Ornamental Gates and Arches

Toronto has had its share of ornamental gates, arches, and fences. From simple iron railings or wrought ironwork, to wooden fences with carved ornaments, to dramatic civic structures, this page lists the photos of the gates we are aware of.

List of all subjects. You can also see all the historic photos for a given neighbourhood. We also have a list of all the photos arranged by date.

1901
  to
1957

Alexandra Gates

The ornamental Alexandra Gates now stand at the north end of Philosopher's Walk just west of the ROM.

Also known as the Queen Alexandra Gateway, it was built on the south side of Bloor Street across Avenue Road in 1901, by the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire (later known as the Imperial Order of Daughters of the Empire, IODE), to commemorate the visit of Prince George, Duke of Cornwall and Mary, Duchess of Cornwall, that year. A plaque on the gate reads "To commemorate the visit of T.R.H The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York Oct. 10th 1901". ...more

Follow this link to our 10 entries, dated from 1901 to 1957 related to Alexandra Gates

1907
  to
1990
Archival

Dufferin Gates

Three gates have stood at the north entrance to the CNE. The first, built in 1895, was a wooden structure which stood until the second, metal and brick ornate Beaux-Arts style triumphal arch was built in 1910. It was officially re-opened by Lord Dufferin in 1914, and stood until 1958 when it was demolished to make way for the Gardiner Expressway. The final modernist-style parabolic arch, designed by Philip R. Brock, was then built and stands to this day.

Follow this link to our 22 entries, dated from 1907 to 1990 related to Dufferin Gates

1914
  to
1931
Archival

Howard Memorial Gates

The ornamental limestone and wrought iron gates on Parkside Drive at High Park Boulevard commemorate John Howard in recognition of his gift of High Park. They were officially opened on March 19th, 1914.

In attendance was His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught (after attending the official opening of the ROM the same day), Toronto Mayor at the time Horatio C. Hocken, Sir Henry Pellatt (owner of Casa Loma), and Mrs. A.E. Gooderham, president of the national executive of the Order of the Daughters of the Empire (IODE).

Follow this link to our 8 entries, dated from 1914 to 1931 related to Howard_Memorial_Gates

1901
  to
1906
F

Independent Order of Foresters Arch

The Independent Order of Foresters (IOF) built a grand arch to commemorate the visit of Prince George, Duke of Cornwall and Mary, Duchess of Cornwall. It was built in 1901, complete with flashing light bulbs, flags and crests, and a crown on the top, and was illuminated at night. It originally stood across Bay Street (Terauley Street at the time) at Richmond, just south of City Hall, outside the Temple Building (also known as Foresters' Temple or the the I. O. F. Temple). It was moved to the Exhibition Grounds by 1906.

 ...more

Follow this link to our 9 entries, dated from 1901 to 1906 related to IOF_Arch_(1901)

1901
  to
1901
Close

Manufacturer's Arch

A number of arches were constructed to commemorate the visit of Prince George, Duke of Cornwall and Mary, Duchess of Cornwall to Toronto in 1901. At the top of University Ave stood the Manufacturer's Arch, just south of Queen's Park, at College St.

 ...more

Follow this link to our 6 entries, dated from 1901 to 1901 related to Manufacturers_Arch_(1901)

1927
  to
2010
Archival

Princes' Gates

Often incorrectly called the Princess Gates; they were built in 1927 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Canadian Confederation and stand at Strachan Avenue and Lakeshore Blvd, the eastern end of the Exhibition Grounds.

Designed by Chapman and Oxley Architects in a Beaux-Arts style, they were constructed of a mix of stone and concrete. The nine pillars on either side of the main arch represent the Canadian provinces at the time of construction. On the top of the central arch is the statue 'Goddess of Winged Victory'. It was designed by architect Alfred Chapman and carved by Charles McKechnie.  ...more

Follow this link to our 19 entries, dated from 1927 to 2010 related to Princes Gates

1867
  to
1885
Looking

University Ave Gate (College Gate)

Standing on the north side of Queen Street West at what is now University Ave was a gate and toll keepers cottage. It stood at the southern end of a road (called College Avenue at the time) that stretched 1.3 km north to King's College (now where Queens Park stands at College Street). It was lined with chestnut trees, and no streets were allowed to intersect it until 1859. Eventually College Avenue and Park Lane (later called University Street) were combined to form today's University Avenue.

