Garrison Creek

The Discovery Walk sign pictured here says:

"You are standing on what was once the edge of an extensive ravine system containing one of the largest creeks running through central Toronto"

This blog, then, is about Garrison Creek...so named because it flows all the way south from here to the lake and passes by the garrisons that are located at Fort York.

Once famous for its Salmon fishing, the City buried the creek just south of Bloor Street, in an underground sewer system.

You can follow the Discovery Walk way finders across Bloor Street to Bickford Park and over to Harbord Street, where you will find the remnants of the bridge that was built for access across Garrison Creek.

This is a copy of a photo from the Toronto Archives, that shows the original bridge being built in 1910.

 

After crossing Harbord Street and traversing Harbord Park, you will find yourself behind the Montrose Public School.

Here you can see how the ravine has shaped the landscape of the streets.

Gum Drop!

This is a disposal for gum thats attached to a building on King Street East near Jarvis.

Look closely, and you will see that someone has put their gum at the end of the arrow, instead of in the container.

Murdoch's Toronto

Yesterday, Heritage Toronto conducted a fictional walking tour of Murdoch's Toronto.
We were lead by the creator and author of Murdoch Mysteries, Maureen Jennings. Our tour began at the corner of Jarvis and Gerrard Streets; and moved to Allan Gardens. 


 
Here, Ms Jennings spoke about the prejudices and mistrust that people had for those of different faiths, here in Victorian Toronto.
She told us of the churchgoers who would "take air" in Allan Gardens after the church services on Sunday.
Back then this park was known as the Horticultural Gardens.


We (almost 200) then moved over to Ontario Street, just south of Gerrard, where she told us how she came to decide where William Murdoch would take his lodgings.
Here we have 222 Ontario Street, which is attached to two other similar houses and happen to share the same attic.

One episode of Murdoch Mysteries deals with this aspect of the houses when someone tries to drug our hero cop.

We created quite a stir in the neighbourhood as we walked down the street and took pictures of the well-kept homes.

We then followed our guide over to Parliament Street and south to Queen, where the John O'Neill Hotel once stood.
It was renamed the Rupert Hotel, but burnt to the ground in 1989.
This plaque commemorates those who lost their lives in the fire.

Further south, we stopped at St. Paul's Basilica on Power Street and Ms. Jennings talked about the House of Providence that once stood nearby.
It was demolished in 1962 to make way for the Richmond Street exit ramp of the Don Valley Parkway. The sisters (of Providence) and the residents moved to a facility in Scarborough (St. Clair and Warden).

We walked east along Queen Street to the former Dominion Brewery building.

Built in 1878, it was one of many breweries established in "Corktown".
Thank you, Maureen for a wonderful afternoon and an informative tour of Murdoch's Toronto.

Liam's second Birthday

Liam's 2nd Natal Celebratory Day

I guess the title says it all.............


The Cake......


Steve and Nico

Lucy

Nico

Lucy and Adam

Liam

Eating Cake....

Opening presents.

A tour of Toronto's Harbour

Last Thursday my friends and I boarded the Empress of Canada for a three hour tour of Toronto harbour. It was sponsored by a few bars in "The Village"

I was able to capture some pretty good pictures of the shoreline.....



The yacht club....


The lagoon....


And once the sun set in the west, a really good night shot of the city.

Not bad for a little point & shoot camera, eh?