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WHS promotes respect for community roots, artefacts, and heritage structures through advocacy, education, and community connections.
Weston, Ontario, Canada Last update: December 20, 2025
Weston's First Town Hall
Town Hall Plans, Front Elevation
In August 1883, William Tyrrell, Weston's Reeve at the time, presented these drawings of a "Public Hall" to the Village Council. Prior to this, they were meeting in the hotels around the village. The writing at the top says, "Front Plant of a Public Hall and Mechanics Institute to be Erected in Weston by the Council Thereof." The Mechanics Institute was the forerunner of the Public Library in Weston and throughout Ontario.
Town Hall Plans, Side Elevation
Not really plans, but more than just drawings, these would be what the builder, Jesse Noble, would go by (courtesy of the Thomas Fisher Library). The Mechanics Institute door is at the bottom left.
Finished...
This image appeared in the Globe Newspaper on 18th March, 1893. It is quite similar to the drawings except for the small addition to the back. It is very stark and stands pretty much alone.
...and Highly Functioning
The Town Hall was used by all kinds of groups, whether they were political, educational, charitable, or religious, meetings and events filled the Hall daily. Churches would use it while their buildings were being renovated.
Stone Tablet
Situated above the front balcony door, this tablet showed the official name of the Town Hall. It is thought the building was named after Lord Dufferin, the Governor General of Canada from 1872 to 1878. The tablet was retrieved from someone's garden after the home owner had rescued it from the dump (tablet superimposed on a different picture to show where it went).
First Alteration
Sometime before 1907, the hall acquired front outside steps. These allowed visitors to come and go without interrupting meetings on the main floor. Note the hydro poles and street lighting as electricity comes to Weston. A small addition was added to the back of the building (picture courtesy of the Toronto Archives).
New Bell
1907, a brand new bell sits a the front door of the Town Hall, waiting to be installed, delivery tag still in place. The cupula would be made into a belfry to accommodate the bell (courtesy of the Toronto Archives).
Bell Installation
The boys are aactually helping as they are holding on to a wire for some reason. The two digging and sitting around the flowers are not. Those flowers and the tiny tree behind the pole were additions made by the Town Improvement Society (courtesy of the Toronto Archives).
Equal Justice
Use in both the village and the town seal, this crest was above the door of the Town Hall (it has been enhanced in this picture to make it more visible). Note the number, which would have been 60 Main Street North at the time.
Whole New Look
Sporting the new bell and cupula, the Town Hall is ready to call the Weston Volunteer Firemen to any conflagration that might take place. Landscaping that included new sidewalks and the flowers that flourished all added to look.
From the Weston Times and Guide Newspaper
Always a voice for the community, this paper offered some valuable ideas. In this issue from November 26, 1909, it is the voice of caution.
1910 Fire Insurance Plan
The Town Hall sits all by itself on Lot 1 of Plan 556. King Street Crescent doesn't exist yet.
Fire Hall Joins the Town Hall
In 1911, Weston's first fire hall was constructed at the back of the Town Hall facing Little Avenue. The tall building was the hose drying tower. Trees planted only a few years before are doing well (copy of postcard from Gary Mauthe via Bob Ironside and Helen Hamilton).
Weston Becomes a Town
In 1915, Weston had grown enough to be called a town and the Town Hall reflected this prosperity. The trees, planted by the Weston Horticultural Society, are thriving, along with the vine climbing the front and side walls. A memorial fountain has been placed out front for "the use of man and beasts." Also two vases. Public lavatories are sandwiched in between the Town Hall and the Fire Hall. The side door that the Weston Times and Guide asked for has been added. The wires are from the Weston Street Car that was in full operation.
Bertha Helen Dawson
A driving force behind the Weston Town Improvement Society, she was instrumental in creating the Town Hall Park, the building of the band stand, the Carnagie Library, and the redecoration and improvement of the Town Hall. She died before the fountain was erected in her name.
The Roman Stone Company adds to the picture
This company was a local factory that produced the same rock that was used in Casa Loma. The urns, or vases, as the Times and Guide called them, were a pleasant addition once Mrs. Jennings, the wife of a local florist, filled them. The article is from July 11, 1911 of the Times and Guide newspaper, and thanks to Bill Kippen for finding it.
Winter in Weston
In 1921, the area looks pretty bare, but only because it is winter. The fountain has been removed to protect it from the elements but new street lights brighten things up. The side door is very visible now (the dark markings on the picture are from someone altering the photo for newspaper publication). At this time, the Presbyterian Church is using the Hall.
A King is Crowned
All desked out to celebrate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) on May 12, 1937. The trees are doing well but the urns and flowers are gone. The group of people is the Squibb family, who owned a local store for many years.
And Now It's a Bank
It is difficult to see, but the sign outside the Town Hall says Bank of Nova Scotia. This took place in 1960 (Toronto Telegram).
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