DOWNSVIEW FAMILY TREE

Indigenous Settlements

Archaeological excavations have concluded that The Black Creek site was occupied by Huron people since as early as the 15th century. Excavations in the 1950s have uncovered remains of 10 Iroquoian longhouses.

Downsview Lands Acquisition

The Downsview Lands were acquired from the aboriginal peoples with the Toronto Purchase in 1787. In 1793, Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe established the Town of York. As the town grew, the surrounding lands were gradually settled by Canadians, including many United Empire Loyalists who had moved to Canada from the United States after the American Revolution.