Government building
Details of Site Location: The corner of Weston Road and Little Street.
PDM: TBA
Boundary History: The site involves one large building lot on Weston’s main street.
Current Use of Property: Parking lot of a funeral home
Historical Description: Built in the Victorian style, with a charming bell tower and wrought-iron railing around the second storey, this building remained an imposing land-mark on Weston Road until its demolition in 1957. The building had been completed in 1885 at a cost of $4,961.02. Built mainly of brick in two storeys, the building also had an octagonal bell tower centred over the main entrance. All of the windows had arched tops in brick trim. A second entrance on the front facade was reached by means of a flight of steps. On the main floor was the Council Chamber, a jail, and a Mechanics Institute. The second floor was a community space called Dufferin Hall, which was used for concerts and other social activities. The bell in the tower tolled the hours of the day as well as serving as a fire alarm. It also tolled for passing funerals. The bell is now located in Cruikshank Park near the Humber River. Weston, as an incorporated municipality, required a municipal building.
Relative Importance: An important landmark for almost 70 years, the Town Hall was the centre for community activities as well as serving in its official capacity. It gave the citizens the time of day, alerted them to fires, and led in reverence for the dead.
Planning Implications: It is recommended that a plaque be placed either in the vicinity or in the sidewalk in front of the site, and it should commemorate the municipality served by the building and the building itself.
Reference Sources: Files of the Weston Historical Society.
Acknowledgements: Weston Historical Society.