This feature was originally published in the Evening Telegraph on 14 October 2024.
I'm currently on holiday in Toronto, visiting from my home city of Dundee, and during this trip, I’ve discovered a fascinating historical connection between these two places that dates back to the 1830s.
At the centre of this link is William Lyon Mackenzie, an influential figure who played a critical role in Toronto's history.
Mackenzie was born in Dundee and emigrated to what was then called York, now known as Toronto, where he made a lasting impact on the city's development. Most notably, Mackenzie became Toronto’s first mayor and helped to shape the early foundations of the city.
Learning about this connection was an unexpected delight, especially when I came across Mackenzie House, Mackenzie’s old house turned museum which is dedicated to his life and the early days of Toronto’s growth.
Mackenzie House is located close to Yonge-Dundas Square, and although the museum was undergoing renovations during my visit, it still provided a remarkable experience.
The tour I took offered a rich insight into 19th-century life in Toronto, giving me a deeper understanding of how the city evolved over time.
The guide shared intriguing stories about Mackenzie’s life and his many contributions to Toronto, painting a vivid picture of the man who had such a significant role in its early development.
One of the facts that stood out to me during my visit was how much the populations of Dundee and Toronto have shifted over the past two centuries.
When William Lyon Mackenzie first became mayor in 1834, Dundee was a much larger city, with around 45,000 residents compared to Toronto’s 9,000.
Today, however, the situation has completely reversed. Dundee’s population now sits at 148,000, while Toronto has grown into a bustling, multicultural metropolis of 2.8 million people.
One of the highlights of my visit to Mackenzie House was seeing the old print shop, which lets you create your own front page of Mackenzie’s old newspaper, the Colonial Advocate. As I chatted with one of the printmakers, I mentioned that I was from Dundee.
Their face lit up as soon as I said it, and we had a lovely conversation about our shared history. It was a moment that made me reflect on the enduring ties between our two cities, despite the passage of time and the geographic distance.
This discovery has further strengthened my belief in the potential for collaboration between Dundee and Toronto, something I’ve suggested on a few occasions before. Both cities have much to offer one another, and learning more about William Lyon Mackenzie’s influence on Toronto has only made this idea feel even more relevant.
It’s fascinating to think that a man from Dundee played such a vital role in shaping what is now one of the world’s most dynamic cities. It seems only fitting that our cities acknowledge and celebrate this bond.
As I continue to explore Toronto, I’m reminded of how much the city owes to individuals like Mackenzie. His impact on its development is profound, and it’s difficult to imagine what Toronto might look like today without his contributions.
This connection adds a special depth to my visit, highlighting the shared heritage that links Dundee and Toronto.
The story of William Lyon Mackenzie serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognising our intertwined histories.
I hope that both cities can honour this legacy and find ways to work together, building a relationship that reflects the vibrant, forward-thinking spirit of both Dundee and Toronto.
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