Taddle Creek
Near this location, a major stream once wove its way through the St. George Campus of the University of Toronto. Known as "Taddle Creek", the watercourse followed from headwaters in present-day Wychwood Park, off Bathurst Street, and followed a course that meandered south and southeast to enter Lake Ontario near Parliament Street. Taddle Creek was used by aboriginal peoples and European settlers as a navigation route and for drinking water. "University Creek", the watercourse, was a source of delight for the university. With the growth of the city, the creek became a popular location for fishing, skating and other recreational pursuits. In 1859, part of Taddle Creek was dammed to create McCaul's Pond (now site of Hart House Green) and a botanical garden.
Beginning in the mid 19th century the urbanization of Toronto led into sections of Taddle Creek being buried or channelled into the city's sewer system. The watercourse was completely buried in 1884. Today, Philosopher's Walk, winding through the north end of the campus from Bloor Street West to Hoskin Avenue, is the only visible remnant of the former Taddle Creek ravine. Taddle Creek Road, just west of this site, recalls the path of the stream through the south end of the campus on its journey toward the lake.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.