Craigleigh Gardens is a quiet 3.4 hectare park near Castle Frank Road and Bloor Street East. The park features an entrance with ornamental gates, a mature tree canopy and a dog off-leash area. The secluded gem of a park is tucked away in the middle of Rosedale, one of Canada’s wealthiest neighbourhoods and is surrounded by beautiful Victorian-style homes.
Craigleigh Gardens used to be the site of the 25-room estate of Sir Edmund Osler, a wealthy businessman, founder of the Royal Ontario Museum, and trustee at the Hospital For Sick Children. Osler lived at Craigleigh for nearly 50 years until he died. The house was torn down in 1924 following his death and his family donated the 13 acres of manicured grounds to the city to build the park.
The ornate gates have the date 1903 in the metalwork on either side of the centre, which means they stood in front of the Osler estate at one time.
These gardens are presented to the people of Toronto as a memorial of Edmund Boyd Osler, and Ann Farquharson, his wife, by their children . A.D. 1926. Here, amidst his children and grandchildren, his flowers, trees and birds, Edmund Boyd Osler made his home from 1877 to the date of his death in 1924 A.D.
At 10 Niagara Street, on the corner of Portland Street and Niagara, sits Victoria Memorial Square:
Victoria Memorial Square is a park and former cemetery. It was established in 1793 as the burial place for those affiliated with the nearby Toronto Garrison (Fort York). It was the first cemetery to be used by European settlers in what would become the city of Toronto. Originally known as St. John’s Square, the park today is part of Fort York National Historic Site.
The Old Soldier War of 1812 Memorial
This monument in the Square is entitled The Old Soldier, and was erected by the British Army and Navy Veterans’ Association. It was erected to honour the dead of the War of 1812, on this site of an old burial ground used between 1794 and 1863 for soldiers and their families from nearby Fort York.
The memorial was designed and constructed by Walter Seymour Allward. He designed a bronze half-length figure of an old one-armed soldier in the uniform of 1812 holding his military cap, the George IV medal on his chest and the end of one empty sleeve pinned up.
The memorialโs cornerstone was laid on July 1, 1902. The cornerstone featured a time capsule, including newspapers, coins, and other documents of the day. Veterans of several wars were on hand for the ceremony, including those who had served in the Crimean War, Second Opium War, Indian Rebellion of 1857, Second Anglo-Afghan War, Fenian Raids, North-West Rebellion, and the South African War. The official unveiling was on July 5, 1907, after nearly 20 years of planning and fundraising.
Inscriptions On The Memorial
DEFENCE OF YORK (NOW TORONTO)
IN MEMORY OF OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND MEN WHO WERE KILLED OR DIED OF WOUNDS IN THE FOLLOWING REGIMENTS OR COMPANIES OF REGIMENTS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF YORK (TORONTO).
APRIL 27TH 1813
ROYAL ARTILLERY ROYAL NAVAL ARTIFICES 8th REGIMENT (OF FOOT) ROYAL NEWFOUNDLAND REGIMENT CLENGARY FENCIBLES MILITIA INCORPORATED MILITIA
IN MEMORY OF OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND MEN WHO WERE KILLED, DIED OF WOUNDS AND DISEASE, IN THE FOLLOWING REGIMENTS OR COMPANIES OF REGIMENTS ENGAGED DURING THE WAR OF 1812-1815 UPON THE WESTERN CANADIAN FRONTIER, WEST OF KINGSTON.
Royal Artillery – Royal Engineers 19th Dracoons 41st Regiment 100th Regiment 1st Regiment 49th Regiment 103rd Regiment 6th Regiment 82nd Regiment 103th Regiment 8th Regiment 89th Regiment Royal Veteran Rect. Royal Newfoundland Rect. Prov. Dracoons Militia Wattsville Rect. Militia Canadian Fencibles Simcoe Militia Clencary Fencibles Militia York Rangers Militia 1st Norfolk Militia Coloured Corps & Indians
“Dead in Battle – Dead in the field” More than his life can a soldier yield? His blood has burnished his sabre bright To his memory, honour: To him, good night”
This monument is to perpetuate the memory and deeds of the officers, non-commissioned officers and men who gave their lives in the defence of Canada in the War of 1812-15 and is erected by the British Army and Navy Veterans residing in Toronto. Aided by generous subscriptions from the British Army and Navy, and the citizens of Canada.