Follow this link to our 4 entries, dated from 1867 to 1885 related to University Ave Gate

Other photos

1856 Historic photo from 1856 - Osgoode Hall elevation by Hopkins, Lawford and Nelson, with dome in City HallOsgoode Hall elevation by Hopkins, Lawford and Nelson, with dome
168 years ago - City Hall - 1856
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1870 Historic photo from 1870 - Gate leading to The Dale - Dale Ave., s. side, w. of McKenzie Ave.;  n. of Bloor St. E., w. of Castle Frank Rd. in RosedaleGate leading to The Dale - Dale Ave., s. side, w. of McKenzie Ave.; n. of Bloor St. E., w. of Castle Frank Rd.
154 years ago - Rosedale - 1870
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1870 Historic photo from 1870 - High Park Gate - Watercolour by John Howard looking north up to Colborne Lodge in High Park in High ParkHigh Park Gate - Watercolour by John Howard looking north up to Colborne Lodge in High Park
154 years ago - High Park - 1870
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1870 Historic photo from 1870 - Last Toll Gate on Yonge St., n. of Marlborough Ave. in SummerhillLast Toll Gate on Yonge St., n. of Marlborough Ave.
154 years ago - Summerhill - 1870
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1870 Historic photo from Saturday, April 23, 1870 - Osgoode Hall gates and pedestrians - half-tone photograph in City HallOsgoode Hall gates and pedestrians - half-tone photograph
154 years ago - City Hall - Saturday, April 23, 1870
Max temp: 15.6°C - Min temp: 3.3°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Library and Archives Canada)
1872 Historic photo from 1872 - Ornamental gate to celebrate the 1872 visit of the Marquess of Dufferin and Ava - King St. E., w. of Church St. in St. LawrenceOrnamental gate to celebrate the 1872 visit of the Marquess of Dufferin and Ava - King St. E., w. of Church St.
152 years ago - St. Lawrence - 1872
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1875 Historic photo from 1875 - College St. Gates,  w. side of Yonge St. at College in College StreetCollege St. Gates, w. side of Yonge St. at College
149 years ago - College Street - 1875
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1876 Historic photo from 1876 - Toll house at the corner of Davenport and Avenue Road - looking n.e. to Leonard Pears house in SummerhillToll house at the corner of Davenport and Avenue Road - looking n.e. to Leonard Pears house
148 years ago - Summerhill - 1876
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1885 Historic photo from 1885 - Old tollgate at College and Yonge streets, Toronto, after a heavy snowstorm - winter 1885 in College StreetOld tollgate at College and Yonge streets, Toronto, after a heavy snowstorm - winter 1885
139 years ago - College Street - 1885
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1885 Historic photo from Saturday, October 10, 1885 - Burdock Arch looking west to Fort York and Crystal Palace Oct. 1885 in Fort YorkBurdock Arch looking west to Fort York and Crystal Palace Oct. 1885
139 years ago - Fort York - Saturday, October 10, 1885
Max temp: 16.7°C - Min temp: 2.8°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1890 Historic photo from 1890 - Gooderham estate - North Glen Road Bridge at South Drive in RosedaleGooderham estate - North Glen Road Bridge at South Drive
134 years ago - Rosedale - 1890
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1890 Historic photo from 1890 - Homewood entrance gate, in Moss Park (Sherbourne and Bloor), Toronto in Upper JarvisHomewood entrance gate, in Moss Park (Sherbourne and Bloor), Toronto
134 years ago - Upper Jarvis - 1890
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1897 Historic photo from 1897 - Sketch of Caer Howell Hotel in the winter with horse drawn carriages and distinctive gate in Discovery DistrictSketch of Caer Howell Hotel in the winter with horse drawn carriages and distinctive gate
127 years ago - Discovery District - 1897
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1900 Historic photo from 1900 - Hand rail, end posts, at lamps - Queen St. steel warren truss bridge over the Don River in Riverside-South RiverdaleHand rail, end posts, at lamps - Queen St. steel warren truss bridge over the Don River
