Hello,
While preparing to co-facilitate a historical tour focused on Toronto’s Runnymede neighbourhood, I came across the story of John Scarlett.
John Scarlett was born in 1777 in Newcastle-under-Lyme, England, into a world of change and opportunity.
As a young man, he moved to Antigua, where he gained experience in commerce. By the time he was 32, Scarlett decided to leave Antigua and set out for Upper Canada (now Ontario).
He arrived in 1808 in York (now Toronto) with determination, modest wealth, and a vision to create something lasting.
He was not part of the established elite, and the challenges of starting anew in an unfamiliar land were significant.
John did bring with him resilience, ambition, and an unshakable belief that meaningful work could shape both his future and the community around him.
By 1809, he began purchasing land in Etobicoke and York Townships.
Over the next five decades, he helped transform the Humber River valley into a thriving industrial and residential area.
John Scarlett built and operated mills, a distillery, and a brickyard.
He opened one of the area’s first toll roads (now known as Scarlett Road), connecting the villages of Lambton and Weston.
His 644-acre estate, Runnymede, which gave its name to the surrounding neighbourhood, was a nod to Runnymede Meadow in England.
Runnymede Meadow is where the Magna Carta was sealed in 1215, affirming enduring principles of justice and fairness.
By the time he passed away in 1865, Scarlett owned more than 1,500 acres.
He had established the foundations of what became Toronto’s Runnymede neighbourhood (and the broader Junction community).
His story reminds us that great communities are built one idea, one strategic act, and one person at a time, and that we can build something that outlasts us.
Three Suggested Action Items:
- Create lasting impact in your community.
Mentor someone, volunteer, or start a project that benefits others beyond your immediate circle.
- Learn from local history.
Attend the #ExperienceTO: Runnymede Historical Tour and see firsthand how one person’s vision shaped a neighbourhood.
- Leave a legacy of clarity and guidance.
Document your experiences, organize your digital and/or physical resources, and/or write a note or book for future generations so your knowledge endures.
I wish you the very best!
Alex Rășcanu
P.S. I look forward to seeing you at one of the upcoming events, such as the Runnymede historical tour on November 1st.
P.P.S. If someone forwarded you this e-newsletter and you’d like to subscribe, you can do so here.
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