Monday, December 19, 2011

Crescent Point Subdivision - 1910


Crescent Point Subdivision - Toronto World - July 31, 1910

White and Company Real Estate launched their Mimico Crescent Point subdivision in 1910.  The land has a long history.  

Purchased from the Mississauga nation as part of the Toronto Purchase in 1797, the property became part of Lot B, Range D Concession on Lake Ontario.  This lot, along with the much smaller Lot A was granted by the Crown to Robert Gray on April 24, 1811.  In 1824 these lands were seized by Samuel Ridout, Sheriff as part of a judgement against Robert Gray and sold to John Brown.  In turn, John Brown passed the land on to Mary (Brown) Arthurs, his daughter, upon his death in 1835 and she sold them to a member of her family.  The lands remained in the family for the next 39 years until they were purchased by Francis Hendry in 1874.

With the founding of the adjacent community of New Toronto in 1890 by the Mimico Real Estate Security Company, area land was in demand for residential development.  William Pinkerton purchased the Hendry lands for $38,000 (approximately $750,000 today), paying a portion of the transaction in cash, with Hendry holding the remainder as a mortgage.  He registered Plan 1056 for the area in 1890, then registered it again as Plan M 161 in 1891.  However, with the severe depression that hit the economy in the mid 1890s Pinkerton was unable to keep up with the mortgage payments and the lands were taken back by the Hendry family.

In 1910 Hendry sold the lands to Joseph McNabb for $45,000 (approximately $900,000 today).  McNabb registered his Crescent Point plan about a week later and launched the new subdivision at the end of the month.  His marketing plan was one of exclusivity and prestige, with statements like "It is the first high-class district west of High Park", and photos of a few of the "high-class homes in the District".  Photos appearing in the large advertisement in the Toronto World included:  Lynne Lodge (Fetherstonhaugh Estate), as well as the Hunter and Ormsby Estates.

In order to control the type of development that took place on the large waterfront lots, which were the showcase of the development concept, McNabb registered a covenant on title.  The covenant, which was to last for a period of 20 years from the registration of the plan, stipulated that "no trade, business or manufacture" was to be permitted in the area.  In addition, all homes had to be at least 50 feet from the street, no closer than 3 feet from the side lot line and cost a minimum of $ 4,500.  Lands in the rest of the subdivision also contained restrictions for homes ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 each.

Today homes in Crescent Point remain highly desirable.  The area is well known for its narrow streets, grassed boulevards and tall trees.  It would make a perfect Heritage Conservation District.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Mimico Building Scandal - Judicial Inquiry 1961

Report of His Honour Judge J. Ambrose Shea
Cover Page

In 1961 a Judicial Inquiry was called to examine the issuance of building permits and the enforcement of municipal by-laws after many examples of non-compliance were pointed out by various citizens.  The findings of the Judicial Inquiry go a long way to explaining why Mimico looks the way it does today, especially the wall of apartments along the waterfront.

The Beginning:
It began with a series of articles in the Toronto Star by Pierre Berton in May 1961.  The first article was entitled “What’s Wrong in Mimico:  The Strange Case of Mrs. Jackson”, which laid bare the obstacles that had been placed in the way of Mrs. Jackson obtaining a building permit so that she could sell her lakefront land which was now surrounded by apartment blocks on all sides. 

The article went on to outline what appeared to be troubling issues with the granting of building permits, and the conformity of finished buildings to the requirements in the permits within the Town of Mimico.  In discussing the apartment built at 1 Superior Avenue, and the violations of the building permit issued for its construction, the article concluded that:  “In short, the largest possible building has been squeezed on to the smallest piece of land.  This may sound like a horrible example, but there are worse ones.  If you’re one of a group of favored builders apparently you can almost get away with murder in Mimico.  But if you are an elderly lady named Martha Jackson then you’ve got to toe the line.

As the pressure continued to build, the Toronto Star continued its coverage of the topic with two other articles by Pierre Berton, in addition to editorials.  As a result, Mimico Council passed a resolution on May 29, 1961 to ask Judge J.A. Shea of the County Court of the County of York to investigate further.

The Judicial Inquiry:
The Judicial Inquiry began at John English School in Mimico on July 17, 1961 and testimony wrapped up on August 8, 1961.  There was a total of 15 days of hearings which heard from 46 witnesses.  The inquiry was called to examine a number of issues but the two main ones were:
  • the erection of buildings in the Town of Mimico, and the administration and enforcement of the restricted area and building By-laws in relation thereto, during the period from the 14th day of May 1953.” 
  • the sale, during the period from the 14th day of May, 1953, of any land owned by the Town of Mimico.
Following final arguments made by the lawyers at Toronto City Hall on September 22 and October 18, 1961, Judge Shea then began his consideration of the evidence and began drafting his report.  

