Heritage Toronto Moment: Government House

Urban Toronto has partnered with Heritage Toronto to capture a moment in Toronto's past. On a weekly basis, we highlight historic photos of the city's people, places and events, and tell the stories behind them.

There's no doubt how much has changed in the City of Toronto over the past 100 years physically, socially, culturally or otherwise.

This photograph, taken in 1912, offers a window into the times. It depicts Government House, a stately structure that was the home of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. Government House was located on the southwest corner of Simcoe and King Streets, an important intersection that was often referred to as “Legislation, Education, Damnation and Salvation!”


Heritage Toronto Moment: Government House

Throughout the history of the province, there have been numerous homes for the Lieutenant Governor. Built between 1866-1870, this new residence of the Lieutenant Governor became a showpiece for the area. It was designed by Gundry and Langley featuring a picturesque tower, sloped mansard roof, as well as dormer windows. It was built in red brick and Ohio Limestone in what the architect Henry Langley called “in the modern French style of architecture which has been adopted largely in American cities and is rapidly getting into favour in England.”

In the far right of this aerial view facing Simcoe Street can be seen the carriage porch, a feature of domestic architecture that by 1912 would soon be phased out with the advent of the automobile. On the south side of the structure is an elaborate façade above which was the state bedroom suite on the second floor that looked out onto carefully manicured grounds. Further to the left is a greenhouse. Inside Government House were numerous spaces including a dining room, reception room, business office, drawing room, guest suite, and morning room.

By the turn of the 20th century the King and Simcoe area was much changed and a new location for Government House was being sought. In 1912, the building was extensively photographed prior to its demolition, including the exterior seen here.

Many years after Government House was demolished, Roy Thomson Hall was built on the site.

Many thanks to both Gary Switzer of MOD Developments and Maya Bilbao for putting together the photos and research.