Spencer R. Higgins, Architect Incorporated

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, John and Jemima Howard deeded their 165-acre property, which became High Park, to the City of Toronto. Colborne Lodge is a rare North American example of the Regency picturesque building style. Mr. and Mrs. Howard are buried at the John Howard Mausoleum nearby. In 2017 SHA was retained by Toronto Museums & Heritage Services to carry out staged repairs and restoration of the building. Several projects have been undertaken, including the preparation of a Historic Building Condition Report, measured drawings, basement and window repairs, and landscape and AODA site accessibility work. The initial construction contract included stabilization and repair of the brick foundation walls and upgrades to the existing mechanical room and staff kitchenette. SHA's work included the provision of a refurbished mechanical room containing new HVAC and fire-safety equipment, and new 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 also resulted in the construction of a new 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 compliant 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 - North-South Section 2017 (Photo SHA)