Windmill to Winter Village – The History of the Distillery District

Wavering Winds

With unreliable wind power and the rise of more efficient steam engines, the windmill was torn down in 1859 to make way for a larger development: the Stone Distillery. Today, this building stands as the oldest and largest structure in the Distillery District. The facility included a grist mill, a powerhouse, and dedicated areas for mashing and distilling. This modernization enabled Gooderham & Worts to increase production volume in a significantly shorter time.

Industry Reinvented

The 20th century brought numerous challenges for Gooderham & Worts: World War I, World War II, Prohibition, and the pressures of globalization. Although the company weathered many of these challenges, the distillery ceased operations in 1990, bringing an unusual silence to the once-industrious hub after 150 years of production. The area sat vacant for a time until a group of developers recognized its unique appeal. A plan was set in motion to restore the historic buildings and transform the area into a vibrant neighbourhood that celebrated its rich heritage while embracing modern life.

A closer look at a larger plan of the City of Toronto, completed in 1855. This highlights the iconic windmill that once stood on Lot 6, near the present-day intersection of Trinity and Mill Streets along the Toronto Harbour—a symbol of the windmills' prominence in the city.

The Stone Distillery, the oldest and largest building in the Distillery District, was constructed in 1861 by David Roberts, Sr. Its limestone walls set it apart as the only limestone structure by Gooderham & Worts. Notable for its proximity to Toronto Bay and railway tracks, the building housed key functions like mashing, distilling, and steam generation, shaping its role in the distillery’s operations.

Uncovering the Past

During this redevelopment, in early 2003, a remarkable discovery was made. While excavating to lay new sewer infrastructure, workers uncovered a curved wall buried underground. An archaeologist was called in to investigate the structure and determine whether it was the foundation of the 170-year-old Gooderham & Worts windmill. Through the study of historic survey plans, maps, paintings, and prints, the archaeologist confirmed the findings as the remains of the windmill.

In this case, the survey plans proved especially valuable in identifying the windmill’s exact location. While paintings provided insight into the windmill’s appearance, they could not indicate its precise position, particularly given the drastic changes to Toronto’s harbourfront over the years. By confirming the windmill’s location, archaeologists determined the exact size of its base and the materials used in its construction. This discovery allowed developers to commemorate the windmill's location, turning it into a point of interest for visitors and historians alike.