124 years ago - Riverside-South Riverdale - 1900
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Library and Archives Canada)
1900 Historic photo from 1900 - Caer Howell Hotel (University Ave. at Orde St.) in Discovery DistrictCaer Howell Hotel (University Ave. at Orde St.)
124 years ago - Discovery District - 1900
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1900 Historic photo from Monday, March 12, 1900 - Queen Street bridge, looking north-west - steel warren truss bridge before current bridge in Riverside-South RiverdaleQueen Street bridge, looking north-west - steel warren truss bridge before current bridge
124 years ago - Riverside-South Riverdale - Monday, March 12, 1900
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1907 Historic photo from 1907 - Wellesley St Gate into the University of Toronto in University of Toronto (U of T)Wellesley St Gate into the University of Toronto
117 years ago - University of Toronto (U of T) - 1907
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1907 Historic photo from 1907 - Albert Nordheimer Jr.'s home, northwest corner of Bloor Street West and Avenue Road in Royal Ontario MuseumAlbert Nordheimer Jr.'s home, northwest corner of Bloor Street West and Avenue Road
117 years ago - Royal Ontario Museum - 1907
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1908 Historic photo from 1908 - Albert Nordheimer Jr.s estate, corner of Bloor Street and Avenue Road in Royal Ontario MuseumAlbert Nordheimer Jr.s estate, corner of Bloor Street and Avenue Road
116 years ago - Royal Ontario Museum - 1908
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1909 Historic photo from 1909 - Ardwold Gate - 480 Davenport Road in Casa LomaArdwold Gate - 480 Davenport Road
115 years ago - Casa Loma - 1909
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1911 Historic photo from 1911 - Iron gates at Benvenuto on Avenue Road - the home of Sir William MacKenzie in South HillIron gates at Benvenuto on Avenue Road - the home of Sir William MacKenzie
113 years ago - South Hill - 1911
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1912 Historic photo from 1912 - Looking west across Yonge St. to gates of W. G. Ellis house, Yonge St., n.w. cor. Bedford Park Ave. in Bedford ParkLooking west across Yonge St. to gates of W. G. Ellis house, Yonge St., n.w. cor. Bedford Park Ave.
112 years ago - Bedford Park - 1912
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1912 Historic photo from 1912 - Baby Point Gate in 1912 in Baby PointBaby Point Gate in 1912
112 years ago - Baby Point - 1912
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1913 Historic photo from 1913 - Baby Point Road, looking s.e., w. side of Jane St.  in Baby PointBaby Point Road, looking s.e., w. side of Jane St.
111 years ago - Baby Point - 1913
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1914 Historic photo from Saturday, February 7, 1914 - Sketch of proposed stone gates at Dufferin Grove South from Gladstone Avenue (Feb 14, 1913 is original photo) in Dufferin GroveSketch of proposed stone gates at Dufferin Grove South from Gladstone Avenue (Feb 14, 1913 is original photo)
110 years ago - Dufferin Grove - Saturday, February 7, 1914
Max temp: 2.8°C - Min temp: -7.8°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1915 Historic photo from 1915 - William Gordon Ellis house, Yonge St., w. side, between Bedford Park & Woburn Aves.; gates in Bedford ParkWilliam Gordon Ellis house, Yonge St., w. side, between Bedford Park & Woburn Aves.; gates
109 years ago - Bedford Park - 1915
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1916 Historic photo from 1916 - Snow on Trinity College gates and trees in Trinity BellwoodsSnow on Trinity College gates and trees
108 years ago - Trinity Bellwoods - 1916
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1920 Historic photo from 1920 - Knockaloe Estate - ornate carved wooden gates at 2708 Yonge St. at Bedford Park in Bedford ParkKnockaloe Estate - ornate carved wooden gates at 2708 Yonge St. at Bedford Park
