1502 Lakeshore Rd E

History

In 1906, James Ryrie, a famous Toronto jeweller, purchased the subject property, later naming it “Edgemere”, meaning the edge of the sea. Ryrie commissioned Edmund Burke and John Horwood of the renowned Burke & Horwood firm in Toronto to design the estate mansion. Three years later, prominent Canadian landscape architect Charles Ernest Woolverton was commissioned by Ryrie to complete the landscape plan for the estate. After the development of this estate, others followed to lay out large estates along the lakeshore in what became known as “Canada’s Newport.”

The Town of Oakville’s account, reproduced from its heritage register.

Heritage attributes

The elements included in this designation are the prominent entrance gates and wall along Lakeshore Road. The highly visible gate and wall serve as a unique example of a construction method which displays a high degree of craftsmanship and is representative of an early style. The main entrance is an English style timber gate constructed of wooden pegs and includes a brass plaque that reads “Edgemere”. The property wall has a rubble stone foundation and is crowned with cut stone and at regular intervals its length is interrupted by rubble stone pillars with cut stone caps.

The Town of Oakville’s description, reproduced from its heritage register.

What the status means

Designated individually under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act by a Town by-law. Alterations to the heritage attributes and demolition need Town approval.

Whether a specific alteration needs a heritage permit is the Town’s call; ask its heritage planning staff before starting work. See permits and by-laws.

Sources

Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence — Town of Oakville. Licence. Register checked September 24, 2026; the Town’s record is authoritative.