Weston in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Founding of Weston
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 3, 2024
1. The Founding of Weston Marker
Settlers were attracted to this vicinity in the 1790s by the area's rich timber resources and the water power potential of the Humber River here. By 1792 a sawmill was established on the west bank and within two decades a small hamlet, known as “The Humber”, had developed. About 1815 James Farr, a prominent local mill-owner, named it Weston after his English ancestral home. The community subsequently expanded along both sides of the river until 1850 when a disastrous flood destroyed the west bank settlement. Improvements to the Weston Road and the arrival of the Grand Trunk Railway in 1856 stimulated substantial further growth on the east side. Incorporated as a Village in 1881, Weston became part of the Borough of York in 1967.
Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture and Recreation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1792.
Location. 43° 42.021′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto and on the Golden Horseshoe. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Weston World War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); James Gilbert Gove (a few steps from this marker); Queen Mary Hospital / Hôpital Queen Mary (approx. 1.5 kilometers away); Sir William Pearce Howland (approx. 4.4 kilometers away);
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 3, 2024
2. The Founding of Weston Marker
Looking east from Memorial Park; Little Avenue is in the background.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Little Avenue Memorial Park
Also see . . .
1. History of Weston.
Excerpt: Weston was founded in 1796 shortly after Lt-Governor Simcoe sent his surveyors to the area north of Lake Ontario along the Humber River in 1792. One of his surveyors, John Countryman, saw the potential of the area, settled here and built a sawmill along the banks. The next 100 years saw significant growth, with many industries flourishing including the CCM plant, Moffat Stoves, and the Kodak factory. It had its own school system, police/fire services and Mayor/Reeve. Weston continued to be a hub of activity and commerce until the late 1980’s when economic forces took their toll.(Submitted on August 14, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Weston, Toronto (Wikipedia).
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 3, 2024
3. The Founding of Weston Marker (east side)
Looking west from Little Avenue; Memorial Park is in the background. Both sides of this marker have the same English inscription.
Excerpt: The first post office was opened in 1842. The first library opened in 1858, a Mechanic's Institute. In 1865, the Trinity College School opened, founded by William Arthur Johnson. It was located in Weston near the old Mill and at a home further north until 1867.(Submitted on August 14, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 329 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 14, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
