Architecture of Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and the provincial capital of Ontario. It is often described as the world’s most multicultural city, with more than half its population having immigrated from other countries. Its population is 2,481,494 (2003 Statistics Canada estimate); that of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is 5,600,000 (2003). Approximately one-third of the Canadian population lives within a five-hour drive of Toronto, and about one-sixth of all Canadian jobs lie within the city limits. The GTA extends beyond the city boundaries and includes the regional municipalities of Halton, Peel, York and Durham.

1844 – Osgoode Hall, Toronto, Ontario

Architect: John Ewart / Henry Bower Lane / Frederick Cumberland & William G. Storm

The original two and a half storey building was started in 1829 and finished in 1832 from a design by John Ewart and W.

1844 – St. James’ Cathedral, Toronto, Ontario

Architect: Frederick Cumberland

The Cathedral Church of St. James in Toronto is the oldest congregation in the city. Established in 1797,

1845 – Former Commercial Bank of Midland, Toronto, Ontario

Architect: William Thomas

Dismantled, moved from its original site, and reassembled to front a modern office building placed in the weird surroundings of Santiago Calatrava’s Galleria at BCE Place.

1847 – Holy Trinity Church, Toronto, Ontario

Architect: Henry Bower Lane

The Church of the Holy Trinity opened in 1847 following the gift of an anonymous donor (later revealed as Mary Lambert Swale of Settle,

1850 – St Lawrence Hall, Toronto, Ontario

Architect: William Thomas

St. Lawrence Hall is a meeting hall in Toronto, Canada next to the St. Lawrence Market.

1853 – 10 Toronto Street, Toronto, Ontario

Architect: Frederick Cumberland

In the mid 19th century with Toronto growing rapidly a new more modern post office was needed as the 6th Post Office (1845-1852) on Wellington just west of Leader Lane was getting overcrowded.

1858 – Design for St. Paul’s Church, Yorkville, Toronto

Architect: G.K. & E. Radford

Successful entrant in architectural competition to design a new Anglican church. Designed by brothers Edward and George Kent Radford,

1870 – Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Toronto, Ontario

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (formerly St. Patrick Church) is the 5th oldest Catholic Church in the city of Toronto.

1873 – Post Office, Adelaide St., Toronto

Architect: Henry Langley

Designed by Henry Langley, the architect reponsible for a large collection of city churches, and built between 1869 and 1873,

1873 – St Andrews Manse, Toronto, Ontario

A fine house next to St Andrews Presbyterian Church in a colonial style with a nice steep mansard roof, detailed dormer windows and rooftop decorative railing.