St. James-The-Less: Building Upgrades

The Chapel of St. James-the-Less, situated within the grounds of St. James’ Cemetery, is a significant example of Gothic Revival architecture. Designed by the notable architectural firm Cumberland and Storm in 1857, it was designated a National Historic Site in 1990 because of its architectural quality and siting.

The chapel underwent a significant adaptation in 1948 when its basement was converted into a crematorium. Over 70 years later, a multi-disciplinary team led by ERA oversaw equipment upgrades and an expansion of the crematorium to bring it up to modern standards. The project subtly adapted and enlarged the stone chimney and basement, integrating respectfully with the historic building and the surrounding heritage landscape.

Established in 1844, St. James’ Cemetery is one of Toronto’s oldest and serves as a significant cultural landscape, reflecting the many societal changes that have occurred within the City since the mid-19th century.