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In need of some retail therapy? The Eaton Centre is one of Canada's largest and one of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks—sprawling across several city blocks, it embodies the city’s diverse culture and active urban landscape. Before the bright lights and the expansive corridors, this land was part of a quieter Toronto, marked by small parcels of land. Historical surveys provide a unique insight into the transformation of this space and highlight the importance of preserving these records.

Owning a property with easements on it can be complicated, especially if those easements affect your desired use of the property or are in the way of something you want to build. Easements are legal rights granted to others—such as utility companies, to access a portion of your property for specific purposes like installing or maintaining utilities. Because easements impact a homeowner’s ability to use parts of their property freely, it is important to uncover and research any easements and understand their implications; ideally, this is done before you purchase the property.

As we continue to explore historic buildings and landmarks in Toronto, one place that remains unmatched in terms of its historic value is the Royal Ontario Museum, often referred to as the ROM.

Within the walls of one of Canada's largest museums is an endless collection of artifacts telling stories from all over the world that offer cultural and educational value.

Today, we will explore the evolution of the iconic building that houses these remarkable artifacts, tracing its journey from a visionary idea to becoming Canada's largest and perhaps, most significant museum. Institutions like the Royal Ontario Museum play a key role in shaping Toronto's reputation as a world-class city, attracting tourists and eager learners from around the globe.

Many of the historic posts in this blog cover landmarks and buildings that were reinvented and preserved as part of Toronto’s evolving culture. However, this post tells the story of 80 King Street West, a building with historic and cultural significance that was demolished to make way for a new mega-structure: First Canadian Place.

Surveyors prepare over a dozen different types of plans, each tailored to a specific purpose. Knowing which kind of survey plan you need plays an important part in making sure your job is complete smoothly. Whether you are landscaping, renovating, building a fence, or simply checking your boundary lines, having the right tools the first time around will save you’re a lot money and headaches.

John George Howard was born in Hertfordshire, England, in 1803. There, he attended boarding school and pursued a career in carpentry before completing a 3-year architecture apprenticeship. With prospects in London being limited, John and his wife, Jemima Frances Meikle, decided to seek new opportunities and move to Canada in 1832.

His move paid off quickly as shortly after arriving in Toronto, John Howard quickly became one of the first professional architects in Upper Canada. His portfolio of architectural renderings caught the eye of Lieutenant Governor John Colborne, who appointed him as a geometrical drawing master at Upper Canada College. In this position, Howard significantly contributed to Toronto's public and private infrastructure during his 23-year tenure.

If you missed our previous blog post on the fundamental roles of the Land Registry Office (LRO), we encourage you to review it.

The Difference Between the Registry System and the Land Titles System

Ontario has two distinct systems for registering property documents: the Registry System and the Land Titles System. These systems are governed by two different pieces of legislation: the Registry Act and the Land Titles Act. Your property records will be stored under one of these systems, and understanding the distinction is crucial for every property owner.

For nearly two centuries, the land north of Union Station has been synonymous with luxurious hospitality. In the mid-1850s, four townhouses were combined to create a hotel, which originally opened its doors as the Swords Hotel. In 1860, it was renamed The Revere, and in 1862, it underwent yet another name change, becoming The Queens Hotel.

As a homeowner, it is important that you understand the Land Registry Office (LRO) and how it works to safeguard your property and the rights to your land.

What is the Land Registry Office (LRO)?

The Land Registry Office is the official record keeper of all private property ownership in the province of Ontario. With 55 offices across Ontario, they are managed by the provincial government and play a critical role in protecting property ownership. When you purchase property, registering it with the LRO is not just a formality—it's a necessity.

What is a setback?

Setbacks determine how close to a property line a structure can be built. This applies to houses, sheds, workshops, and any other structures built on your property. The setback on your land survey will show the measurement from the structures on your property to the nearest corners.