Thistletown (NEW!) – SATURDAY, JUNE 27 @ 1:30 PM
In the 1800s, the area around Albion Road and Islington Ave was the site of a farming village called Thistletown. Discover the gems of an earlier time – 19th century farm buildings, early 20th century country homes, the first public park in Etobicoke and Toronto’s last working farm – that lie hidden amongst the suburbs and strip malls of North Etobicoke.
Honourary Host: Councillor Susan Hall
Leader: Joanna Twitchin
Start Point: Thistletown Multi-Service Centre, 925 Albion Road, Albion Road and Riverdale Drive
Finish Point: Anga’s Farm and Nursery, 89 Bankfield Dr., north of Albion Rd and Bankfield Dr
Length: Approx. 1 ½ to 2 hours
Walk Difficulty: sidewalks, several hills
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Winchester Street and the Necropolis – SATURDAY, JUNE 27 @ 1:30 PM
Explore a special corner of Cabbagetown, a well-preserved 19th century suburb, on this tour of the Necropolis, one of Toronto’s oldest cemeteries. Visit the final resting place of famous Canadians such as William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto’s controversial first Mayor; George Brown, a Father of Confederation; and Thornton Blackburn, who started the first cab company in Toronto, after escaping from slavery in the U.S.
Leader: Cabbagetown Preservation Association
Start Point: Northeast corner of Parliament and Winchester Streets
Finish Point: Toronto Necropolis Cemetery, Winchester and Sumach Streets
Length: Approx. 1 ½ hours
Walk Difficulty: some rough ground, slopes, average walk on sidewalks and paved paths
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CANCELLED (due to strike): In the Footsteeps of the Taylors – SUNDAY, JUNE 28 @ 1:30 PM
The Taylor family acquired property in Todmorden in the 1850s. With the establishment of the Don Valley Brick Works in the 1870s, they became one of the wealthiest families in Toronto. Explore their contribution to the urban development of East York.
Leader: Todmorden Mills Museum
Start Point: Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre, 67 Pottery Rd (down the hill from Broadview and Mortimer Avenues). Meet inside the Papermill.
Finish Point: Near O’Connor Dr and Pape Ave
Length: Approx. 1 ½ hours
Walk Difficulty: some stairs, hills and rough ground
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Spacing is pleased to be the promoting sponsor of the Heritage Toronto walking tours. All walks are free, and no reservations are required.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons from the Toronto Archives (fonds 1244, item 520)
