: Heritage Toronto's Blog
Welcome to Heritage Toronto’s new website
A website for Toronto's heritage community
Our new website was designed with our community in mind. Last year, someone told me that one of the reasons that Torontonians don't value the city's built heritage as much as they should is because they don't see themselves reflected in our city's stories. We want to change that. We want to reach out to communities across the city to share Toronto's stories, and help build knowledge and a common understanding of our heritage so we value our past.
Communications with our readers used to be largely one-way. As we built our new website over the last few months, we are using new web initiatives to encourage community discussion and dialogue. If we've done it right, the Heritage Toronto website will become a communications hub for heritage groups and issues across the city. Our hope is that we will be able to create a meeting place and town square where people come to learn more about Toronto's stories, and contribute their own.
This Weekend's Walks
And photos from the Edwards Gardens and Wilket Creek Walk
We hope you'll join us this weekend for two exceptional walks:
Saturday, September 6
Spadina: The Story of an Estate & Its Neighbourhood
In 1866, James Austin built a new house on the foundations of an earlier Baldwin family home. Over the next 140 years Casa Loma was built and an expressway almost went under Austin's house. Explore the grounds and neighbourhood of Austin's estate on this outdoor tour.
LEADERS: Spadina Museum
START POINT: Main front gate of Spadina, 285 Spadina Rd, east of Casa Loma
FINISH POINT: Same as start point
LENGTH: Approx. 1 ½ hours
FOCUS: Historical, architectural
DIFFICULTY: Average walk on sidewalks and grass, some rough ground and slopes
Sunday, September 7 - 1:30 PM
The Guild Inn Gardens
Explore the grounds of this former estate and arts centre. Hear stories of its owners and resident artists and learn about the architectural artifacts from Toronto buildings that grace its gardens.
New Community Story: Dagmar Baur
Moving story of how she found her place at the Bain Co-op
There's a new story added to "Your Stories": the uplifting story of Dagmar Baur, a Polish refugee from World War II who travelled far and wide, ending up in her beloved home, Toronto's Bain Co-op.
A touching and inspiring read that is well worth the time.
The Need for a University of Toronto Archaeological Master Plan
An open letter to President Naylor
Dear Professor Naylor,
I am writing to you on behalf of Heritage Toronto in strong support of the suggestion from Archaeological Services Incorporated that an archaeological master plan for the land holdings of the University of Toronto be undertaken.
There are several registered archaeological sites located on the grounds of the Toronto campus and potential for other archaeological resources on these and other lands owned and managed by the University.
In order to avoid future disturbance of potential sites and knowing in advance of highly sensitive areas, it is suggested that the University of Toronto would benefit from an Archaeological Master Plan for its total land holdings. The Master Plan would provide a guide and data base of registered archaeological sites as well as areas of high potential for archaeological resources. It may be possible that such a plan could be put together as part of an academic process whereby students would benefit from the study and the University would have a document and policy that would be to its benefit as it grows and develops into the future.
Planning and Growth Committee Meeting - Section 37
September 10 meeting to permit use of funding for HCDS
Last year, Heritage Toronto was one of several organizations which made representation to the Planning and Growth Committee of Council supporting the use of Section 37 funding for funding Heritage Conservation District Studies. These funds have been important to a number of communities in the past, and it was being proposed to limit their use in the future.
As a result of these efforts, an Official Plan amendment has been drafted by City staff at the direction of Council to formally permit this use of Section 37 funding. The Planning and Growth Committee meeting of September 10th will be considering this amendment at its next meeting on September 10 at 10 am. The meeting will be held in Committee Room 1, on the second floor of City Hall, 100 Queen St West.
A paper or electronic copy of the proposed amendment can be obtained by contacting Rose Eustace of City Planning at 416-397-4073 or reustac@toronto.ca. The report will be online in the Planning and Growth Management Committee agenda approximately one week prior to the meeting.
This Weekend's Walks
Faces on Places, Edwards Gardens and Wilket Creek and Colourful Corktown
Saturday, August 23 - 1:30 PM NEW
Faces on Places: Gargoyles and Other Architectural Ornament
Look up...and what do you see? Writer and photographer Terry Murray spent 10 years hunting the many creatures adorning Toronto's buildings. Explore some of that world with her. Be sure to bring your binoculars!
