Sir Byron Edmund Walker, C.V.O., LL.D., D.C.L. 1848-1924
Text from the plaque
Born in Haldimand County, Walker joined the new Canadian Bank of Commerce at an early age, transforming it into one of Canada's leading financial institutions. He helped to author the Bank Act, cornerstone of Canada's national banking system. By 1907, he was president of the Bank of Commerce, a position he held until 1924. Walker was also a generous patron of the arts, helping to found and nurture many of Canada's cultural and educational institutions, including the University of Toronto, National Gallery of Canada, Champlain Society, Appleby School, Art Gallery of Ontario and Royal Ontario Museum. In 1910, King George V knighted Walker for his contributions to business and the arts. Walker assembled land in Innisfil Township for a family retreat that his wife Mary named "Innisfree" and built Innisfree Farm in 1913.
Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.
Find the place
The County of Simcoe
The Town of Innisfil
On 2nd Line, 1.3 km east of Sideroad 20 (Road 39)
Also recorded for this place: The County of Simcoe
N 44 14.355 W 79 32.532
Recorded April 2006. Check current access before visiting.
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Visitors' notes
March 25, 2012
The plaque is located a few minutes' drive from his summer cottage.