Interpretations, Studies & Strategies

Toronto Island represents one of Toronto’s most important cultural heritage landscapes. Throughout its history the Island has played many roles in the social, economic, and cultural development of Toronto. From residences and resorts, to public parklands and military service, the nature of Toronto Island’s character lies in a history of diverse uses. ERA worked with...

ERA was the heritage consultant for the Heritage District Study of a north Toronto street, testing the use of the Ontario Heritage Act to encourage the conservation of neighbourhoods.

Inspired by the City Beautiful Movement, Harton Walker’s 1908 North Rosedale subdivision plan created a neighbourhood of sweeping, tree-lined streets. North Rosedale’s secluded park setting became popular among the City’s elite and came to be the site of homes designed by such distinguished Toronto architects as Eden Smith, John Lyle and Alfred Chapman. ERA served...

This building, the former headquarters of Massey-Harris Tractors, the once massive farm implement manufacturing empire, is the last remaining structure of the vast factory complex that existed in west end Toronto. E.J. Lennox designed the original building in 1883 and there were additions by George Miller in 1898 and 1912. The property is designated under...

Cultural facilities are a tangible representation of Toronto’s past, present and future potential to serve the cultural needs of diverse communities. In the downtown, cultural facilities such as theatres, galleries, museums, cinemas and outdoor stages have redefined and re-energized districts such as the Entertainment District along King Street or gallery districts along Spadina Avenue and...

This publication was created with the goal of providing a snapshot of housing types and issues in Toronto in conjunction with the Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada (SSAC) conference “Fresh Perspectives on Housing” (June 7-10, 2000). East/West: A Guide to Where People Live in Downtown Toronto does not attempt to include all...

Lowertown was first laid out by Colonel By in connection with the construction of the Rideau Canal in the 1820s. Lowertown was shaped by French-Canadian and Irish immigrants that settled in the area. This population and its relationship to the surrounding urban landscape played a large role in the development of the area’s historic urban...