Trinity Square, Toronto

Curbed by the Eaton Center on the east, Bell Trinity Square on the south and west, and the Marriott Downtown Eaton Center Hotel on the north, lies Toronto's Trinity Square.

Back in the 19th century, this area was known as the Terauley Estate (occupied by Terauley Cottage) of one John Simcoe Macaulay, who sold the property in 1845 to make way for the construction of the Church of the Holy Trinity. This Anglican church dominates the square to this day. Found nearby are the Holy Trinity Rectory and Henry Scadding House, both heritage buildings. Other notable features within the square include a fountain (a tall outlet of water falling from a wall) with an ornamental pond, an artificial stream beside the walkway to Bay Street, and a labyrinth path.

The three large colonnade-like structures seen here serve as an entrance to the Toronto Public Labyrinth. As many labyrinths are found near the water, this labyrinth is also located on the former course of Taddle Creek which has been buried for more than 150 years now. The granite blocks used for paving the labyrinth entrance and the nearby water feature serve as reminders of this buried creek. The labyrinth is oriented in the direction of true north, as indicated by the directional lines created with the granite blocks.

Adjacent to the church is a clock tower similar in scale and construction to the columns at Bay Street.

During the 1970s, Trinity Square was on the brink of demolition amid plans to build the massive Toronto Eaton Centre. Successful protests from Toronto citizens eventually forced the mall design to be changed, preserving the square, the church, as well as the nearby Old City Hall.