TPS was born in the McMaster University tower

When established at McMaster University in 1951, the members would meet in a room in the “Tower”, which is part of University Hall. Hence, the members decided that the name of the organization would be The Tower Poetry Society. Little did those early members know that the TPS would expand to include non-university members and hold its monthly meetings in other venues within the Hamilton community. In 2026, TPS will celebrate 75 years of promoting and publishing poetry. The Society is Canada’s oldest continuously operating poetry group.

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Our next Events…

• Saturday, December 13, 2025 — Holiday Social — not a usual workshop: a Reading of your favourite holiday poem or story & some fun socializing at Westdale Library, 2 – 4 pm.
• Ongoing — The TPS 75th Anniversary (More Poetic Offerings, here!)
• Special Membership 75^th Anniversary Anthology

  (Membership Only Edition)

  Send in one of your poems, your favourite/best work. May be previously published. Maximum length of poem is 42 lines including blank lines for stanza breaks. If you have a picture that goes with the poem, you may submit that as well (jpeg) and it may be used as part of the book cover.

  (The membership Renga will also be included in the book.)

  Email submissions to Info@towerpoetry.ca, subject line: Membership Anniv. Ed. Submission Due Date: December 31.

• Saturday, January 10, 2026 — Regular Workshop

• Tuesday, January 20, 2026 — Open Mic at Fool and Flagon, 2255 Barton St. E. Hamilton, 6:30 – 9:00 pm