104 years ago - Bedford Park - 1920
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1920 Historic photo from 1920 - Looking from St. Michaels Cathedral grounds towards Metropolitan Church in Garden DistrictLooking from St. Michaels Cathedral grounds towards Metropolitan Church
104 years ago - Garden District - 1920
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1921 Historic photo from 1921 - Iron fence and gates, Jarvis Street where Jarvis Collegiate stands now in Upper JarvisIron fence and gates, Jarvis Street where Jarvis Collegiate stands now
103 years ago - Upper Jarvis - 1921
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1921 Historic photo from Saturday, April 2, 1921 - High Park fence from St. Pauls Cathedral, London, England in High ParkHigh Park fence from St. Pauls Cathedral, London, England
103 years ago - High Park - Saturday, April 2, 1921
Max temp: 17.8°C - Min temp: 0.0°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1921 Historic photo from Friday, November 25, 1921 - Ellis Estate gates on Yonge Street at Bedford Park in Bedford ParkEllis Estate gates on Yonge Street at Bedford Park
103 years ago - Bedford Park - Friday, November 25, 1921
Max temp: 7.2°C - Min temp: -2.8°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1921 Historic photo from Saturday, April 2, 1921 - Howard monument, High Park in High ParkHoward monument, High Park
103 years ago - High Park - Saturday, April 2, 1921
Max temp: 17.8°C - Min temp: 0.0°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1922 Historic photo from Tuesday, August 1, 1922 - Yonge Street and Melrose Avenue gates in North TorontoYonge Street and Melrose Avenue gates
102 years ago - North Toronto - Tuesday, August 1, 1922
Max temp: 26.7°C - Min temp: 16.7°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1925 Historic photo from Tuesday, September 8, 1925 - Baby Point Rd. and Jane St in Baby PointBaby Point Rd. and Jane St
99 years ago - Baby Point - Tuesday, September 8, 1925
Max temp: 20.0°C - Min temp: 13.3°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1925 Historic photo from Tuesday, September 8, 1925 - Baby Point Rd. looking east to Jane St in Baby PointBaby Point Rd. looking east to Jane St
99 years ago - Baby Point - Tuesday, September 8, 1925
Max temp: 20.0°C - Min temp: 13.3°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1929 Historic photo from Monday, June 10, 1929 - Entrance to Dance Hall on Hanlan's Point on Toronto Island in Toronto IslandEntrance to Dance Hall on Hanlan's Point on Toronto Island
95 years ago - Toronto Island - Monday, June 10, 1929
Max temp: 21.7°C - Min temp: 7.8°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Library and Archives Canada)
1929 Historic photo from Thursday, April 25, 1929 - Carbrook estate standing to our left of the original ROM building in 1929 in Royal Ontario MuseumCarbrook estate standing to our left of the original ROM building in 1929
95 years ago - Royal Ontario Museum - Thursday, April 25, 1929
Max temp: 11.7°C - Min temp: 7.2°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1930 Historic photo from 1930 - Havergal College sign on gate - Avenue Road circa 1930 in Lawrence ParkHavergal College sign on gate - Avenue Road circa 1930
94 years ago - Lawrence Park - 1930
Link to archive record - Map location
1930 Historic photo from Monday, June 9, 1930 - Arch, erected at western entrance of Exhibition, for Shriners Convention in CNEArch, erected at western entrance of Exhibition, for Shriners Convention
94 years ago - CNE - Monday, June 9, 1930
Max temp: 19.4°C - Min temp: 9.4°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1930 Historic photo from 1930 - Sketch of a Cow gate outside Osgoode Hall on Queen Street West at University Ave in City HallSketch of a Cow gate outside Osgoode Hall on Queen Street West at University Ave
94 years ago - City Hall - 1930
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1930 Historic photo from Monday, June 9, 1930 - Arch, erected at Eastern entrance of Exhibition, for Shriners Convention in CNEArch, erected at Eastern entrance of Exhibition, for Shriners Convention