LEADER: Terry Murray
START POINT: Front steps of Old City Hall, 60 Queen St W at Bay
FINISH POINT: Yonge and Dundas Streets
LENGTH: Approx. 1 ½ to 2 hours
FOCUS: Architectural, historical
DIFFICULTY: Average walk on sidewalks
Sunday, August 24 - 1:30 PM
Edwards Gardens and Wilket Creek
Discover the history of the families behind this beautiful Toronto park and the creation of the Toronto Botanical Garden. Hear about on-going efforts to restore the natural heritage of the site.
Artistry in Brick
Toronto's colourful and distinct dichromatic brick buildings
I love discovering and photographing the wonderful brickwork seen on mid-Victorian era buildings in Toronto. Dichromatic (two-colour) brickwork is quite common.
Brickwork on the Chadwick Home, U of T campus
Although polychromy - the use of various colours in architecture - was seen all over nineteenth century Europe, at the time Toronto's main architectural influence was Britain. Polychromy was promoted and popularized in Victorian England by architectural theorist John Ruskin. Inspired by the coloured stones and marbles of Italian architecture, Ruskin endorsed structural polychromy (producing colour by using different shades of bricks and stones) over the mere application of colour.
British architects produced numerous influential polychrome buildings. William Butterfield's All Saints Church (Margaret Street, London) and George Edmund Street's St. James the Less Church (Westminster, London) are outstanding examples of brickwork. Along with Ruskin and others, their work was part of the Gothic Revival in British architecture.
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The Riot at Christie Pits
Photos from our plaque presentation
Thank you to many in the local community who helped us to commemorate the Riot at Christie Pits on Sunday, August 17.
Here are some photos from the plaque presentation.
MC Judy Stoffman, Chair of the Christie Pits Plaque Commitee
Heritage Toronto Board Chair Peter Ortved
Councillor Joe Mihevc
Fredelle Brief from the Canadian Jewish Congress
Author Cyril Levitt
New Community Story: Stan Endersby
Famed Toronto native talks about being a rock n' roll star
We've updated "Your Stories" with a fascinating profile of guitarist Stan Endersby here. Enjoy!
This Weekend's Walks
Cabbagetown People and The Royal Alexandra Theatre and Its Neighbourhood
Please join us for our two weekend walks:
Cabbagetown People: Discoveries of Remarkable Lives
Saturday, August 16 - 1:30pm
Since its beginnings in the 1830s as an immigrant reception neighbourhood, Cabbagetown has been home to an amazing group of personalities. Hear the stories of some of those that have been active in the arts and sciences, politics, business, architecture and social movements.
Leaders: Cabbagetown Preservation Association
Start Point: NE corner of Parliament and Winchester Streets
Finish Point: Parliament St and Lancaster Ave
Length: Approx. 1 ½ to 2 hours
Walk Difficulty: park grounds and average walk on sidewalks
The Royal Alexandra Theatre and Its Neighbourhood
Sunday, August 17 - 11:00am
The Royal Alexandra Theatre, anchor of the Theatre District, celebrated its 100th birthday in 2007. Hear the story of the theatre and explore the multi-layered history of the surrounding neighbourhood.
Plaque Presentation - The Riot at Christie Pits
Please join us as we commemorate its 75th anniversary
You are invited to join Peter Ortved, Chair, Heritage Toronto Board, Councillor Joe Mihevc, St. Paul's West, Fredelle Brief, Chair, Community Relations Commitee, Canadian Jewish Congress Charities Committee and Cyril Levitt, Co-Author, The Riot at Christie Pits for the public presentation of a Heritage Toronto plaque to commemorate, on its 75th anniversary, the Riot at Christie Pits.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
11:00 AM
Southeast corner of Christie Pits Park, Christie Street and Bloor Street, across from Christie Subway Station.
Light refreshments to follow ceremony.
Master of Ceremonies: Judy Stoffman, Chair, Christie Pits Plaque Committee.
Heritage Toronto gratefully acknowledges support from the Toronto Star, Rose Corporation, York Heritage Properties, Ltd. , and Ruland Realty for the Riot at Christie Pits plaque project
For a map, please click here.
Photo: City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Item 1011
Toronto and Its Miniature Railways
The story behind captivating mini trains
One of the feature attractions proposed for the Toronto Railway Heritage Centre at the John Street Roundhouse is a permanent operating miniature railway running through Roundhouse Park. While the track plan is still being finalized, an extensive operation is planned to bring animation and live steam to the museum site. Children and adults have always been fascinated by miniature trains, especially if they're large enough to ride on.
For the past several years, a temporary miniature railway has been one of the most popular features of the annual Doors Open event held at the Roundhouse during the last weekend in May. Toronto Railway Historical Association volunteers install track in an area near the turntable and visitors are able to ride the trains back and forth. This has proven to be one of the most popular and family friendly attractions at Doors Open.