Judge Shea's Report:
The report was issued on February 5, 1962 and made for very interesting reading.

It illuminated what can only be described as a dysfunctional municipal government that was lackadaisical and unprofessional in its management of the municipality, and the animosity of the various factions within the town.

In commenting on the witnesses that testified, under oath, before him Judge Shea commented:  “This investigation was handicapped to a very material extent by the fact that much of the evidence given could not be believed.  One is prepared to hear evidence that is coloured, distorted or exaggerated, but the evidence of this hearing was filled with half truths, concealment of facts, and untruths.”  He went on further:  “Feeling was high between the different factions, if not bitter, and witnesses seemed to be actuated by self-interest, or antagonism to others, or a desire at all costs to further the interests of the side they were supporting.

On the main issue of the erection of buildings in the town from 1953 to the present (1961) Judge Shea wrote:  “My conclusion is that very deplorable conditions existed in Mimico from 1950 to 1960.  These conditions began more or less innocently, if one could use such a word in connection with the breaking of any law, even By-laws.  At least they began without any intention on the part of members of Council or officials of any wrong doing.  The situation at the beginning could be described in a few words:  

1.  The financial condition of the Town of Mimico was very bad;  

2.  There was plenty of available vacant land; 

3.  There was no possibility of industrial development; 

4.  The only hope of increased assessment, with the consequent betterment of the financial situation, was in building of apartments and multiple family dwellings; 

5.  The attitude of Council, Building Inspectors, and others having to do with such matters, appears to have been that construction must be encouraged and that what appeared to be unnecessary obstructions and restrictions should not be put in the way of builders.  For example, if a building was built, or was in the course of construction, and it should have been obvious that it was constructed in violation of a By-law, and if the violation was not, in the opinion of those concerned, a serious one, nothing was done about it.” 

Judge Shea went on further:  “Some of the violations were apparently insignificant and unimportant at the beginning, but from these small beginnings of violations of the By-laws, the builders, real estate men, and the speculators took over.  They took complete charge, and if they were not encouraged, they were certainly not interfered with or impeded, to any appreciable extent, by members of Council or officials.

When, as I have said, the builders took over, the violations of the By-laws became more flagrant and obvious.  In my opinion the builders made no attempt whatever to conform with the Building By-laws and there was practically no supervision or interference by anyone.” 

My conclusion is that a great many buildings were constructed contrary to the provisions of the existing By-laws; that these violations were known, or should have been known, to members of Council and the Building Inspector, in such a small municipality as Mimico.  As one witness said: ‘everybody knew what was going on in Mimico.

On the issue of land sales Judge Shea stated:  “My conclusion is that the lands taken by the Town of Mimico for unpaid taxes were sold in a very unbusinesslike and improvident manner.  They were not sold in the way a private owner would have sold them.  There was no sale sign on the property, no advertisements, no independent appraisals or valuations, and tenders were not called for.  There is no evidence that any land was sold at a lower price that it should have been sold for, or in other words, that a higher price could have been obtained.  There was nothing to indicate any malfeasance or unfair dealings by any member of the Council, or any employees, and nothing to indicate any favouritism, but that system of dealing with municipal property is open to very severe criticism.  The transactions indicated a lack of knowledge or appreciation, or of indifference and apathy, on the part of members of Council and officials as to their duties and responsibilities.” 

He made particular mention of several of the witnesses in his report.

In regard to Mr. Lionel James Ferrie, who had been associated with the Town of Mimico since 1923, and was at the time a member of Council and Chairman of the Property Committee, Judge Shea stated that:  “I find no evidence whatever of any malfeasance, misconduct or breach of trust on the part of Mr. Ferrie.  There was no direct evidence of any misconduct on his part, but there were suggestions, hints and innuendoes.  I find these wholly without any basis in fact.  However, one cannot but come to the conclusion that some of his actions were arbitrary, dictatorial, ill-advised, and unbecoming of an official of a municipality.

