Industrial heritage site and major early waterfront landmark.

Details of Site Location: At the rear portion of existing buildings on the west side of Trinity Street, roughly mid-block south of Mill Street

Boundary History: The boundaries of the actual windmill are small in comparison with the buildings on site today. The actual site is a space south of the Cooperage, and is presently called Windmill Square. It is north of the landmark grey stone building.

Current Use of Property: An open square and under part of the Cooperage building. The property is being redeveloped.

Historical Description: The windmill, which served as a waterfront landmark and position marker for sailors on the lake for nearly 25 years, was built in 1832 by James Worts. Worts was first to locate on this land, and became partners with William Gooderham in flour milling, using the wind power supplied by the windmill. This first tall structure was constructed of locally produced brick in six storeys, which were set at different angles. The tower was surmounted by a peaked roof that made he height a grand 30 feet. The main shaft had been imported from Britain, and the millstones and castings had been brought in from Kingston. The whole cost was £1,000 up to April 1832. Two months later, the mill was purchasing grain from local farmers and well advanced in business by October 1832. By the end of the year, 2,991 bushels of wheat had been ground. In 1837 another millstone had been added and the windmill was recorded at seven storeys. This was the year in which distilling was begun using wooden stills. The windmill had associated buildings, and a mltin house had been built by 1838. Steam power replaced wind ower in 1845, and in 1853 the windmill’s wings were removed. Six years later the windmill was demolished. The importance of the windmill for harbour surveys was known, but its function had been replaced by 1888 when the base survey line was adjusted southward. Citizens missed its landmark function; so, in 1854, the Gooderham and Worts Distillery and the York Pioneers built a replica just 315 yards away from the original site. The replica was 30 feet high and stood and the southeast corner of Parliament Street and Lakeshore Boulevard until it was demolished to make way for the Gardiner Expressway.

Relative Importance: The windmill is of great importance in the history of the harbour and surveying associated with harbour development. The Windmill Line is still used by surveyors. The windmill also figures as a navigational aid for early shipping and ships. Although the Gooderham and Worts complex of buildings that followed the windmill is being destroyed or otherwise eroded in historical significance, the site of the windmill is still important for its historical roles, and as a site to mark the beginnings of a Toronto business that grew to become the world’s largest distillery and played a major role in the war effort for both World Wars.

Planning Implications: Planning for the future should halt the damage being done to the Gooderham and Worts site and seek to significantly mark the site of the windmill, with information to the public about its roles throughout history.

Reference Sources: Gooderham family records; Community History Project collections.

Acknowledgements: Goodherham family; Community History Project.