In Memory of Albert Fulton
Archivist was friend to many, including us at Heritage Toronto
In late May, I met Albert Fulton for the first time.
Heritage Toronto was working on a plaque to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Gibraltar Lighthouse on the Toronto Islands. We had gone to the Island to meet with those involved in the celebration, including Albert, the Island archivist.
He struck me as a very kind, gentle and quiet man but what was the most evident was his passion for the Islands, his second home. Often when we work on projects we rely not just on research, but those who live and breathe their corner of Toronto. Albert was that man on the Islands, a man we admired for his understanding of its past, present and future. His cottage door on the Islands was regularly open to visitors, who could browse the extensive archives of books and photographs.
This wasn't the first time Heritage Toronto had worked with Albert - he had led walks in his other neighbourhood, Wychwood Park, and we had collaborated on another Island plaque for Babe Ruth's first professional home run. He was always generous with his time.
This Weekend's Walks
Lambton Mills and African-Canadian Women in Early Toronto
Saturday, August 9 - 1:30 PM
Lambton Mills
The Village of Lambton Mills grew up around the mills established in the early 1800s where Dundas Street crossed the Humber River, an excellent source of water power. The village continued to thrive until 1915 when a spring flood, and later fire, destroyed many of the buildings.
LEADER: Madeleine McDowell
START POINT: Dundas St W and Runnymede Rd
FINISH POINT: Lambton House, 4066 Old Dundas St on the east bank of the Humber River
LENGTH: Approx. 2 hours
FOCUS: Historical, architectural, natural
DIFFICULTY: Average walk on sidewalks, some hills
Sunday, August 10 - 1:00 PM NEW
African-Canadian Women in Early Toronto
Hear the stories of African-Canadian women who resisted their enslavement in the days when some Toronto residents had slaves, as well as later women who worked to assist fugitive slaves from the U.S. and bring about the abolition of slavery south of the border.
This Weekend's Walks
Bâby Point: 10,000 Years of History and In The Footsteps of Black Victorians
Saturday, July 26 - 1:30 PM
Bâby Point: 10,000 Years of History
Explore some of Toronto's First Nations and French history with this tour of the area named after the estate of James Bâby, an early French settler. Hear about the Seneca village of Teiaiagon, the Carrying Place trail and the first French fort in what is now Toronto. Tours will be offered in English and French.
LEADERS: La Société d'histoire de Toronto
START POINT: SW corner of Jane St and Bâby Point Rd/Annette St
FINISH POINT: Near Old Mill Subway Station
LENGTH: Approx. 2 - 2 ½ hours
FOCUS: Historical, natural, architectural
DIFFICULTY: Long walk with slopes, many stairs and some rough ground
Sunday, July 27 - 1:00 PM
In The Footsteps of Black Victorians
In the 19th century, Toronto was a centre of antislavery organizations and Black cultural and political activities. Hear about the men and women of the community as we visit some of the sites known to them.
The Tollkeeper's Cottage Opening
Photos from the Canada Day event
Congratulations to Jane Beecroft and the Community History Project on their successful opening of the Tollkeeper's Cottage and naming of Tollkeeper's Park on Canada Day.
Jane Beecroft addresses the crowd
Councillor Joe Mihevc speaks
From Torontoceros to the Jubilant Man: rounding up our assets
Who should take ownership of caring for our heritage?
If you haven't seen the new natural history galleries at the Royal Ontario Museum, it's high time you went. However admirable the dinosaurs, the local heroes are the mammals that roamed Toronto during past episodes of climate warming. They include antiques like the charmingly named stag moose that rambled through the open spruce forest of the last ice age. You'll also find the fossil of a new genus of deer, unearthed during a Bloor subway line extension in the 1970s. The animal was named Torontoceros after the place that was built, 12,000 years later, over its final resting place.
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This Weekend's Walks
And photos from the University of Toronto Walk
Please join us for this weekend's walks, which include some special guests!
Also, please visit our Walks Photo Gallery to see photos from last weekend's walk though the University of Toronto's downtown campus by our fabulous Photo Editor, Olena Sullivan.
Saturday, July 19 - 1:30 PM
The Goulding Estate
With Honourary Host Councillor Janet Davis
The Goulding Estate is the last surviving structure of the Dentonia Park Farm, where the Massey family helped pioneer pasteurization in dairy farming. The surrounding green space boasts some of the largest oaks to be seen along Taylor-Massey Creek and is home to both serious environmental challenges and several restoration projects.