On Mr. Jack Book, who was employed by the Town as Building Inspector, Health Inspector, Plumbing and Drain Inspector, and Weed Inspector, Judge Shea stated:  “I find that on at least two occasions he deliberately gave false evidence and on many occasions gave evidence that was intended to mislead.  My conclusion is that I could not rely on Mr. Book’s evidence.”  On Mr. Book’s role as a town official, particularly in his role as the building inspector during the time of the many violations of the building by-laws Judge Shea stated:  “Over all this was the despotic, unrestricted and unsupervised powers of Mr. Jack Book, the Building Inspector….Mr. Book was given far too much authority and he was without proper assistance, guidance, or supervision by members of Council. He appeared to take sides with that part of the municipality who thought the more apartment buildings and multiple family dwellings were erected, the better.  In addition to that Mr. Book began to take sides with the applicants.  He began to play favourites.  He made it simple for some applicants to obtain permits and difficult, if not impossible, for other applicants to obtain permits.  There is no doubt in my mind he used his power to issue permits to his own advantage, in a small way.  The issue of a building permit was a very decisive factor in the value of land.  Once a permit for construction was issued the value of the land increased very materially, depending on the number of units to be constructed.  Applications, and even permits, were altered in Mr. Book’s office.  Numbers were struck out and changed apparently at the whim of Mr. Book, to satisfy the applicants.  The situation reached such a stage that Mr. Book had unlimited and arbitrary power over the issuing of permits.  Mr. Book reaped some material advantage from this power, but in my opinion it was insignificant." 

In regards to Mr. Walton, who was the leaseholder on the Rex Theatre that was shut down by Mr. Book, for reasons of public health, and who accused Mr. Book of seeking a bribe to keep the theatre open, Judge Shea stated that “The evidence of Mr. Walton was equally unreliable.  He seemed to be very bitter toward Mr. Book, and antagonistic to the authorities of the Town of Mimico.  My conclusion is that on many occasions he deliberately gave false evidence in an attempt to injure Mr. Book and to cause embarrassment and trouble to other officials and to members of Council.  It should be said in his favour that he seemed to have an honest belief that things were not right in Mimico.  He seemed obsessed with the desire to bring about improvements, and in so doing to bring credit to himself.  He spent months without expectation of any remuneration or material advantages in making investigations and obtaining material for this hearing.  It was unfortunate that because of his bitterness and his desire for vengeance, he considered it necessary to give evidence that could not be accepted and was not reliable.

The Fallout:
In the following municipal elections of December 1962 three of the sitting Mimico councillors were defeated.  These included Councillors Lionel Ferrie, Alex Halliwell and D.M. Smith who had all been urged to resign by other members of council following the release of Judge Shea’s report in February 1962.   The only person to be criminally charged and convicted was Mr. Jack Book.  However it was not for his activities as a town official but for lying to Judge Shea during the inquiry in relation to gifts from local builders and real estate men.  In March 1962 Book was sentenced to two months in prison for perjury.

The Lasting Impact:
Today Mimico continues to live with the repercussions of the  overbuilding that took place between 1950 and 1960.  The primary example of this is many of the apartment buildings built on the former Mimico Beach estates along the waterfront, and the multiple dwelling units (triplexes, sixplexes, eightplexes and apartments) on many lots within the single family residential areas of the former town. 

It is ironic that we are now being told by the consultants and planners of the City of Toronto that the solution to this overbuilding along the waterfront is higher intensification (i.e. more and taller buildings) as part of the development of the Mimico 2020 Revitalization Action Plan currently in process.  Even though the planning process is still ongoing the owners of the Amedeo Garden Court apartment complex have already submitted a redevelopment application to the city.

The preliminary Toronto Planning Department Report on the application proceeded to Etobicoke-York Community Council on September 12, 2011 and was adopted.  It provides a preliminary look at the application and projected next steps.

The Planning Staff report provides a summary of the development application as follows:

  • full replacement of all existing 396 rental housing units within 2 new 8 to 10 storey buildings;
  • 1,579 new condominium units over 3 to 5 storey base buildings and 6 new 20 to 44 storey buildings with a proposed Gross Floor Area of 165,412 square metres (i.e. amount of floor space they can build on the site);
  • extensive underground parking facilities for 1845 spaces;
  • a new public roadway system;
  • extension of public parkland and waterfront access; and,
  • devising an appropriate approach to the site’s identified heritage features (though none of the features appear on the site plan they submitted with their application).
Is history about to repeat itself?  Will the rejuvenation of Mimico be led by the city for the benefit of the local citizens or will the  developers take control of the process?

The city can make it clear that they will be in charge of this process by passing an interim control by-law over the Mimico 2020 area.  This would freeze development for a one year period so that they can continue to work on the plan, in collaboration with the community, without the distraction of having to respond to (or be led by/or perceived to be led by) a major redevelopment application.  

