18 January 2021
I started this project in 2012 and it continues as a work-in-progress. For information on the origins of the project, see "The mapping project" on the orange menu bar.
The information provided throughout the project reflects my historical understanding as of mid-2016 when I began graduate studies at York University. My years of study since then as a PhD candidate (Canadian history / Indigenous History / British Colonial History) have led (I believe and hope!) to a deeper understanding of the historical factors leading to the founding of Toronto — especially with regard to the way the Indigenous peoples here were treated by the British government and by colonial officials. For now I am focussed on my dissertation, but one day I hope to rewrite sections of the parklot project to share my deepening understanding of these matters.
If you have a slower internet connection, it may take some time for the larger layer files (e.g. the WATERWAYS/LAKE ONTARIO SHORELINE layer) to download and display on the map. Please be patient.
Each of the creeks, land lots, town sites, etc. that you see on the map should be clickable — when you click, an information box should pop up.
If this doesn't work for you, it usually helps to reload the page. (Failing that, it sometimes helps to return to the page later and refresh again.)
I recommend that you start by experimenting with the CHECK BOXES in the MAP CONTROLS panel (on the left side of the orange bar). The check boxes are the heart of the project — they control the kinds of information you will see on the map. Each checkbox controls a layer. Don't forget, every item on the map is clickable, and your click will bring up information about that location.
Some layers (e.g. the PARK LOTS and the TOWN OF YORK LANDMARKS) should be viewed close up, so zoom in! Some other layers, including the INDIGENOUS HISTORY and COLONIAL HISTORY layers, show the big picture, so zoom out out out! until you can see all of North America.)
I am semi-retired and fascinated by Toronto history, which I have been researching for a decade and a half. I was working on a book about the founding of Toronto, but have put that work on hold until my PhD dissertation is finished.
If you like my mapping work, please consider sending a donation.
Every little bit helps.
Wendy Smith
researcher/writer/webmaster