Provincial plaque commemorates former lieutenant governors' residence and
architectural gem at U of T

TORONTO, Dec. 7 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled a provincial plaque commemorating Pendarves - Cumberland House, an architectural and historical treasure that once served as Ontario's vice-regal residence and is now home to the Centre for International Experience at the University of Toronto.

"I am delighted to unveil this provincial plaque recognizing the former residence of two of my esteemed predecessors," said the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. "As the only former vice-regal residence still standing, it is a tangible reminder of Ontario's architectural and cultural history."

The plaque reads as follows:

Pendarves - Cumberland House
					Renowned Toronto architectural firm Cumberland & Storm designed this building as the family home of senior partner Frederic W. Cumberland. Completed in 1860 and named Pendarves, the original Italianate villa-style structure stood on spacious grounds with its main entrance facing east towards the new University of Toronto campus. In 1883, it was substantially redesigned by William Storm. After the 1912 closure of Government House on Simcoe Street, Toronto, the Ontario Government leased Pendarves as the temporary official residence and receiving rooms for the Lieutenant Governor. It was first occupied by Sir John Gibson until 1914 and then by Sir John Hendrie until the 1915 completion of Chorley Park, Toronto, the last and most opulent vice-regal residence. Acquired by the University of Toronto in 1923 and eventually renamed Cumberland House, this is a rare surviving example of Cumberland's residential work, and is significant for its use as the residence for the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

"Frederic Cumberland was a remarkable architect, who, along with William Storm, left a lasting mark on the province and this city," said Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. "As a rare example of their residential work and as a former provincial Government House, this property has great significance in Ontario's history."

Today's unveiling ceremony took place at the Lieutenant Governor's Suite in the Legislative Building at Queen's Park. The provincial plaque will be permanently installed outside the Centre for International Experience at Cumberland House, 33 St. George Street, on the University of Toronto campus.

"Today, Cumberland House is a gathering place for students representing over 150 countries," said Minister of Tourism and Culture Michael Chan. "I'm proud that this provincial plaque will share the history of this building with the many visitors and newcomers to Ontario who pass through its doors each day."

The Ontario Heritage Trust's Provincial Plaque Program commemorates significant people, places and events in Ontario's history. The Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario, dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.

Quick Facts:

• Since 1953, over 1,200 provincial plaques have been unveiled.
• 298 provincial plaques commemorate significant buildings and structures in Ontario's history.

Learn More:

For more information on the Provincial Plaque Program, visit www.heritagetrust.on.ca.

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For further information:

Catrina Colme
Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist
Ontario Heritage Trust
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]