Information for Researchers

The Anglican Diocese of Toronto Archives is open to in-person research by appointment only. 

Before visiting, you must make an appointment with the archives staff. Please email archives@toronto.anglican.ca with subject line “research appointment request,” along with the date and time you wish to come. Appointment times are generally 9:00am to 12:00pm or 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Due to limited seating in our reading room, it is suggested that you send a request with 2 or 3 possible dates/times so that we can try to accommodate you.

Upon your visit, you will be required to:

• show your government-issued photo ID
• read and complete the Archives Registration Form, which sets out the conditions of use
• provide a brief summary of your research project and the information you are looking for
• pay a $5 cash researcher registration fee.

Visitors without appointments will not be admitted.

There is no penalty for cancelling your reservation; however, we request that you give us as much notice as possible. Should we have to close the archives temporarily, we will inform prospective visitors.

Limited copying of parish records is permitted. You can also use a digital camera to take photos of records after you get permission from the Archives staff and read and sign the Policy on the Use of Digital Cameras in the Reading Room.

We also welcome requests by mail, email and phone, but we can undertake only limited research on behalf of patrons. See the fee schedule for more information.

For more information about access to records, see the Access Policy or contact archives staff.

Archives Safety Protocols

Handwashing with soap and water is mandatory before handling collection materials.

All surfaces are cleaned before and after a researcher’s visit.

Food and drink is prohibited.

All visitors must stay within the authorized Archives area.  Access to the Archives storage areas, processing areas, or other parts of the Diocesan office (excluding designated washrooms) is prohibited.

You will be expected to comply with all Diocesan safety protocols while on site.  If you have any questions, please contact archives@toronto.anglican.ca.

Tours

Tours of the archives are by appointment only. All individuals on the tour must abide by the same procedures outlined above.

Access to parish records for genealogical research is restricted. The Archives follows the direction of the Archives of Ontario and only provides access to baptisms to 1918, marriages to 1941 and burials to 1951. The Archives of Ontario has recently increased the active retention period for birth registration from 95 to 104 years.

If your search meets this criteria, submit a request the Archives with as much detail as possible. Individual records are not indexed, so it is important to provide the name of the church (or at least the geographic area) and general date range so that archives staff can help you in your search. See the fee schedule for costs associated with records searches.

The Archivist may grant or refuse access to records at their discretion. For more information, see the Access Policy or contact Claire Wilton, Archivist, or Sarah McDougall, Archives Assistant.

Individual records are not indexed, so it is important to provide as much detail as possible. If you need a certified copy of your baptism or marriage record, fill out the request form. There may be costs associated with records searches. Certified copies will not be issued until we receive your payment. For more information, see the fee schedule.

The Archives take individuals’ privacy very seriously. We place certain restrictions on parish records, and we require proof of identity (in the form of government-issued photo ID) before we release any records that are still covered under closure periods established by the Archives of Ontario. The Archivist may grant or refuse access to records at their discretion. For more information, see the Access Policy or contact archives staff.

The Archives takes individuals’ privacy very seriously, so we place certain restrictions on parish records. With our patrons’ cooperation and by adhering to privacy legislation, we balance the need for privacy with the goal of facilitating research.