Our buildings, streets and neighbourhoods help to tell our story as a community. We can help to tell this story by preserving and recognizing Ward 14’s rich local history.
Queen St. East in particular is a focal point of our own history. I initiated a Heritage Study which will identify areas and elements of Queen St. East that should be preserved and cherished. This has resulted in a new batch of buildings added to the Heritage List. It’s vital that new developments respect the heritage elements and overall history of this part of our community.
I’ve also worked with Heritage Toronto and local historical groups to ensure that plaques mark points in our neighbourhood that tell our vibrant history to residents and visitors. In June 2018 the Dundas + Carlaw Heritage Plaque District was launched. Comprising ten plaques and a self-guided tour, it is the city’s first Heritage Plaque District. You can find the digital version of the self-guided tour online at: https://exploredundascarlaw.heritagetoronto.org/index.html
Learn more about Heritage Toronto at https://www.heritagetoronto.org/.
I also work closely with our local historical groups. These groups help to build an understanding of the value of our heritage and are great ways to get involved in heritage preservation in Toronto-Danforth.
East End Historical Groups
The Riverdale Historical Society was established in 1999 by a group of local residents who adopted the mandate of discovering, interpreting and preserving the heritage of their particular community within the wider City of Toronto.
Leslieville Historical Society
The Leslieville Historical Society aims to be the hub for Leslieville’s diverse histories, engaging local residents and beyond through the research, planning and implementation of relevant outreach and advocacy projects. By providing a strong voice for local heritage, we will enrich the public’s connection with the past, present and future of this important part of Toronto.
The East York Historical Society was formed in 1980 and incorporated in 1981 as a non-profit corporation affiliated with the Ontario Historical Society to bring together people interested in the diverse heritage of East York, to research, retain, preserve, and present historical data pertaining to the region. We are trying to increase awareness of our heritage and involve new people in our community.
