Toronto's Historical Plaques

Learn a little of Toronto's history as told through its plaques.

Taddle Creek

On the ground between the trees on the left in front of the Terrence Donnelly Centre at 160 College Street on the University of Toronto grounds is a plaque. Here's what it says:

Near this location, a major stream once wove its way through the St. George Campus of the University of Toronto. Know as "Taddle Creek", the watercourse followed from headwaters in present-day Wychwood Park, off Bathurst Street, and followed a course that meandered south and southeast to enter Lake Ontario near Parliament Street. Taddle Creek was used by aboriginal peoples and European settlers as a navigation route and for drinking water. "University Creek", the watercourse, was a source of delight for the university. With the growth of the city, the creek became a popular location for fishing, skating and other recreational pursuits. In 1859, part of Taddle Creek was dammed to create McCaul's Pond (now site of Hart House Green) and a botanical garden. Beginning in the mid 19th century the urbanization of Toronto led into sections of Taddle Creek being buried or channelled into the city's sewer system. The watercourse was completely buried in 1884. Today, Philosopher's Walk, winding through the north end of the campus from Bloor Street West to Hoskin Avenue, is the only visible remnant of the former Taddle Creek ravine. Taddle Creek Road, just west of this site, recalls the path of the stream through the south end of the campus on its journey toward the lake.

Location Co-ordinates: 43.659656 -79.392845

Photo by Alan L Brown - May 2007

Related page:
Garrison Creek

More 'Rivers and Waterways' pages

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