475 Church Street, Toronto was likely constructed in 1864. The first occupant data in the City of Toronto Directories is available in the 1866 edition. 475 Church Street is a Second Empire building located at the southeast corner of Church Street and Maitland Street.

The property appears to have been a brick structure since its construction, though was re-clad with stucco at some point in the late 20th or early 21st century. The stuccoing of the building likely coincided with its restaurant-related renovations, including alterations of openings (creation and expansion of windows) on its north elevation and the conversion of upstairs residential space(s) into commercial (restaurant-related) spaces. 

Please note that further research is required to determine if the mansard roof was added during or post-construction, as well as whether this building is original to 1864. 

475 Church Street, Toronto (1864) has been associated with a number of uses over its history:

• Post Office (mid-to-late 1860s)

• George Robertson’s Confectionary Shop and Refreshment Parlour (1870)

• William Hornshaw’s Blacksmith Shop (1871-1878)

• Various Grocers (1879-1907)

• J. A. Humphrey & Son – Funeral Home and Undertakers (1908-1912)

• Thorndike Butchers (1914-1946/1947)

• Bud Burner Company – Heating Equipment and Stoves (1947 – 1970s)

• Also a laundromat at side/rear in 1960s

• Vagara Bistro (approximately 1980s through 1990s)

• The Churchmouse: A Firkin Pub (2002 onward)

The first occupants of 475 Church Street were George Ferrier Burns (c. 1834-1911)  who was originally from Scotland and his family. During the early 1860s, George Ferrier Burns lived in a log cabin and operated a farm in Bruce County, Canada West (Ontario). By 1866, he was living in Toronto and working as a bookkeeper and Post Office clerk while residing at 475 Church Street (then 395 Church Street). Burns was a bookkeeper and Post Office Clerk - he lived at 475 Church Street between 1866 and 1870 - likely with his wife Jennie Smyth (1858-1939)) - married 1896 - and daughter (Esther Maria Burns (1868-1946). Of note is that their daughter was born 28 years before their official marriage. The Burns later moved to 15 Isabella Street in the same neighbourhood. George Ferrier Burns died in York, Ontario on 27 November 1911.

Further information about former occupants of 475 Church Street are available in the attached documents. 

There is a private laneway behind 471-475 Church Street between Church Street and Alexander Place. Further research is required to determine who owns this space.