For whom the keeper tolls

Among the many Canada Day celebrations this
July 1st, 2008 also included the official opening of The Tollkeeper’s Cottage, circa 1835, located at Bathurst Street and Davenport Road. It was in this 20 by 30 foot cottage that Tollgate No.3 operator lived with his wife and seven children.

Back in the 1800’s as major road improvement became necessary the government of Upper Canada allowed incorporated companies to build specific sections of roads, maintain and recoup their investment with the collection of tolls. These private companies hired men to operate the tollgates.

The preservation of this timepiece was made possible with the help of members from the Community History Project, over 500 individuals, organizations, companies, and a supportive city councillor.

City Councillor Joe Mihevec, Jane Beecroft and volunteers

Corktown’s prettiest ‘cul-de-sac’

Wilkins Avenue

The ‘Wilkins’ group of buildings is the largest grouping of original 19 century rows that were constructed by one builder in the neighbourhood of Corktown.

It’s northerly boundary abuts the former Providence House property where now a highway ramp runs through. As a consequence this is a blessing to area residents who don’t have to worry about potential traffic up and down this closed passage.

Unlike some cul-de-sac areas, the Wilkins Brothers also incorporated a retail component into the construction of this early century complex which includes row-houses on the the north and south side of King Street. Like bookends, a set of four storefront row-houses stand on opposite sides of Wilkins Avenue and across the street.

In total the brothers constructed thirty-two row houses that create a picturesque framework and are the foundation of many area stories.

Cory Lemos, Corktown Historian

No Studio Space?…Then how about a mushRoom?

This whimsical mushroom is the creation and working studio for artist Katie Bethune-Leamen.

Visitors to Toronto’s Sculpture Garden will occasionally have a chance to see Katie at work in her studio which is located in the stem. The artist got her idea from twentieth-century roadside diners and concessions that were created in the shape of figures such as polar bears, puppies, etc.

On display at Toronto’s Sculpture Garden, located in Old Town TO, until April 15, 2009. Free of charge and open daily from 8am until dusk.