A Surveyor's Vision: John G. Howard and High Park

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.

of John G. Howard. Surveying the Harbour

Portrait of John G. Howard. Surveying the Harbour

Howard's Surveying Legacy in Toronto

Howard had experience as a surveyor In England and decided to obtain his licence in Ontario. He completed a six-month apprenticeship program and the local examinations to be fully licenced in January 1836. Once licensed, he performed extensive surveying and engineering work for the City of Toronto, including the surveying of sidewalks, streets, sewers, bridges, the harbour, and the Esplanade on the waterfront. He also played a key role in subdividing the peninsula, now known as Toronto Island. On May 1, 1843, Howard succeeded Thomas Young as the city surveyor, a part-time position he held until 1855 when he was replaced by William Kingsford. See below to view survey completed by J.G. Howard in Sept 1874

High Park and Colborne Lodge

In 1836, Howard purchased a 160-acre property in York County, west of Toronto, for $1,000 to establish a sheep farm; There, he designed and built Colborne Lodge, which is now a museum and one of the only surviving examples of his work.

In 1855, after a lengthy and successful career contributing to the development of Ontario and the City of Toronto, Howard retired to Colborne Lodge. In 1873, He and his wife decided to donate their 120 acres of land to the City of Toronto. There were several conditions on which this transfer was to take place, including their continued residence at Colborne Lodge, and that the park be held "for the free use, benefit and enjoyment of the Citizens of Toronto forever," and named High Park. Their extraordinary gesture was to be met with a pension of $1,200 a year, paid by the City of Toronto to Howard and Jemima. This would be equivalent to approximately $45,000 today.

Colborne Lodge, designed and built by John G. Howard in High Park

Colborne Lodge, designed and built by John G. Howard in High Park;

Honoring John G. Howard

On March 19, 1914, the City of Toronto unveiled elaborate stone and wrought-iron gates dedicated to John G. Howard, 24 years after his death. The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Canada's Governor General, the Duke of Connaught, Sir Henry Pellatt of Casa Loma, Toronto Mayor Horatio Hocken, local historians, park enthusiasts, and city officials. This event celebrated Howard's significant contributions to Toronto, particularly his donation of the land that became High Park. It highlighted the park's historical and cultural importance, emphasizing its role in providing recreational and natural space for Toronto's residents.

High Park Today

Over the years the City acquired additional land around the area, High Park is Toronto’s largest public park with a total of 399 Acres. It features many hiking trails, sport facilities, a dog park, a zoo, playgrounds, a greenhouse, eateries and picnic areas as well as a beautiful lakefront. The park is easily accessible through public transit or has convenient parking for drivers.
John G. Howard's vision and dedication have left permanent mark on the City of Toronto; He helped to build the City of Toronto through his architectural and surveying contributions. His philanthropic efforts helped to shape the landscape and enrich the lives of citizens for many past and future generations.

Survey of the lands east of High Park , running North to Bloor Street and South to Lake Road (Lakeshore Blvd) completed John G. Howard, on September 12, 1874

References:
1. City of Toronto. "John Howard's Watercolours." Accessed July 9, 2024. https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/virtual-exhibits/john-howards-watercolours/.
2. Dictionary of Canadian Biography. "John George Howard." Accessed July 9, 2024. http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/howard_john_george_11E.html.
3. Toronto Star. "High Park: A Grateful Toronto Thanks Park Founder John G. Howard Once Again." Accessed July 9, 2024. https://www.thestar.com/news/insight/high-park-a-grateful-toronto-thanks-park-founder-john-g-howard-once-again/article_9071751d-480c-5fc6-bb48-09539db87696.html.
4. High Park Toronto. "High Park Toronto." Accessed July 9, 2024. https://www.highparktoronto.com/.