July 1st 1902
BATTLE FIELDS
RIVER CANARD BEAVER DAMS BLACK ROCK CHATEAUGUAY CHRYSLER FARM DETROIT FORT NIAGARA FORT ERIE YORK FORT GEORGE LUNDY’S LANE THAMES STONY CREEK
Surviving Headstones from the Military Burial Ground
The park is Toronto’s oldest cemetery. The downtown site was used as a burial ground for nearly seventy years, from 1794 to 1863. During that time, it saw hundreds of burials, including many soldiers from the War of 1812.
The park was created by Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe shortly after the establishment of the Garrison at York and the founding of the town. Simcoeโs infant daughter, Katherine, was one of the first to be buried at the cemetery which was closed in 1863 when it was deemed to be full.
The cemetery was converted to a park in the 1880s. Its grave sites were levelled, paths were established, and the 17 surviving headstones gathered along the parkโs western edge:
Historical Photos
1885 – Military burying grounds, today’s Victoria Memorial Square (Toronto Public Library r-2851)1913 – Looking northwest from Portland Street. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 372, Subseries 52, Item 192.1950 – City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257
On my way to photograph Victoria Memorial Square (stay tuned for a future post on that) I passed through the Portland Street and Wellington Street West area. Here’s a bit of what I encountered:
Nice bike! Adelaide Street West, just east of Bathurst Street
More condos! Just south of Richmond Street West. Condos are going up all around this site, hence the message on the painting: “The last inhabited house on this street”.
I found this graffiti and artwork in an alley behind Portland Street, south of Richmond Street West. Lots of colour here:
Interesting white flowers Ruby Soho patio on Portland Street, just south of King Street West
The Happy Sundae 85 Portland Street. Lots of colour and ice cream here. Next time, I’m stopping for a sample!
Mural On Portland Street south of King Street West
Clarence Square On the corner of Wellington Street West and Spadina Avenue
Houses on Clarence Square
Charming houses on the Square
Mascot Outside The Soho Hotel & Residences, 318 Wellington Street West
“Pas de Trois” (1984) by Russell K. Jacques In front of office tower at 70 University Avenue, corner of Wellington Street West
Jump Restaurant & Bar 18 Wellington Street West. Love the spring!
That’s it for now… thanks for joining me on this little walkabout!
On September 29, 2022, a new park opened to the public – the Dr. Lillian McGregor Park. The park is located at 25 Wellesley Street West and encompasses the lot bounded by Wellesley Street West to the north and Breadalbane Street to the south. Bay Street condos to the west and the condo at 11 Wellesley Street West to the east form the rest of the border.
But who is Dr. Lillian McGregor, you may ask? Dr. Lillian McGregor (1924-2012), hailing from Whitefish River First Nation, was a dedicated nurse and community leader, recognized for her work in promoting indigenous culture and education. She received the City of Toronto Civic Award, the National Aboriginal Achievement Lifetime Award and the Order of Ontario and was the first indigenous woman to be awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Toronto, and was the Universityโs first Elder In Residence.
The park features include pathways, seating, a playground and artwork by Kenneth Lavallee, a Mรฉtis artist from outside of Winnipeg. The artwork in the park recognizes regional Indigenous histories and cultures and honours themes important to Dr. McGregor, including health, spirituality and language.
The art is inspired by Dr. McGregorโs family clan sign (the crane) and by the elements of her childhood home on Birch Island (rock outcrops, water, and reeds). The aim was to envision the Park as a small natural refuge in the midst of downtown Toronto, a home away from home. The artwork is weaved throughout the site and fully integrated with the landscape.
Crane Sculptures
A family of cranes consisting of four separate, bent aluminum sculptures are perched on stone foundations. Each crane depicts a different stage of life according to the Medicine Wheel: Childhood, Youth, Adult and Elder.
