First Parliament site in Toronto must be preserved

Metrolinx has announced it is expropriating property at the southwest corner of Front Street East and Parliament Street, adjacent the Distillery District. Metrolinx is expropriating the site of the first Parliament buildings of Upper Canada, which predates Confederation. Hence the naming of Parliament Street.

In 2000, the City of Toronto, as part of a city planning approval application, hired Ron Williamson, a leading Ontario archeologist, to undertake an investigation. After a week of careful excavation, a plethora of evidence emerged of the former building; remains of the foundation, burnt floorboards, and small artifacts such as pottery shards and military buttons.

The first Parliament buildings were the first bastion of democracy in Ontario and a casualty of war. In the War of 1812, U.S. troops attacked and burned down the Parliament Buildings. In 1813, British troops attacked Washington, D.C., and attempted to destroy Congress and the presidential mansion. It is said the term “White House” was given after the presidential mansion was subsequently whitewashed to cover burn marks.

Just two weeks ago, Congress was attacked by rioters. It was the first time Congress was occupied since the British attack of 1813.

The first Parliament building site is a vital symbol of democracy and its fragility. Its heritage treatment is important and requires celebration. Metrolinx, as a public agency, has an obligation to maintain and celebrate the heritage value of this important site. They need to work closely with the community, the City of Toronto and heritage experts to properly commemorate the site and the heritage artifacts contained within it.

Lance Alexander, former city planner, Toronto