If you would like a copy of Judge Shea’s report please email me at mimicohistory at hotmail.com.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Charles Millar House - 41 Primrose Avenue

Charles Millar House - 41 Primrose Avenue
© Michael Harrison 2011

This large house was built in 1923 for Charles Millar, Manager of the Ontario Sewer Pipe & Clay Industries Ltd.  In the October 3, 1923 edition of The Contract Record and Engineering Review, it was described as a "handsome residence" built by Mr. J McGonegal, of 56 Jackman Avenue, Toronto. 

The article went on further:

"The house is of red pressed brick construction on the first floor, with stucco on hollow tile above.  The roomy verandah at the front is laid with a red quarry tile floor and handsomely trimmed with wood lattice painted white."

"Entrance is direct on a large living room the full width of the house... The main staircase on the right is in ash to match the balance of the trim and is one of the features of this room.  A large brick mantle is located in the left side wall... The kitchen, breakfast room and dining room arrangement is compact and convenient in this layout.  A separate entrance services this section of the house.  The floors are oak throughout."

"The upstairs layout combines four large bedrooms, sunroom and bathroom, with a minimum of hall space.  The flooring is of oak, and the trim ash, as downstairs, with the exception of the bathroom, which has tile floors and walls to a height of 4 ft."

"The basement is divided into laundry, fruit cellar and boiler room.  Heat is supplied by a Spencer heater."

Charles was the son of Archibald and Margaret Millar and born in 1865.  On March 9, 1893 he was married to Victoria Whytock, daughter of James and Jane Whytock.  They would go on to have three children:  Edna (b. 1894); Margaret (b. 1895); and, Charles (b. 1905).  A daughter Agnes was stillborn in 1906.  

In 1929 the Ontario Sewer Pipe Company was sold to other interests and so Charles took his expertise and became involved in the organization of a new company, Ontario Vitrified Products Limited in nearby Humber Bay.  In 1930 the company obtained approval from Etobicoke Council for a fixed assessment of $25,000 for a period of ten years.   This was approved by a ratepayer vote in May with 280 in favour and 22 opposed.  

I need to do further research to see how long the family lived in the home but when Charles died in 1948 he was living in Toronto.  He is buried in Park Lawn Cemetery.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Dr William Woods House - 41 Superior Avenue

Dr William Woods House - 41 Superior Avenue
© Michael Harrison 2011

This large home was built for Dr. William Woods in 1910 to plans by the renowned architect William G. Rantoul which appeared in the July 1905 Ladies Home Journal; and adapted by  James Layrock Havill, a Toronto architect.


Dr. William Woods House - Goad Fire Insurance Plan for Mimico and New Toronto 1913
courtesy Library and Archives Canada  

William Woods was born in 1879 the son of Patrick Woods and Grace Stock (daughter of Edward Stock).  Patrick was born in Ireland in 1844 and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1850.  He married Grace Stock in 1872.  The family lived on Church Street (Royal York Road) in Mimico.  Patrick and his son Patrick had a butcher shop there, while his son William operated his dental practice from their home.  In the 1901 census William reported earnings of $350 a year.

Dr. William Woods married Dawn Tout in 1904 and the couple moved into their new home probably in early 1911.  By 1911 they had three daughters:  Josephine (b. 1905), Grace (b. 1906) and Georgina (b. 1910).

Dr Woods had a long involvement with the education sector in Mimico including being a member of the Public School Board, the High School Board and the Separate School Board.  He also added architecture to his list of accomplishments when he designed St. Leo's Separate School in 1926 - Mimico's first Roman Catholic School.   It was based on the design of Dixie Public School in Toronto Township (present day City of Mississauga) near the corner of Dixie Road and Dundas Street.   Viewing the building, which still exists, the remarkable similarity is quite evident.  St Leo's Catholic School was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act by the City of Toronto in 2020.  The staff report can be found here.

Descendants of the family lived in the house for over 100 years before its sale to new owners in 2011 who have lovingly restored it to its original glory.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Union Bank of Canada - Mimico Branch - 34 Cavell Avenue

34 Cavell Avenue - Union Bank of Canada - Mimico Branch 
© Michael Harrison 2011

The Union Bank of Canada established its Mimico Branch on Southampton Avenue (present day Cavell Avenue) circa 1910 with L. Ross Ferguson as Manager.

  Union Bank of Canada - 1913 Goad Fire Insurance Plan for Mimico and New Toronto
courtesy of Library and Archives Canada

It remained in this location until about 1916 when the branch was moved to the south side of the Lake Shore Road opposite Mimico Avenue.

The home must have been converted to a residential use at this time and has remained so ever since.

