Spencer R. Higgins, Architect Incorporated
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Colborne
Lodge,
High Park, Toronto
Building Repair and Restoration
John Howard built Colborne Lodge in 1837 and named the residence after Sir John Colborne, Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada. In 1873, Mr. Howard and his wife deeded their 165-acre country property (now High Park) to the City of Toronto. Colborne Lodge is a rare North American example of a Regency picturesque building type.
In 2017 SHA was retained by Toronto Museums and Cultural Services to carry out staged repairs and restoration of the building. Several projects have been undertaken, including the preparation of an Historic Building Condition Report, Measured Drawings, Basement and Window Repairs, and Landscape and AODA Accessibility Work.
The initial construction contract included stabilization and repair of the brick foundation walls and upgrades to the existing mechanical room and kitchenette.
Our work included of the provision of a refurbished mechancial room containing new HVAC and fire-safety equipment, and new main electrical services. Blocked-in basement windows were opened and fitted with brick lightwells and custom wood windows matching the original. A new site water service control system was provided for the Lodge and adjacent Coach-house to eliminate water line contamination issues.
The necessary adjustment of the high grade levels around the building resulted in the rebuilding of the access ramp and entrance deck. In 2024 the landscaping and accessibility project was completed, including coordination for TRCA-permitting to allow site regrading to accommodate a new AODA complient entrance bridge, site paths and landscaping.
The firm was retained in 2025 to prepare a wood shingle roof replacement work package.
Colborne Lodge, High Park, Toronto ON
South elevation - 2021 (Photo:SHA)
Link to Colborne Lodge
Accessibility and Landscaping Project
2024 (Photo SHA)
Measured Drawings - Northsouth Section
2017 (Photo SHA)