1915 – Chorley Park, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

After an architectural competition was held in 1910/11 to design a new residence for the Lieutenant Governor, the result was never constructed due to the Provincial Architect’s opinion that none of the designs met the budgetary requirements. Consequently Chorley Park, the fourth government house, was constructed between 1911 and 1915 by the same architect. Constructed as a residence for the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, it was built of Credit Valley stone in a French Renaissance style, reminiscent of French châteaux. It was one of the most expensive residences ever constructed in Canada. Its upkeep became an election issue in the 1937 provincial election, and after only 22 years, Chorley Park was closed. The estate was bought by the Government of Canada and thereafter served various functions, including a military hospital during the Second World War. In 1960, the City of Toronto purchased the house and grounds to add the property to the civic parks system. It was demolished and the formal grounds turned into naturalized parkland.

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