By Rhan-Ju Song, PH.D, University of Toronto Scarborough

As clearly evident in tourist postcards, Toronto's position on the shores of Lake Ontario is key to its identity, vitality and global appeal. The CN Tower, Rogers Centre (Sky Dome), Royal York Hotel, C.N.E., and Ontario Place are just a few examples of the landmarks familiar to local residents, as well as visitors. However, the (pre)history of Toronto's waterfront is far older than most people realize, from indigenous settlements and activity dating back 10,000 years, to a lively industrial period that began 200 years ago.

The Eastern Waterfront late 1800s (City of Toronto Archives, Series 376 Item 44a)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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