1912
Toronto Police Pipe Band formed; Thomas Ross, the first Pipe Major. Ross tartan is worn by the band in honour of PM Ross.

1913
First public appearance in the summer of 1913 performing at the Police Games at Hanlan’s Point

1919
Royal Command performance Allandale Station, Toronto for HRH the Prince of Wales.

Guessing from the age of my Grandfather (Percy Fleming), this picture was taken about 1920 to 1925. If you have any idea when and where it was taken, I would be happy to know. As a young kid (I’m 60 years old now) I met Tom Ross many times and he and Grandpa were good friends and I believe in the same lodge. When Tom was almost 90 years old he and my Grandfather where on the Don Messer show on TV together. A little hokey by todays stardards however, I fond memory for me.
– Brian Settle, 2008

1922

First performance at the Canadian National Exhibition

1924

Pipe Major Leask succeeds Pipe Major Ross; plays before 80,000 at Police Games in Baltimore, USA.

1939

Forced hiatus due to outbreak of Second World War

1957

Named changed to Metropolitan Toronto Police Pipe Band when 13 Municipal Forces joined to form the larger Metro Force.

1960

Inspector Alexander (Sandy) Johnson, one of the original pipers from the Old Toronto Police Pipe Band, begins immense task of getting the band back together

1965

Reformed Pipes and Drums of the Metropolitan Toronto Police perform November 11 for Remembrance Day services in York Township. Inspector Johnson was the Pipe Major and Drum Major was Inspector Arthur Armstrong, both veterans of the Second World War.

1965

Sergeant William (Bill) McCutcheon succeeds Arthur Armstrong as Drum Major

1966

The Metropolitan Toronto Police Musical Ride was formed under the direction of Inspector Edwin Johnson. It was made up of members of the Mounted Unit on regular duty horses. The basic figures of the ride are the same as those used by the British Cavalry and Royal Canadian Dragoons. By providing musical accompaniment the Pipe Band forms an integral part of the Musical Ride.

1966

Staff Sergeant Robert (Bob) MacDonald, a former member of the Edinburgh Police Department and a piper in its world class band, becomes Pipe Major.

1974

Sergeant John MacDonald succeeds Pipe Major Bob MacDonald as Pipe Major (no relation)

1975

Drum Major Bill McCutcheon retired and Police Constable Hugh McConnell became Drum Major.

1978

Sergeant Michael Holland appointed Drum Major, a position he still holds.

1989

Band wins Cowal (Scotland) Highland Gathering Championship (Grade 2)

1995

CD released: “On the Beat”

1996

Ian K. MacDonald succeeds his father as Pipe Major. Ian K is currently a Sergeant in the Toronto Police Service.

1996

North American Pipe Band Champions (Premier Grade)

2004

North American Pipe Band Champions (Premier Grade)

2006

North American Pipe Band Champions (Premier Grade)

2008

Competition performance, Georgetown, Ontario : “Variations on a Theme of Good Intentions”, possibly the most controversial selection of competitive pipe band music ever.

North American Drum Corps Champions