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Researching Historic Buildings in Toronto

Checklist:  Researching Historic Buildings in Toronto 

  1. Search TOBuilt and/or Architectural Index for Ontario, the Ontario Heritage Act Register (including the Ontario Heritage Trust - Places of Worship Inventory and the Directory of Federal Heritage Designations  for basics on your building (e.g. name, address, architect(s), year built). 

Heritage Documentation:   

  1. Search the Toronto Heritage Register using address or map (see Research Guide page)  

  • Note the basics on your building. 
  • Note the designation bylaw number. 
  • Note the file number for any easement agreements. 

  1. Search the Toronto Bylaw Registry using the designation bylaw number (see Research Guide page) 

  • Look for the intention to designate section including any supporting reports or documentation. 

  1. Search  TMMIS for City Council or Toronto Preservation Board reports around the intention to designate or easement agreements on the building (see Research Guide page) 

  • *Be sure to check the box for “Staff Reports and Attachments” 
  • Keep in mind the date of designation and choose the right date range. 

Historical Articles on the Building 

  1. Search The Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada 1800 - 1950 for articles written at the time your building was built. (See Research Guide page) 

  • Some articles are available digitally. 
  • Many articles can be accessed in print or on microfilm at the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street). 

Books and Current Articles on your building 

  1. Search the library website for books or articles that feature your building. (see Research Guide page) 

  • Look under the architect’s name 
  • Look under the building name (or former names) 

  1. Search Google Books, Internet Archives and Toronto Public Library 

Blueprints 

  1. Search for Blueprints for your building (see Research Guide page).