The Union Bank of Canada merged with the Royal Bank of Canada in 1925.

Alfred Baker House - 58 Wheatfield Road - SAVED

Alfred Baker House - 58 Wheatfield Road
© Michael Harrison 2011

The large home at 58 Wheatfield Road (originally Robert Street) was built in 1908 for Alfred Baker.

Alfred Baker was born in Stratford, Ontario on July 13, 1877.  He was the son of Ichabod Baker, a civil engineer with the Grand Trunk Railway and Carrie Matilda Smith.  He apprenticed with the architect Harry J Powell in Stratford in the late 1890s.  

The family later moved to Toronto and was living at 106 Cowan Avenue in Parkdale when the census taker came knocking in 1901.  By then Alfred was working as an architect for Samuel Hamilton Townsend's architectural firm at 15 Gerard Street East in Toronto.  When Townsend retired in 1930 Alfred led the firm.

In 1905 he married Isabel Sanderson of Stratford and they had at least four children:  Alfred (though he went by his middle name Sanderson) (b. 1906), Isabel (b. 1909), Douglas (b. c. 1918) and Catherine (b. c 1920).

Alfred Baker bought vacant lot 215, Plan M134 on May 27, 1907 from Robert Hendry for $300.  He then built the house and his family moved to Mimico in 1908.  Alfred Baker most likely designed his new home as it seems to have a more refined look than something designed by a builder alone.  His employer Samuel Hamilton Townsend, Architect lent him $2,000 for the construction of the house which Baker paid off in October 1918.  

The family lived in their Mimico home for many years.  Alfred died in 1956 and was buried in Park Lawn Cemetery.  His widow Isabel continued to live in the house until her death and then their son Alfred Baker lived in the house until he died in 1962 when it was sold to the Moher family.

The property has been "listed" but not yet designated, under the Ontario Heritage Act, on the City of Toronto Heritage Inventory since 1998.

UPDATE - February 26, 2019

A demolition permit was filed for the house last week.  Since the building is listed under the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Preservation Services at the City of Toronto became aware and proceeded to research the house to see if it merits designation under the Ontario Heritage Act in order to protect it and preserve it for the future.  Staff determined that the building should be designated under the Act.  A staff report recommending the city declare its intent to designate it is proceeding to the Toronto Preservation Board meeting of February 27, 2019 for consideration.

UPDATE - February 27, 2019

The recommendation for the City of Toronto to declare its intent to designate the Alfred Baker House under the Ontario Heritage Act was adopted by the Toronto Preservation Board on February 27, 2019.  The recommendation now proceeds to the Etobicoke-York Community Council meeting on March 19, 2019 for consideration.

UPDATE - March 19, 2019

The recommendation for the City of Toronto to declare its intent to designate the Alfred Baker House under the Ontario Heritage Act was adopted by Etobicoke-York Community Council on March 19, 2019.   The recommendation now proceeds to the City Council meeting of March 27, 2019 for confirmation.

UPDATE - March 27, 2019

The recommendation for the City of Toronto to declare its intent to designate the Alfred Baker House under the Ontario Heritage Act was adopted by Toronto City Council today.  Pending any appeal which would be heard by the Conservation Review Board, city staff will bring forward the necessary bylaws in order to designate the property under the Ontario Heritage Act and register this on Title, in order to ensure that the property is protected and preserved for the future.

UPDATE - May 13, 2019

The timeframe to appeal the decision of Toronto City Council to the Conservation Review Board expired on May 8, 2019.  No appeal was received and as a result Heritage Preservation Services will proceed in the next month or two to Toronto City Council with the necessary bylaws and bills in order to formally designate the property under the Ontario Heritage Act and register that on title.

The property has been sold.  The following notice appeared on the realtor's website:

A HERITAGE HOME IN THE HEART OF THE MIMICO TRIANGLE

58 Wheatfield Road was built in 1908 by Alfred Baker, a local architect, for his family.  When he passed in 1956, his widow continued to live there, followed by his son, until his death in 1962.  It is a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home in the heart of the Mimico Triangle on a very large 50′ x 124′ lot.  The home boasts the original hardwoods on the second floor and more recently renovated bathrooms on the second floor.  The gardens will appeal to any landscape enthusiast-full of peonies in the spring and many, many others throughout the summer. As of late March, 2019, this home is now designated a Heritage Home by the Ontario Heritage Act.


NOTE: This home was purchased prior to going to MLS and as such, we did not even have our professional photography and videography completed.

The fact that it was sold even before being listed on MLS indicates the attractiveness and desirability of such a fine historic heritage home.