An Open Letter to Mayor Miller and Members of Council
Toronto Police Service new location at the former Carleton Village Public School
Dear Mayor Miller and Members of Council:
Re: Toronto Police Service new location at the former Carleton Village Public School
The Board of Directors of Heritage Toronto were surprised and disappointed to hear that the Etobicoke York Community Council rejected the City of Toronto's staff recommendation to list the former Carleton Village Public School on the City's Heritage Inventory. It is our understanding that the listing of the former school was supported by City staff as well as the Etobicoke York Community Preservation Panel.
First Parliament Update
An Open Letter to Greg Sorbara
UPDATE: An Open Letter to Greg Sobara, Chair of the Ontario Tourism Competitiveness Study
Dear Mr. Sorbara:
On behalf of Heritage Toronto let me offer my congratulations on your appointment as Chair of the Ontario Tourism Competitiveness Study. A thriving tourism sector is critical to the ongoing health of the Toronto and Ontario economies, and I look forward to your report.
As Chair of the Board of Heritage Toronto, I am writing to raise with you the tourism potential presented by sites of historical importance in general and in particular by the Toronto site of the first Parliament buildings of Upper Canada.
As I'm sure you are aware, cultural and heritage tourism is a thriving industry around the world. But I think it's fair to say that Toronto (and Ontario), have not taken full advantage of the potential for heritage tourism, compared with many other destinations. The site of Upper Canada's first Parliament buildings at Parliament and Front Streets, which were burned by American forces during the War of 1812, gives us one opportunity to remedy this.
Green Meadows Plaque Presentation
Photos from June 28th event
On Saturday, June 28th Heritage Toronto, along with the North York Historical Society, presented a plaque commemorating Green Meadows, the former estate of John Angus "Bud" McDougald in North York.
Here are some of the photos from the event:
The main house and a portion of the main drive and front lawn is what remains of the lavish estate
Peggy Mooney, Heritage Toronto, Edith Geduld, North York Community Preservation Panel and Councillor Shelley Carroll admire the plaque
Remembering Our City
Street stories help us understand our place
Like most others I know in this city, I wasn't born here. I migrated into this place about 10 years ago, first to the area of Queen and Carlaw on the east side of the Don River, then to Little Italy on College, then to Little Portugal at Ossington and Dundas, and then a few years back to what real estate agents are now flogging as "trendy Brockton Village". I've come to see Toronto as a transient city, filled with migrants like me.
In that context, people who have lived much of their lives on one street in this city strike me as rare treasures. My memory of this place - of the neighbourhoods I've lived in- is scant. Sure I can talk about how Brockton Village once wasn't as trendy. So can anyone else who has hung around for a few years. But what was Little Italy before the Italians? Or Queen West West before the used appliance shops? I can dig back in city records to figure that out. But I can't remember it.
This Weekend's Walks
And photos from Theatres in Old Toronto Walk
Please join us for a lovely weekend of walks:
Saturday, July 12 - 1:30 PM
The Queen's Park Stroll
Discover the history of our provincial Legislative Building and the fascinating monuments that surround it. Free 30 minute tours of the interior of the Legislature are available before and after the tour of the grounds at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Call 416-325-7500 to enquire about interior tours.
LEADERS: Legislative Assembly Staff
START POINT: Front steps of the Legislative Building, N of Queen's Park Subway Station
FINISH POINT: East entrance of Legislative Building
LENGTH: Approx. 1 ½ hours
FOCUS: Historical, architectural
DIFFICULTY: Easy walk over some small slopes and lawn
Sunday, July 13 - 11:00 AM
The University of Toronto - Downtown Campus
The University of Toronto traces its roots back to King's College, an Anglican college established in 1827. Explore the early history of Canada's largest university and the eclectic collection of buildings that help illustrate its past.
Heritage and the OMB
Taking into account heritage conservation in decision making
The conservation and protection of our heritage resources falls under a number of legislative acts with the most prevalent being the Ontario Heritage Act, amended in 2006. The amended Ontario Heritage Act has a direct link to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). Should a property owner be seeking demolition of a heritage designated property and the municipality does not support the request for demolition then the owner has the right to appeal before the OMB. Other heritage matters that are referred to the OMB are objections to the establishment of a heritage conservation district, or major alterations within a heritage conservation district.
New Community Story: Billy McKay
Farmer was instrumental in the development of East York
We've updated our "Your Stories" section with a profile of Billy McKay, a prominent (and eccentric) East York farmer who was a central figure in the development of this part of our city.
To read the story, click here.
More stories and profiles to be posted soon!