Reed Screens
The laser cut aluminum screens are painted a teal shade of green to mimic the tall reeds in which cranes make their home. The placement of the Reed screens is flexible and expandable to cover any structure within the Park.
Feather Canopy
An abstracted feather becomes a canopy over the Wellesley Street entrance, providing shade and protection from the elements. The white feather is made of laser cut powder-coated white aluminum and supported on thick steel tube quills.
Medicine Wheel
In the central gathering space, a mosaic medicine wheel is inlaid into the pavement, at the convergence of the main paths.
Children’s Playground
History
There is a very long and complicated history of this patch of land where the park sits.1
The original plans for the 2.1 acre site worth $75 million back in 1984 was to create a world class opera house. Premier Bill Davisโs Conservative government held a design competition where Moshe Safdie was chosen for the $311 million project. The Opera House Corporation was created to manage the property. Approval was granted in 1988 and the existing buildings on the site were demolished, with plans to begin construction in 1991.
In October 1990, Premier Bob Rae and the NDP were elected. In light of the recession, the province wanted to reduce the project scope. When the Opera House Corporation stood firm, the province pulled their funding. In 1992, the municipal and federal governments withdrew their financial support. The property became known as East of Bay Lands. The property remained mostly vacant, with the exception of being briefly used as a temporary skateboard park. The land adjacent to Bay Street was sold to Morguard who constructed condo buildings Opera House at 887/889 Bay Street in 1998 and Allegro at 909 Bay Street in 2000. A small piece south of Breadalbane Street was designated as green space. East of Bay Park was opened in 2002 as Leaf Gardens, and subsequently renamed Opera Place Park. The balance of the land east of Bay to west of St. Luke Lane became known as 11 Wellesley and reverted back to the province when Morguard didn’t develop it.
In July 2012, Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam made a motion to City Council to purchase the land to be used as a park, but lost out in the competitive bidding process that started in August 2012. Lanterra was the successful bidder with a purchase price of $65 million. In October 2012, Councillor Wong Tam was successful in obtaining monies from the Cityโs Government Management downtown parkland dedication fund for the three Lanterra developments (The Britt, Murano and Burano) in the neighbourhood. Then-Councillor Doug Ford eventually ended up supporting the allocation of funds.
The Cityโs purchase of the land for the park was finalized in 2013, and a ground breaking ceremony was held in June 2015. The condominium building at 11 Wellesley started being built in 2015 and finished construction in 2020. The building of the park began when the building of 11 Wellesley was winding down, with substantial completion in November 2021. The title conveyance to the City of Toronto became complicated with blanket easements with the adjacent properties. The main portion of the park opened September 29, 2022 with the dog park portion scheduled to be open shortly thereafter.
This bronze sculpture entitled Family Group by artist Almuth Lutkenhaus resides in Berczy Park in the St. Lawrence neighbourhood.
The sculpture is a family unit depicting a father, mother and two children. The man and the woman are facing each other and the base of these two figures join to form one solid unit. The small boy is resting against the front of the mother and the girl child is resting against the chest of the father. These children look as if they are secure within the family unit by resting in front of their parents and being enclosed by their bodies and encircled with their arms.
Commissioned in the 1970s by a local historical society, Family Group was at first accepted by the City of Toronto, but subsequently rejected on aesthetic grounds. Controversy ensued, with author Margaret Laurence contributing to the debate by declaring: The work seems to me to be a tender and beautiful tribute to the Berczy family and, by extension, a tribute to the concept of family everywhere. The sculpture was finally installed in 1982 with financial help from the Consumers’ Gas Company.
This sculpture was donated by The Historical Society of Mecklenburg Upper Canada Inc., with the financial assistance of The Consumer’s Gas Limited and The Council of Metropolitan Toronto, in memory of Johann Albrecht Ulrich Moll, better known as William Berczy, born December 10, 1744 in Wallerstein, Germany. He was co-founder of York (Toronto) in 1794 when John Graves Simcoe was Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada. His younger son, Charles Albert Berczy, was the first president of The Consumer’s Gas Company, from 1847 to 1856, and Postmaster of Toronto. His older son, William Bent Berczy, was a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada and, like his father and mother, a gifted painter.
