Don Valley History

The Don River was named in 1793 by Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe after the River Don in Yorkshire, England. Crown Surveyor Alexander Aiken referred to the Don River as Necheng Qua Kekonk in September 1788, upon surveying the lands purchased from Aboriginal Peoples.

Wonscoteonoch, meaning “black burnt lands,” was another name used, probably signifying that the Don Valley had been swept by fire at one point.

Until its acquisition by Metro Toronto, the land around Don Valley and York Mills roads was owned by the City of Toronto and named after W. W. Carson, a prominent civic leader, long-time Hogg’s Hollow resident, and a son of the Jolly Miller Inn’s proprietor. In 1954, Hurricane Hazel’s impact severely altered the course of the West Don River at York Mills Road and demonstrated the need for a regionally coordinated watershed management strategy.

Metro Toronto purchased 65 hectares of Carson Park in February 1955, released one hectare for new road allowances, and proceeded with development of the Don Valley Golf Course. The golf course officially opened on August 1, 1956, at cost of $535,000 for land acquisition and course construction.

After more than 35 years of continuous use, much of the original golf course landscaping at Don Valley began to show its age. While vegetation in and around the course had become well-established, tees and greens were worn out and the irrigation system required replacement. In 1993, Metro Toronto Parks and Culture undertook an extensive restoration program for the golf course. The two-year program included improvements such as several hole realignments, the creation of a naturalized wetland water hazard and significant drainage and soil modifications to the tees and greens. Tees and greens were also enlarged to accommodate the level of play experienced at the course.