1841 Shoreline Interpretation from Parliament Street to Yonge Street

Discovering the Historic Shoreline of Lake Ontario

The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood is set to become a little more connected to its rich history with an exciting new project focused on the historic shoreline of Lake Ontario. 

About the Project

This initiative includes the installation of around 20 plaques, 10 markers south of Front Street East, as well as two educational plaques along the City’s shoreline as it once existed in 1841. These markers will be strategically placed south of Front Street East, aligning with the modern street grid of the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood. The primary aim is to enhance the visual identity of the heritage and cultural assets within the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood and the St. Lawrence Heritage Conservation District.

This project was initially proposed by the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association. Although it was deemed infeasible during the participatory budgeting process in 2023, my office was happy to financially support this work outside of that process. The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association brought forward this project to Heritage Toronto and worked with them to develop the project. Heritage Toronto will be leading the installation of these plaques.

The project will serve as a vital educational tool for residents and visitors alike to understand where the original shoreline of Lake Ontario lay, specifically between Yonge Street and Parliament Street, now clumsily marked by the anachronistically named Front Street East. This historical perspective is crucial as it connects the community to its past.

Heritage Toronto has $113,419.09 to support this work, which will be funded through community benefits secured from local development projects. In addition, the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association is supporting the project through additional fundraising efforts.

A Draft Plaque that will be installed.

Project ID: PBX-HT-380