Well, early spring in Toronto could only mean one thing – time for the Cherry Blossoms to pop. This spring I didn’t have the time or fortitude to fight the crowds out at High Park, so I’ve posted my shots from a visit a couple of years ago.
Cherry blossom trees are located in several parks and locations throughout Toronto. There, you can take part in the centuries-old tradition of hanami, the Japanese term for flower viewing. Called Sakura in Japan, these cherry blossom trees bloom in Toronto at the end of April to early May.
History of Cherry Trees in High Park1
1959 โ The Japanese ambassador to Canada, Toru-Hagiwara, presented 2000 Japanese Somei-Yoshino Sakura trees to the citizens of Toronto on behalf of the citizens of Tokyo. The trees were planted in appreciation of Toronto accepting re-located Japanese-Canadians following the Second World War. Many were planted on the hillside overlooking Grenadier Pond.
1984 โ A grove of Japanese cherry trees were planted along a pathway west of the Childrenโs Adventure Playground. The trees were donated by Yoriki and Midori Iwasaki as a special gift to the people of Toronto and a joyful symbol of life.
2001 โ Through the Consulate General of Japan in Torontoโs Sakura Project, 34 Yoshino โAkebonoโ and Kwanzan โFugenzoโ Sakura trees were donated and planted on the east shore of Grenadier Pond near the Maple Leaf garden.
2006 โ Sixteen additional Yoshino Sakura trees were planted near the original 1959 planting site.
2019 โ New trees planted in a special ceremony to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Sakura trees donated to High Park in 1959 by the citizens of Tokyo
The Rosetta McClain Gardens at 5 Glen Everest Road in the east end of Toronto is a beautiful park filled with rose gardens, a rock fountain and a pergola, among many other things. Perched near the top of the Scarborough Bluffs, it also offers fantastic views of Lake Ontario.
A Brief History of the Rosetta McClain Gardens
Thomas McDonald West, owner and operator of J. & J. Taylor Limited, Toronto Safe Works purchased the 16.2 hectare Rumph farm overlooking the Scarborough Bluffs in 1904-1905. He and his wife, Emma, then divided it among their four children, Joseph McDonald, William Needham, Howard Thomas, and Rosetta. Many of the historic landscape improvements enjoyed today were initially undertaken by Rosetta’s husband, Robert Watson McClain, and her brother Joseph McDonald.
Rosetta McClain died in December 1940 and in 1959 her husband donated their property (about 4 hectares) to the city of Toronto in her memory. In 1977, this land was conveyed to the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and combined with portions of the J.M. and H.T. West properties. A further parcel from the W.N. West holdings was added in 1985, creating a 7.5 hectare park.
Shady PergolaThe gazebo – a shady place to restThe shell of an old pine house reminds park visitors that people once farmed this property
A spectacular view from the Scarborough Bluffs…
Lake Ontario, looking westLake Ontario, looking eastHow is it that every time I visit an urban park or garden, I either crash a wedding or model photo shoot?! Here, I encountered hordes of Asian photographers converging on their innocent victim.One last look
History of Rosetta McClain Gardens courtesy of the City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry & Recreation web site.
The Toronto AIDS Memorial, designed by Patrick Fahn, is located in Barbara Hall Park (formerly Cawthra Square Park), on Church Street above Wellesley, next to The 519 Church Street Community Centre in the heart of Torontoโs gay community.
Michael Lynch (1944-1991) – a poet, journalist, professor of English at the University of Toronto and a man who was active in groups such as Gay Fathers of Toronto and the Toronto Centre for Lesbian and Gay Studies โ had the idea to create an AIDS Memorial in Toronto. On Lesbian and Gay Pride Day in 1988 a temporary Memorial in Cawthra Square Park displayed about 200 names. I well remember that temporary Memorial and how moving it was that year.
A committee from the Community Centre, with one member of Toronto City Council added, began deliberations in 1988 and proposed that a permanent AIDS Memorial be created. Patrick Fahn won the competition for the design of the Memorial, and it was completed and dedicated during Pride Week 1993.
