The Oldest Toronto Buildings

Toronto is considered a new city filled with modern and glass buildings, and maybe we can’t find the oldest Medieval cathedrals or ancient castles.

However, you can still find many old buildings in this city from the late 1700s and early 1800s. So, if you are interested in finding out about historic buildings, make sure to take a look at this article.

The top 9 of the oldest Toronto Buildings are introduced below.

You might be wondering if you can think of buying one of these old buildings. If it is true about you, make sure to contact a Toronto real estate agent to help you through this process.

Let’s take a look at the oldest buildings that can be found in Toronto.

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Scadding Cabin

Address: Alberta Circle, Toronto, ON

Built in 1794, Scadding Cabin is a little log cabin and is number 1 among the oldest Toronto buildings. The cabin was built by John Scadding, who was a British immigrant.

When the building was built, it was on the east side of Don River near Queen Street on a 250-acre property. This historic site moved to its current location in 1879.

There are many other old cabins as well, such as John Cox Cottage, built in 1807. In fact, it is the oldest known home in Toronto, which is still a residence.

Gibraltar Point Lighthouse

Address: Toronto Islands, Toronto, ON

Gibraltar Point Lighthouse is one of the oldest buildings in Toronto and the oldest lighthouse in the Great Lakes.

This lighthouse was first hunted by the first keeper John Paul Radelmüller. This person was murdered in 1815. The question that still is unsolved is who murdered him and why?!

Fort York Buildings

Address: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON

The original Fort York Building was destroyed in the Battle of Fort York by the American army in 1793. However, it was rebuilt as a military hospital in 1812. Interestingly, many of the buildings in Fort York still exist. These buildings include Brickhouse #1, the brick officers barracks and mess room, as well as stone powder magazine and brick magazine. Brickhouse #1 was built in 1813, but the other mentioned buildings were built in 1815.

Read more: Fort York Neighbourhood

Daniel Stong Longhouse

Address: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto, ON

Built by Daniel Stong and Elizabeth Fisher Stong in 1816, Daniel Stong Longhouse is the oldest building in Black Creek Pioneer Village and one of the oldest Toronto buildings.

The builders lived here with their families until 1832. Then the building was used for poultry and storage.

The Grange

Address: 17 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON

As a famous part of the Art Gallery of Ontario, The Grange is a historic building in downtown Toronto, built in 1817.

The building was first for D’Arcy Boulton, a member of the Boulton Family, a very powerful family in Toronto.

The Grange then was passed to D’Arcy’s son, who was the former mayor of the city, William Henry Boulton.

Gray Grist Mill

Address: 12 Bushbury Drive, Toronto, ON

Built in 1819, the Gray Grist Mill was built by James Gray. This old building is not used as a mill anymore and is a part of the Donalda Club in North York. In fact, it is used as storage by the golf club. It is the 13th surviving building in Toronto.

The Enoch Turner Schoolhouse

Address: 106 Trinity St, Toronto, ON

The Enoch Turner Schoolhouse is the oldest surviving school and one of the oldest Toronto buildings. In fact, it is a one-room school that was also the first free school in the city built by Enoch Turner, who was an industrialist and philanthropist.

He was also a local brewer who was an enthusiast for educating the children in the neighbourhood of the brewery.

Today, the building serves as a public museum.

Toronto’s oldest post office

Address: 260 Adelaide St E, Toronto, ON

Built in 1834, Toronto’s oldest post office was first built by James Scott Howard, the postmaster of York.

The building was used both as the office and the family house of James Scott Howard. Its proximity to the bank made this corner of Toronto a financial and communication hub of the city.

This old Toronto building is serving as a public museum today.

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John Cox Cottage

John Cox Cottage, nestled in the heart of High Park, stands as a testament to Toronto’s early history, earning its reputation as one of the oldest buildings in Toronto. This residence not only reflects the architectural style of its time but also tells the story of the city’s development from its early days.

A Historical Landmark

Constructed in 1796, John Cox Cottage is often cited as the oldest private residence within Toronto’s current boundaries that is still used as a home today. Its survival through the centuries serves as a rare example of early Canadian architecture and a direct link to Toronto’s past, offering an invaluable insight into the living conditions and lifestyles of the city’s early settlers.

Architectural Significance

John Cox Cottage exemplifies the typical construction methods and styles of the late 18th century. Built from locally sourced materials, the cottage features a simple, yet sturdy, structure with a distinctive charm that has been preserved over the years. Its enduring construction speaks volumes about the craftsmanship and resources available during Toronto’s formative years.

Preserving History

The preservation of John Cox Cottage has been a priority for heritage advocates in Toronto, ensuring that it remains a significant part of the city’s architectural landscape. The cottage not only represents the oldest buildings in Toronto but also serves as a tangible piece of history, allowing current and future generations to connect with the city’s early days.

A Symbol of Toronto’s Growth

John Cox Cottage is more than just an old building; it symbolizes the evolution of Toronto from a small settlement to the bustling metropolis it is today. As the city has grown and changed around it, the cottage has remained a constant, reminding residents and visitors alike of Toronto’s rich history and the importance of preserving such heritage.

An Intact Piece of Toronto’s History

As one of the oldest buildings in Toronto, John Cox Cottage offers a unique window into the city’s early history and development. Its preservation as a historical landmark allows for a deeper appreciation of Toronto’s heritage, showcasing the city’s commitment to honoring its past while continuing to evolve. For those interested in Toronto’s old buildings, John Cox Cottage represents a crucial piece of the city’s architectural and cultural legacy, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the roots of Canada’s largest city.

Conclusion

Toronto is somehow a new city, but there are so many buildings dating back to the 1870s and 1880s.

Here, some of the oldest Toronto buildings were introduced above. However, there are many other buildings related to this period as well, such as the oldest church and the oldest bank in Toronto.

If you want to gain more information about available old Toronto homes or Toronto real estate market stats you can see my online Toronto real estate market charts and data.