In 1812, the United States declared war and invaded Canada. On the 27th of April 1813, the U.S. Army and Navy attacked York with 2,700 men on 14 ships and schooners. The defenders put up a strong fight but fell back to Fort York in the face of overwhelming odds, eventually abandoning the fort and town to the enemy. In the autumn of 1813, the British returned to Toronto and built the fortification that stands today.
Early in 2005 at a meeting of the Forts Group (a long standing committee drawing its members from Forts Erie, George, Niagara and York), it was decided to form a larger body to discuss shared opportunities and plans for the impending bicentennial. This bicentennial body now includes representatives from other heritage and cultural organizations with connections to the War of 1812.
Preliminary discussions have included the creation of a coordinated event schedule for the bicentennial years in order to avoid potential date conflicts, to provide mutual support where applicable, to improve communications, and to advise non-heritage organizations.
In endorsing Fort York: Adding New Buildings, in December 2005, City Council requested that staff report back on bicentennial planning and on the development of a critical path for the implementation of Adding New Buildings in order to meet this key milestone. Staff will be reporting back to City Council later this year, and will continue to meet with the bicentennial committee. There will be opportunities for the Friends of Fort York and other partners to participate in discussions in the coming months.
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