High above the gleaming white Toronto Ontario Temple stands the gold-leafed statue of the angel Moroni. This temple is a beacon. It stands twenty miles west of downtown Toronto in Brampton.
The Toronto Ontario Temple is the 44th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was the second temple built in Canada. The Cardston Alberta Temple was the first. This makes Canada the first country outside the United States to have two temples.
The announcement to build the Toronto Ontario Temple occurred on April 7 1984. Thomas S Monson created the LDS Church’s 1600th stake in Kitchener Ontario on June 22 1986. He commented again that a temple would be built in the Toronto area.
Ground was broken for the temple on October 10 1987. President Thomas S Monson presided. He was assisted by Elder M Russell Ballard and Elder John K Carmack.
President Gordon B Hinckley dedicated the Toronto Ontario Temple from August 25-27 1990. There were eleven sessions. The services were translated into French Spanish Portuguese Mandarin Cantonese and Korean. This was due to the cultural diversity of the new temple district. The district covered eastern Canada and the northeastern United States.
The Toronto Ontario Temple has four instruction rooms six sealing rooms and one baptistry. The floor plan mirrors the Denver Colorado Temple. The temple sits on 13.4 acres.
Two LDS Church presidents have ties to Toronto. John Taylor immigrated to Toronto in 1832. Thomas S Monson served as president of the church’s Canadian Mission headquartered in Toronto from 1959 to 1962.
The Toronto Ontario Temple closed for renovations in October 2023. Renovations were completed in December 2024. The scope included interior reconfigurations and improvements. These changes meet increased patron demand and improve accessibility. A new baptistry entry welcome area and recommend desk were added. The heating ventilation and air conditioning systems received major upgrades.
The newly renovated Toronto Ontario Temple was rededicated on March 23 2025 by President Jeffrey R Holland. The rededication was broadcast to all units in the Toronto Ontario Temple district.
The building stands 171 feet tall. It is constructed with white cast stone. Its design was inspired by the Denver Colorado Temple. On October 4 1990 the Toronto Ontario Temple received an award of excellence from the Development Design Awards program.
The exterior has a three-tiered tower. It sits on a square base. The spire leads up to a point. This element was chosen for its symbolic significance and alignment with temple traditions.
The design uses elements that reflect both local culture and broader symbolism to the church. The angel Moroni statue represents the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The temple’s eastward orientation symbolizes watching for the second coming of Christ.
Missionary work in Canada began in 1830 with Joseph Smith Sr and his son Don Carlos. The Church’s first three presidents had ties to Ontario. Joseph Smith visited in 1833 and 1837. Brigham Young taught in the Kingston area. John Taylor joined the Church in Toronto. The first chapel in the area was dedicated in Toronto in 1938. The first stake was created there in 1960.
Today Canada is home to more than 203000 Latter-day Saints. About 54000 Saints reside in Ontario.
The Toronto Ontario Temple stands as a testament to faith community and enduring architectural beauty. Its history and design reflect the dedication of its members and its significance within the broader community.