverage focuses on weddings, The Symes actively hosts corporate events. A corporate planner who organized a 150-plus attendee All-Staff Town Hall and Summer Social noted that “the experience exceeded expectations across every dimension.” The combination of AV equipment, flexible layouts, bar facilities, and the wow factor of Art Deco architecture makes the venue work equally well for galas, product launches, and team events. For more ideas on corporate entertainment, we’ve put together a separate guide.
Planning a Photo Booth at The Symes Toronto
No ranking page on The Symes covers entertainment logistics in any detail, which is a missed opportunity. The venue’s physical characteristics create specific advantages and considerations for photo booth setups.
Space and Ceiling Height
The Grand Symes’ 5,800 square feet and vaulted ceilings can handle large-footprint activations that wouldn’t fit in most Toronto venues. A 360 video booth, GlamBOT robotic arm, or multi-camera Bullet Time array all need vertical clearance and open floor space, and the Grand Symes delivers on both. The Scarlett Room, at 4,100 square feet, is better suited to more intimate setups like an open-air DSLR booth, Magic Mirror, or glam booth.
If you’re weighing options, our guide on types of photo booths for weddings breaks down what works best for different room sizes.
Load-In Logistics
For ground-floor events, the Grand Symes’ vehicle drive-in access makes equipment delivery straightforward. You can back a van directly into the space, unload heavy gear, and set up without navigating hallways or stairwells.
For Scarlett Room events on the second floor, the elevator is your primary load-in route. This works well for most booth types, but if you’re considering a large Bullet Time array or custom-fabricated activation, confirm the elevator dimensions with venue management during your initial inquiry. Planning this early prevents day-of surprises.
Power Considerations
Industrial heritage spaces like The Symes have a unique aesthetic, but power outlet locations can be less predictable than in purpose-built event halls. Photo booth equipment (particularly GlamBOTs, 360 booths with lighting rigs, and multi-camera arrays) draws significant wattage. Ask the venue coordinator to confirm the location of dedicated circuits near your intended booth placement. Bringing a long extension cord is good practice, but relying on one shared circuit for booth equipment, DJ gear, and catering warmers is a recipe for a tripped breaker.
Backdrop Strategy
This is where The Symes gives you a real advantage. The exposed incinerator brick, Art Deco metalwork, and circular windows create visually striking natural backdrops that most venues can’t match. A skilled photo booth company can position equipment to use these elements as the background rather than setting up a generic fabric backdrop that clashes with the room.
That said, custom photo booth backdrops that complement (rather than compete with) the venue’s aesthetic can elevate the look further. Think step-and-repeat designs in muted tones that reference Art Deco geometry, or a simple sequin backdrop that catches the skylight.
Optimal Placement and Timing
The multi-room flow at The Symes creates a natural photo booth activation window during cocktail hour. As guests transition from the ceremony space to cocktails (often on the terrace or in a different room), they have dwell time, the single biggest predictor of booth participation. Placing a booth in the transition area or cocktail space, rather than tucked in a corner of the reception room, maximizes guest engagement.
For more guidance on timing, see our breakdown of how long to have a photo booth at a wedding.
Vendor Insurance at Heritage Venues
Heritage-designated venues frequently require vendors to carry substantial liability insurance. This protects the irreplaceable architectural features from accidental damage. PhotoboothTO carries $5M vendor insurance, which meets the stringent requirements common at heritage properties like The Symes. When evaluating any vendor for a heritage venue, confirm their coverage early rather than discovering a shortfall the week before your event.
Looking for a photo booth that matches The Symes’ premium atmosphere? Browse 35+ booth options including GlamBOT, 360 Video, and Hollywood Black & White Glam.
Key Terms Related to The Symes
Art Deco: An architectural and design style originating in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by bold geometric forms, rich materials, and symmetrical patterns. The Symes’ exterior banding, circular windows, and metalwork are textbook Art Deco elements.
Heritage designation: Legal protection under the Ontario Heritage Act that recognizes a property’s cultural, historical, or architectural significance. Alterations to heritage-designated buildings require municipal approval, which preserves their character but also means vendors and decorators must avoid damaging original features.
Blank-canvas venue: An event space that provides architectural interest and essential infrastructure (power, lighting, restrooms) without imposing a specific decor scheme. The Symes qualifies because its raw materials, brick, stone, metal, and skylights, create atmosphere while leaving creative direction to the client.
Preferred vendor list: A curated roster of outside companies (caterers, florists, DJs, photo booths) that a venue has vetted and approved. At The Symes, this primarily applies to catering partners. Working with preferred vendors simplifies coordination since those teams know the venue’s quirks.
Room flip: The process of reconfiguring a space between event phases, for example, clearing ceremony chairs and setting reception tables while guests are elsewhere. The Symes’ multi-room layout makes flips seamless because guests simply move to another room during the transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Symes located in Toronto?
The Symes is at 150 Symes Road in the Junction neighbourhood, situated on 5.5 acres beside Stock Yards Village. It’s accessible by TTC via Keele Station and multiple bus routes, and has free on-site parking for guests arriving by car.
How many guests can The Symes accommodate?
The Grand Symes (ground floor) holds up to 750 guests standing or 400 seated. The Scarlett Room (second floor) accommodates 280 guests indoors, with an adjoining terrace that fits 250 more. Combined, the venue offers nearly 10,000 square feet of event space.
How much does a wedding at The Symes cost?
Pricing generally ranges from $200 to $300 per person, depending on the caterer you select. The Symes uses a preferred caterer model, so your per-person cost will vary based on menu choices, bar packages, and the specific catering partner.
Does The Symes allow outside vendors?
The venue maintains an approved caterer list (including Daniel et Daniel, Food Dudes, Toben Food by Design, and others), and outside catering may require approval. For non-catering vendors like photographers, DJs, and photo booths, outside vendors are generally welcome, though insurance requirements apply, particularly given the building’s heritage designation.
Is The Symes wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The ground-floor Grand Symes offers step-free access through the vehicle entrance, and the second-floor Scarlett Room is served by an elevator. Complimentary wheelchair access is listed among the venue’s standard amenities.
Can you bring a photo booth to The Symes?
Absolutely. The Grand Symes’ high ceilings and open floor plan accommodate large activations like 360 video booths and GlamBOTs, while the Scarlett Room suits more intimate booth setups. Ground-floor events benefit from vehicle drive-in access for easy equipment loading. For second-floor events, confirm elevator dimensions for heavy gear.
What is the history of The Symes building?
The building was constructed in 1933 as a municipal waste incinerator under the direction of R.C. Harris and designed in Art Deco style by architect J.J. Woolnough. It closed in 1996, served as a film location for years, and was restored and reopened as an event venue in November 2017.
Is The Symes suitable for corporate events?
Yes. The venue hosts corporate galas, product launches, town halls, and brand activations in addition to weddings. The Grand Symes even allows vehicle drive-in access for luxury car displays and large-scale installations. AV equipment, Wi-Fi, and bar facilities are included.
Ready to plan your photo booth experience at The Symes? Get an instant quote from PhotoboothTO, Toronto’s longest-running boutique photo booth company with 530+ five-star Google reviews and $5M vendor insurance that meets heritage venue requirements.
