Forest Hill South in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Upper Canada College

Photographed by Tim Boyd, April 11, 2026

1. Upper Canada College Marker

Inscription. Believing in the need for a preparatory school to serve the projected and much-debated provincial university, Sir John Colborne, the newly-appointed lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada, secured the legislative assembly's support in 1829 for such an institution based "upon the most liberal principles, under the most able masters". Upper Canada College began classes at York (Toronto) in 1830 and, the following year, moved into permanent premises on King Street West. During the 1880s the school's extensive endowment of Crown lands was given up in exchange for the present "Deer Park" site, to which the students and faculty moved in 1891. From its inception, Upper Canada College offered a strong classical curriculum and is today one of the oldest and most prominent schools in Canada.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.

Location. 43° 41.449′ N, 79° 24.197′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in Forest Hill South. It is at the intersection of Lonsdale Road and Avenue Road, on the right when traveling west on Lonsdale Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 210 Lonsdale Road, Toronto ON M4V 1W6, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto

and on the Golden Horseshoe.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and 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

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walking distance of this marker: Glenn Gould (approx. half a kilometer away); Imperial Oil Building (approx. half a kilometer away); Mount Pleasant Cemetery / Cimetière Mount Pleasant (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); Yonge Station (approx. 0.9 kilometers away); William Lyon Mackenzie King (approx. 1.2 kilometers away); The Right Honourable William Lyon Mackenzie King / Le Très Honorable William Lyon Mackenzie King (approx. 1.2 kilometers away); The Resting Place of Pioneers (approx. 1.2 kilometers away); Ernest Hemingway in Toronto (approx. 1.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toronto.

Also see . . . History of Upper Canada College (Wikipedia).

The new school was praised by some; the Reverend Thomas Radcliffe stated in an 1833 letter: "Future generations will bless the memory of Sir John Colborne, who, to the many advantages derived from the equity and wisdom of his government, has added that of a magnificent foundation [in Upper Canada College] for the purposes of literary instruction. The lowest salary of any of the professors of this institution is £30 per annum, with the accommodation of a noble brick house and the privilege of taking boarders at £50 per annum." However, the costs of the new buildings, combined with the large staff and their high salaries, led to criticism
Photographed by Tim Boyd, April 11, 2026

2. Upper Canada College Marker
of the college and its expenses. In his publication Colonial Advocate, William Lyon Mackenzie stated: "The College here at York in Upper Canada is most extravagantly endowed... thousands of pounds are realised at will by its self-constituted managers from the sale of school lots and school lands [in fact, not true]... splendid incomes given to masters... and dwellings furnished to the professors... by the sweat of the brow of the Canadian labourer."

(Submitted on April 13, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

Former Upper Canada College Buildings on King Street, 1835 image. Click for full size.

3. Former Upper Canada College Buildings on King Street, 1835

Toronto Public Library (public domain)

Upper Canada College in 2026 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, April 11, 2026

4. Upper Canada College in 2026

Credits. This page was last revised on April 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 13, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.