The New Women’s Club

ver·i·ty
noun
1: the quality or state of being true or real
2: a statement that is true
3: the quality or state of being truthful or honest

Verity is more than a word, it is also a name. For Mary Aitken, Verity is an historic Ontario family name of a beloved grandmother after whom she named her renowned women’s social environment. To call Verity a women’s club, without explanation of what it really is, would not do this extraordinary place justice. Yes, it is a venue in a downtown Toronto historical building where female members gather. But coining it a club suggests crafting an image of an unattainable environment where only a particular social echelon is invited to join.

At Verity any woman who feels it is important to invest in her personal and professional well-being can join. Yes, there are high profile women. There’s the honourable Margaret McCain and Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell, speaker and nutritionist Leslie Beck, and Ann Medina, Host of History Television’s “History On Film”. But overall, 650 women members use some or all of Verity’s services. And it is the fastest growing club in the City of Toronto.

Founder Mary Aitken started her career in the financial industry at a time when most in this sector were men. Verity was an idea born out of Aitken’s needs.

“For women more than men, success means finding balance in our lives,” she says. “We need a third place—one beyond a corporate environment. Generally, men find that on the golf course, sporting events and other activities that take up time—something women juggling careers and family just don’t have.”

There are no golf clubs or cigar rooms. Instead, this club offers a spa, pool, restaurant, private meeting rooms, a library and a flower shop.

With six kids making up her family, Aitken knows about needing time: “For me, I concluded that a place like Verity could make a significant impact. Verity flows from what women need.” After much searching and planning, the 52,000-square-foot physical space that is Verity came to life in 2004. And what a space it is.

From the moment you walk through the antique front door, you know you have entered a haven. Beautiful colours, lively yet elegant décor, and a feminine but not frilly look are what Aitken provides for her members. Verity is nothing less than perfect. Stay as long as you like. There’s no rush to leave. Join a fitness class, sit in the members’ lounge, read a book (or write one) in the library, and take a dip in the ozone pool. If you are conducting business, meet colleagues in one of the private meeting rooms, each one richly decorated and well-suited to inspiring new ideas and solidifying relationships. Unparalleled private overnight rooms, slotted to be ready this spring, are another component making Verity stand out as a world class institution.

Members have access to mastermind groups—women looking to share ideas and challenges in business, and inspire one another to overcome current challenges. Verity organizes weekly events, attended by members, and which are often open to their guests. Events fall into the following general categories: culture, books, bridge, business, community outreach, fashion and design, health, wellness, parenting, elder care, social gatherings and wine.

Verity welcomes both men and women to congregate. All non-members are welcome throughout when they arrive as a Verity member’s guest. The only areas off-limits to men are the fitness and spa areas.

All can experience the critically acclaimed George restaurant, entirely open to the public. Renowned chef Lorenzo Loseto creates everything from scratch. Local and seasonal fare that he deems “Toronto cuisine” is inspired from and reflects the city’s vibrant culture and groups.

“Success means finding balance in our lives. Generally, men find that on the golf course, sporting events and other activities that take up time – something women juggling careers and family just don’t have.” — Mary Aitken, founder of Verity

Ms Aitken proudly discusses the naming of George. It honours her good friend George Argyropoulos, the graphic designer who helped create the look and feel of logos and graphic materials for Aitken when Verity was only a vision. “Once he heard about the project, he said he would like to be involved without a fee since it was important and a start-up; it seemed appropriate to name the restaurant after him,” she says.

The spa is open to all women. Services are designed for relaxation. The ozonated pool is what’s most notable. Because it’s cleaned with ozone, created by converting oxygen through electricity, it is a healthier and more powerful environment than chlorine while creating an invigorating workout.

Last but not least, the flower shop with its unique floral arrangements is for anyone wanting especially sophisticated and beautiful colours and design for home, office or any special occasion.

Mary Aitken is Verity. She is as open about Verity’s challenges, as she is about the concept and vision that make up Verity’s reality.

“For those who understand Verity, it becomes a place that enriches the body and mind. This is difficult to conceptualize but once you find it you will appreciate it.” — Mary Aitken, founder of Verity

“The main challenge has been getting women to invest in themselves. They tend to want to give to everyone around them—husband, parents, children, and employers come first. Verity seems like an indulgence in time they can’t afford. That is, until they join,” says Aitken. “For those who understand Verity, it becomes a place that enriches the body and mind. This is difficult to conceptualize but once you find it you will appreciate it.” But don’t take Aitken’s word. It comes from the energy of the women throughout Verity. According to Robin Kennedy who drives in from Caledon, Ontario, “This is a place where I can meet and entertain my clients. And there’s just something about this place that engages and involves women who are generally giving and willing to receive.”

Aitken is most proud of what Verity gives to women and its surrounding community. An outreach program provides mentoring and Verity services to women and girls in Toronto’s inner city Regent Park community. “Our members have come from all walks of life,” says Aitken. “If they can succeed, then so can many of these young girls. We want to inspire them to reach beyond what they see in front of them—to envision a place where they know they can achieve their dreams and aspirations.” Aitken’s goal is embodied in the Verity Trust. She hopes that, over time, the Trust will have a great impact in empowering women and girls in Toronto.

It appears that corporate Canada is starting to support Aitken’s vision for women too. Employment incentive programs offer Verity memberships, establishing such employers as sympathetic and tuned into women’s needs—progressive by today’s standards.

Verity is personal. From concept, to pieces of furniture originally in her home, and foremost, from the name of someone who impacted her life, Verity represents Mary Aitken. In turn, Aitken herself is representative of the remarkable women that gather at Verity. •