History of Toronto Necropolis

The Toronto Necropolis was established about 1850 on park Lots 1 and 2 and part of township 16, Concession 1 from the bay. This is an 18.25 acre plote situated between Sumach Street, Wellesley Street and Bayview Avenue being part of a 200 acre property that was first patented to Francis G. Simcoe on 8 August 1895. From this date on there were many transactions involving the 18.25 acres. On 31 January 1850 a deed was registered to John McMurrich and John Shaw both described as Toronto merchants and Alexander Mcglashan, a Toronto gentleman, as Tenants in Common. The description at the the time stated that the ground was "now laid out for the Toronto Necropolis."

A Toronto Trust Cemeteries Booklet indicated that in 1850 the Trustees included the Honourable John McMurrich. The Trustees purchased the Toronto Necropolis property in 1855 for $16,000. Trustees William McMaster, David Peterson and James Lesslie assumed a $15,000 loan as the Toronto General Burying Grounds only has $1,000.

The Toronto Necropolis developed out of the need for a new burial location to replace Potter's Field or Stranger's Burial Ground Which was located at the present corner of Yonge and Bloor Streets. This Cemetery had been developed in 1826 when an Act of Parliament was passed establishing York General Burying Grounds. The city was rapidly expanding and it was felt that a cemetery outside of city limits would be preferable and would leave land available for developement at the Yonge and Bloor property.

The mandate was that the 1826 burial ground be a non-profit, non-sectarian public service organization. The decree legislated in 1826 remains the same today. The name of the organization, however has changed over the year to Toronto Trust Cemeteries, then Commemorative Services of Ontario and lastly to Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries.

The Toronto Necropolis was designed as a "garden" cemetery or park like setting. The plan approved by the Trustees in 1850 is evident. mature trees and ornamental shrubs enhance the cemetery and the area is a park that is enjoyed by its many visitors.