Here at the Humber River Plaque we stand at a crossroads. Two ancient paths intersect here. These paths are thousands of years older than the nearby highways. One followed the Lake Ontario shoreline. The other a 50-kilometre footpath. It’s known as the Carrying Place Trail. This trail ran north along the Humber River to Lake Simcoe.
This plaque commemorates the Humber River. It’s a significant part of Toronto’s history. The Humber River is a Canadian Heritage River. Its designation highlights its rich human history. It also recognizes the importance of protecting its resources.
For over 11000 years people have used the Humber River. Indigenous peoples established communities along its banks. Ancestors of the Huron-Wendat Nation Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation were among them. Fur trading with Europeans in the 16th and 17th centuries increased the river’s importance. After 1649-1650 the Huron-Wendat lost this area to the Five Nations Iroquois. They built a village near today’s Bloor Street crossing. By 1700 the Mississaugas replaced the Iroquois village. French trading posts followed starting in 1720.
The Humber River was more than just a pathway. It became a hub of water-powered industry in the 1800s. Agricultural and residential development followed. Unfortunately this led to significant changes. Deforestation altered water levels. Pollution destroyed the fishery. Landfill changed the riverbanks. Archaeological remains survive. They provide evidence of the river’s vibrant past. Since the 1940s pollution has been reduced. Natural ecosystems are regenerating.
The Humber River Plaque reminds us of the past. It encourages us to appreciate this vital waterway. It also serves as a testament to the resilience of nature. And it celebrates the ongoing efforts to protect the river’s heritage. The Humber River continues to be enjoyed by people from around the world. It’s a place for recreation and reflection. It’s a place rich in history and full of stories waiting to be discovered.