Residence.
Details of Site Location: The northeast corner of Bay and Wellington Streets.
Boundary History: The lot was of half an acre as a Town Lot.
Current Use of Property: BCE Place.
Historical Description: The New Town Survey of 1797 laid out a block of eight lots east from Bay Street and south from Market Street (now called Wellington). At the time, Yonge Street had not been opened, and the lots numbered 1 at the east end of the block included the land that would be used for Yonge Street later. At Bay Street, Lot 4 was rectangular and was granted to Alexander McNab on 25 November 1802. He had been an ensign with the Queen’s Rangers since 1800. After the Rangers were disbanded, he joined a British regiment and was killed at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. By 1807, John Cameron was on the lot. Probably around 1802, Andrew Mercer came to Canada with Chief Justice Thomas Scott. Mercer went into business partnership with Samuel S. Ridout, running a general store. Mercer purchased Lot 4 and built a cottage there. During the War of 1812, the printing offices of the Upper Canada Gazette and the Oracle were there, but the Americans vandalized the offices during the period of their occupation. By 1834, Andrew Mercer was listed as “Esq.” and the agent for issuing marriage licences, continuing in this role until at least 1859 when he is last recorded. In 1871, Andrew Mercer died, apparently leaving no will and no heirs. However, a house¬keeper claimed to be his widow with a son named Andrew Mercer Jr. A will was produced, purported to have been made by Andrew Mercer. The Crown contested the will and won the case. Then the Crown granted certain monies and property to the claimant, and used the balance of the money from the estate to found the Mercer Reformatory.
Relative Importance: The cottage’s location is a reminder that the dense downtown area of today’s skyscrapers once contained the simple cottages and market gardens of Toronto’s humble beginnings. Bay Street was once called Bear Street because residents chased a bear to the bay – an indication of its still somewhat wild character in Mercer’s time. Where little seems to have changed is in the mystery surrounding Mercer’s private life and financial and legal affairs, as interpreted by the Crown. As a building Mercer’s Cottage is not significant, but his life and affairs had far-reaching effects and deserve to be remembered.
Planning Implications: A plaque at BCE Place, on the exterior where everyone can see it, would provide insights into the area in the early 19th century and into the beginnings of the Mercer Reformatory.
Reference Sources: John Ross Robertson, Landmarks of Toronto (2 volumes); Toronto Reference Library, Robertson Papers.
Acknowledgements: Maps Project.