Colborne Street: A Historic Corridor in Downtown Toronto
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Ontario, Colborne Street serves as a unique architectural bridge between the city's modern skyline and its colonial past. Running several hundred metres east of Yonge Street, this thoroughfare is situated parallel to both King Street East and Wellington Street East, crossing Victoria Street and Leader Lane before terminating at Church Street.
What distinguishes Colborne Street from many other downtown corridors is its preservation of historic structures, particularly those dating back to the Victorian era—the period during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Key Facts
- Location: Downtown Toronto, between Yonge Street and Church Street.
- Architectural Significance: Home to several well-preserved Victorian-era buildings.
- Record-Breaking Structure: The Trader's Bank Building was once the tallest building in the British Empire.
- Pop Culture: Served as a filming location for the TV series The Next Step.
Architectural Landmarks and History
Early Foundations and the Masonic Hall
The street's history of development dates back to the early 19th century. In 1822, a two-storey Masonic Hall, featuring a distinctive cupola (a small, dome-like structure on top of a building), was constructed on the site that now comprises Colborne Street.
The Milburn Building
Continuing the street's architectural evolution, the Milburn building was erected in 1886. Located at 47-55 Colborne Street, this structure was designed by the renowned architect Edward James Lennox.
The Trader's Bank Building
One of the most significant landmarks on the street is the 15-storey Trader's Bank Building, situated at the corner of Colborne and Yonge streets. Upon its completion in 1906, it held the prestigious title of the tallest building in the British Empire.
Curiosities and Modern Usage
The Longest Pending Permit
Colborne Street is the site of a peculiar administrative anomaly involving the King Edward Hotel. In 1914, the hotel applied for a permit to construct a pedestrian bridge across Colborne Street to connect to an annex on the south side. Remarkably, as of 2023, this request remains pending.
Filming and Media
Beyond its history, the street has played a role in contemporary media. The Canadian television series The Next Step, which aired on CBBC, used this location for filming from 2013 until its final episode in 2025.
Colborne Street Summary
| Landmark/Event | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Masonic Hall | 1822 | Early two-storey building with a cupola |
| Milburn Building | 1886 | Designed by architect Edward James Lennox |
| Trader's Bank Building | 1906 | Tallest building in the British Empire at the time |
| King Edward Hotel Bridge | 1914 | Permit request still pending as of 2023 |
| The Next Step (TV Series) | 2013–2025 | Filming location for CBBC series |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Colborne Street located?
Colborne Street is located in downtown Toronto, Ontario, running east from Yonge Street to Church Street, parallel to King Street East and Wellington Street East.
What is the most famous building on Colborne Street?
The Trader's Bank Building is particularly notable; when it was built in 1906, it was the tallest building in the British Empire.
Who designed the Milburn building?
The Milburn building, located at 47-55 Colborne Street and built in 1886, was designed by architect Edward James Lennox.
What is the story behind the King Edward Hotel bridge?
In 1914, the hotel requested a permit to build a pedestrian bridge across Colborne Street to reach a south-side annex, a request that was still pending as of 2023.
Was Colborne Street used in any television shows?
Yes, the Canadian series The Next Step, which aired on CBBC, was filmed at this location from 2013 until its conclusion in 2025.