Once the permanent Memorial was built, the task of collecting names, arranging for engraving, and upkeep of the Memorial pillars, plaques and lighting, was delegated to The 519 Community Centre by the Committee. Since there are a limited number of panels, the font size was reduced in 1996, and older plaques are re-engraved periodically to create room.
Within a garden, 14 triangular precast concrete pillars, each 2.25 meters high, are placed 1.6 meters apart in a long, very gently rising arc, paralleled by a narrow stone path. A low triangular concrete podium is placed in front of the garden.
As planted trees and shrubs have grown, the Memorial pillars and path have become an increasingly private space. The pillars represent a connection between earth and the spiritual realm. At the foot of each pillar a Precambrian crystalline boulder is placed. Signifying steadfastness in the face of tragedy, the boulders complement the message of hope represented by the pillars.
Engraved on stainless-steel plaques affixed to the pillars are the names of those who have died from AIDS in a given year. There are currently 2700 names in total. Every year during Pride Toronto, names of persons who have died from AIDS that year are read out in a short ceremony, and have their names added to the plaque for that year. If new information comes in, names are also added to the plaques for earlier years. Requests for names to be engraved are accepted from spouses, friends and family members. Each year during June’s Pride Week, a committee representing AIDS Service Organizations presents the AIDS Candlelight Vigil.
AIDS Candlelight Vigil at the AIDS Memorial
The AIDS Memorial has a processional feel. Memorial ceremonies for individuals are held there, and flowers and keepsakes are left to be collected or cleaned up.
In 1995 this poem, by Shoshanna Jey Addley, was appended to the first pillar of the Memorial (photo below). It reads:
Circles of Stone:
To Those Unnamed
We stand at this place; among earth and stone, branch and birch-
In darkness and in light, through sun and storm, rain and trees,
leaves and breezes: Life and Death
Our strength, though withered and sapped, regenerates here.
Each name on each standing stone remarks thousand fold
upon those unremarked from sea to sea; pole to pole.
The earth would quake with the strength of our memories
flood with the loss of our tears, and in tandem; We exist.
How tall these stones have to grow?
How wide? How all-encompassing, how awesome?
To announce this radical interruption of humanity.
These standing stones might sprout like high rises,
watered by lovers left behind.
Further stones planted, the last meets the first; A circle is formed.
Its volume gains inhabitants. Admitting entrance without discrimination.
The world mourns while we embrace the lives and the times,
Whether a name is engraved in steel or sand, in heart or in mind;
In flesh or in form; we will remember.
And mark the day we have no further need for such
Circles of Stone.
The first pillar of the Memorial, containing the poems “Cry” and “Circles of Stone”Fourteen pillars in a gentle arc comprise the MemorialA flower in winter for remembranceMemorial stone of Dr. Edward KamskiLives lost in 1993, one of the worst years of the crisisCurrently the last pillar of the Memorial The deaths in the last few years are very few and far between, and there are no plaques beyond 2021
For me, a visit to the AIDS Memorial is a sombre, sobering experience, and causes me to remember times past. So very many young men lost in their prime; a whole generation wiped out. At least their names and lives will be forever remembered in this dignified Memorial.
This post is 3 parts photo experiment mixed with 1 part TOcityscape. Here I’ve used a special lens to achieve this effect: you’ll either love it or hate it…
The Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens are located at 2901 Yonge Street, on the east side of Yonge below Lawrence Avenue. The park was created in 1933 by public subscription to honour Alexander Muir, who composed the song The Maple Leaf Forever. Landscape architect Edwin Kay designed the park using the maple leaf as a theme.
Garden Dedication
The Gardens were originally located opposite Mount Pleasant Cemetery on Yonge Street, but were moved to its present location in 1951 to make way for construction of the Yonge subway line. The park at its present location was formally dedicated on May 28, 1952. Edwin Kay’s formal, symmetrical design of the original gardens was replicated at the new location.
The Gardens are a favourite location for wedding photographers. There were a couple of wedding parties and photographers onsite the day I visited.
It’s very peaceful here; a great place to unwind and take refuge from the city.
Oh Marvin, I never knew about this park. I was upset about the red canoe being torched. I wish I…