In 1911 the provincial government purchased 14 acres of secluded and undeveloped land in north-east Rosedale known as Chorley Park. This was the site chosen for a new Government House, the residence of the lieutenant-governor of Ontario. The governor's mansion was designed by the Provincial Architect Francis R. Heakes (1858-1930) in a romantic style reminiscent of French Châteaux in the Loire Valley. Chorley Park's ornate exterior was matched by a lavish and ceremonial interior, where the lieutenant-governor could preside over official functions, and where many distinguished guests, including members of the Royal Family, stayed during their visits to the capital of Ontario.

Such a prestigious building took four years to build and cost over a million dollars. It was also expensive to maintain, and during the Depression there was a significant amount of opposition to its continued upkeep by the government of Ontario.

Thus in 1937, after only 22 years as a vice-regal home, Chorley Park was closed. The contents of the house were auctioned off in 1938, but only $18,000 was raised in the sale. The empty building was acquired by the federal government at the outbreak of World War II and it was used as a military hospital.

In 1960 the City of Toronto purchased the crumbling structure from the federal government for $100,000, and in 1961 it was demolished and the grounds of the estate were added to the civic parks system.

Click here to see a larger image (365K)
[Bird’s eye view of Chorley Park landscaping](detail) , [between 1911 and 1920]
Elmer Hemans Russell, Architect
Watercolour and gouache on paper
Elmer H. Russell fonds
Reference Code: C 202, D1692
Archives of Ontario