By Staff reporter
In a significant move to preserve Toronto’s architectural heritage, the City Council has announced its intention to designate the property at 3100 Weston Road, known as Rivermede, under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act. This decision underscores the property’s cultural, historical, and architectural significance within the city.
Constructed around 1930-1931 for philanthropists Percy R. Gardiner and his wife, Gertrude, Rivermede is a distinguished example of Tudor Revival architecture. Designed by renowned architect Jocelyn Davidson and landscape architect Arthur M. Kruse, the estate features hallmark elements of the style, including an asymmetrical form, varied rooflines with high-pitched cross gables, and a combination of beige, red, and grey fieldstone, stucco, and false half-timbering. Notably, the property also includes a two-and-a-half-storey garage, a rear pool complex with a pumphouse, and expansive landscaped grounds extending into the Humber River Valley.
Beyond its architectural merits, Rivermede holds historical value due to its association with prominent figures in Toronto’s history. Percy Gardiner, a significant figure in the brass manufacturing industry and a member of the Toronto Stock Exchange, was known for his philanthropic endeavors, including the establishment of the Gardiner Foundation for medical research in the mid-1950s. The property’s subsequent owners, Jethro Kirby Crang and Frances A. Mattson, further contributed to its legacy. Crang, a builder by trade, developed one of Ontario’s first outdoor malls and was instrumental in the development of subdivisions around Oakwood Avenue and St. Clair Avenue West.
In 1958, the Order of St. Basil-the-Great acquired the property, repurposing it for various uses, including a monastery and the St. Basil-the-Great College School. The school operated until 1999, after which the property continued to serve the community in different capacities. In August 2023, the Order sold 3100 Weston Road, removing elements of the Marian Shrine of Gratitude that had been part of the estate since 2005.
The property’s designation aims to ensure the preservation of its unique architectural features and its historical context within the Emery Village community. The City Council’s move reflects a commitment to maintaining Toronto’s rich heritage, recognizing Rivermede’s role in embodying the historical and cultural narratives of the area.
Community members and interested parties are invited to participate in the designation process. Notices of objection to the proposed designation can be submitted to the City Clerk by March 10, 2025. Further information is available on the City of Toronto’s official website.
This initiative highlights the importance of safeguarding Toronto’s historical assets, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from the city’s diverse architectural and cultural landmarks.