Severn's Brewery
On this site stood a 19th-century brewery and malt house that, at its peak, produced 26,500 litres of alcohol per week. Established by John Severn in 1835, the brewery specialized in ale and porter to satisfy the tastes of Toronto's British immigrants. Castle Frank Brook (later known as Severn Creek and since buried) was the source of water for Severn's brewery.
In the late 19th century, brewing practices improved, and expanded transportation systems allowed breweries to serve a greater area. Although Severn installed a 15-horsepower steam engine to advance his brewery, ultimately his small operation was unable to compete with the region's larger breweries.
John Severn died in 1880 and his son, George, inherited the company. Financial difficulties forced the Severn family to close the brewery just six years later.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.