The Archives of Ontario brings the past alive for Ontarians.  It showcases Ontario’s public and private archival records as a vital resource for studying and interpreting the history, people and culture of the province, in all their diversity.

The Archives also develops innovative educational programs.

The Archives’ collections include Ontario government and private records going back to the earliest days of Ontario.  They contain genealogical records, vital statistics, records relating to aboriginal peoples, thousands of photographs and maps, architectural records, documentary art, and sound and moving images.

The Archives is responsible for almost 2,500 historical and contemporary works of art in the Government of Ontario Art Collection.  These are displayed in government locations throughout the province.

The Archives’ holdings include:

• 1.9 million photographs
• 45,000 maps
• • 240,000 architectural plans
• 40,000 sound and moving image items
• 80,000 publications in its library
• 42,000 microfilm reels (over 8,500 loaned all over the world)
• Approx. 5,000 documentary art items, including the Government of Ontario Art Collection
• More than 500 gigabytes of electronic records

NEW FEATURES

• The new facility is 20,000 square feet bigger than the previous downtown Toronto location. The public reference area is 75 per cent larger in size, and includes a gallery featuring historic displays.
• The facility meets the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) silver certification, a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.
• This is the first LEED-certified building on the York campus.
• The building is designed to consume less water and energy and comes equipped with a reflective roof system that prevents heat build-up.

Contact:

Greg Dennis, Minister’s Office, 416-327-3072
Ciaran Ganley, Communications Branch, 416-325-8659