94 years ago - CNE - Monday, June 9, 1930
Max temp: 19.4°C - Min temp: 9.4°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1948 Historic photo from 1948 - People at an iron gate at Osgoode Hall in City HallPeople at an iron gate at Osgoode Hall
76 years ago - City Hall - 1948
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1931 Historic photo from 1931 - Colour sketch of a gate for the Kew Beach athletic field in The BeachesColour sketch of a gate for the Kew Beach athletic field
93 years ago - The Beaches - 1931
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1934 Historic photo from 1934 - Looking west through a side gate at Benvenuto in South HillLooking west through a side gate at Benvenuto
90 years ago - South Hill - 1934
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1934 Historic photo from 1934 - Benvenuto Gates on  Avenue Rd., w. side, s. of Edmund Ave.; gates, looking w., St. Edmund Apartments (7 Edmund Ave.) in background in South HillBenvenuto Gates on Avenue Rd., w. side, s. of Edmund Ave.; gates, looking w., St. Edmund Apartments (7 Edmund Ave.) in background
90 years ago - South Hill - 1934
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1935 Historic photo from Saturday, October 19, 1935 - Old Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens Gates in Mount Pleasant CemeteryOld Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens Gates
89 years ago - Mount Pleasant Cemetery - Saturday, October 19, 1935
Max temp: 22.2°C - Min temp: 5.0°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1936 Historic photo from Friday, May 1, 1936 - Stone gate, wooden fence, and house behind on Constance and Parkside in High ParkStone gate, wooden fence, and house behind on Constance and Parkside
88 years ago - High Park - Friday, May 1, 1936
Max temp: 18.9°C - Min temp: 9.4°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1941 Historic photo from Thursday, January 30, 1941 - Wilson P. MacDonald and Ann MacDonald in front of house at 545 Jarvis St. (Gloucester St. and Earl Pl.) in Upper JarvisWilson P. MacDonald and Ann MacDonald in front of house at 545 Jarvis St. (Gloucester St. and Earl Pl.)
83 years ago - Upper Jarvis - Thursday, January 30, 1941
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Library and Archives Canada)
1950 Historic photo from 1950 - Arch lit up at night, CNE grounds in CNEArch lit up at night, CNE grounds
74 years ago - CNE - 1950
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1953 Historic photo from Monday, June 22, 1953 - Looking north from 619 Sherbourne Street in Upper JarvisLooking north from 619 Sherbourne Street
71 years ago - Upper Jarvis - Monday, June 22, 1953
Max temp: 29.4°C - Min temp: 17.8°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1954 Historic photo from 1954 - Stone gate in the trees - Edgar A. Eaton, house, Blythwood Rd., s.w. corner Bayview Ave. in Lawrence ParkStone gate in the trees - Edgar A. Eaton, house, Blythwood Rd., s.w. corner Bayview Ave.
70 years ago - Lawrence Park - 1954
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1963 Historic photo from Saturday, May 4, 1963 - Two girls seated on either side of gate to garden - rear of 21 Lowther Avenue  in The AnnexTwo girls seated on either side of gate to garden - rear of 21 Lowther Avenue
61 years ago - The Annex - Saturday, May 4, 1963
Max temp: 23.9°C - Min temp: 11.1°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From York University Archives)
1972 Historic photo from Sunday, September 10, 1972 - Mount Pleasant Cemetery - flowers at Yonge Street gates  in Mount Pleasant CemeteryMount Pleasant Cemetery - flowers at Yonge Street gates
52 years ago - Mount Pleasant Cemetery - Sunday, September 10, 1972
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
2007 Historic photo from Monday, January 8, 2007 - Trinity Bellwoods gates from the south - unveiling of the 1903 restored gates in Trinity BellwoodsTrinity Bellwoods gates from the south - unveiling of the 1903 restored gates
17 years ago - Trinity Bellwoods - Monday, January 8, 2007
Max temp: °C - Min temp: °C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)