Simcoe Day honours John Graves Simcoe, Ontario's first lieutenant governor and the founder of the town that later became the city of Toronto. This observance pays tribute to Simcoe's significant contributions to the development of Ontario as well as his role in abolishing slavery in the region. Key aspects of Simcoe Day include the celebration of history and the promotion of civic pride.
John Graves Simcoe was appointed the first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada in 1791 during the British colonial period. Under his leadership, he established the town of York, which later grew into the city of Toronto, and laid the groundwork for important infrastructure, such as Yonge Street and the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. One of his most significant acts during his tenure was the introduction of the Act Against Slavery in 1793, making Upper Canada the first British territory to enact anti-slavery legislation. The celebration of Simcoe Day serves as an opportunity for people across Ontario to reflect on the province's foundational history and to appreciate the early steps taken toward the abolition of slavery in Canada.
Simcoe Day is observed on the first Monday of August each year in Ontario. Many Canadians take the long weekend as an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, participate in local events, and explore the history of the region. The day is marked by parades, fireworks, historical re-enactments, and community gatherings, offering a festive atmosphere while also providing a platform for education and remembrance of the province's past.
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Top facts about Simcoe Day
Lieutenant governor John Graves Simcoe founded the town of York in 1793. It was the capital of Upper Canada and was used as a defensive capital. Today it is a part of the city of Toronto.
Upon his arrival in Upper Canada, John Graves Simcoe introduced many aspects of law including common law, court, and trial by jury.
John Graves Simcoe enacted legislation in 1793 that made it illegal to import slaves into Canada. Called the Act Against Slavery, it made it so that any enslaved person entering Canada would automatically be freed. Simcoe's legislation also ensured that the children of slaves would be born free.
Simcoe was also a skilled cartographer and drew some of the earliest maps of Upper Canada.
In 1793, he proposed a law to abolish slavery in Upper Canada, making it the first British colony to do so.
Simcoe also founded the town of London, Ontario, which was named after London, England.
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Top things to do for Simcoe Day
Visit the Fort York National Historic Site in Toronto, Ontario. It features tours, demonstrations, and re-enactments.
Visit some of the places named after John Graves Simcoe. These include Simcoe Street in Toronto, Lake Simcoe, Simcoe Island, and the Simcoe Fairgrounds.
Many cities and towns in Ontario put on fireworks shows on Simcoe Day. The most popular ones are in Toronto, Burlington, and Barrie.
There are many festivals happening across the province on Simcoe Day, including the Simcoe Day Festival in Barrie, the Oakville Waterfront Festival, and the Taste of the Danforth in Toronto.
Simcoe Day celebrates the founding of Upper Canada by John Graves Simcoe, so visiting a historic site like Fort York in Toronto or the Simcoe County Museum in Minesing is a great way to observe the holiday.
