TORONTO Toronto is a town located on the western shoreline of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle area. Toronto is a town that has retained its identity within this greater region, and it is easy to observe why. This place is a jewel amongst lots of jewels. The lake dominates and delivers a mecca of choices for the locals and is a commercial hub for the sprawling suburbs on the western shore of the lake. Toronto was named after Toronto, Ontario, Canada in honour of Edward Hanlan, a world-champion sculler who visited Australia in 1884. The area's subdividers, the Excelsior Company, named the land in honour of Hanlan's visit, which coincided with the opening of the subdivision. The name was not publicly used until 1887. The Canadian city's name comes from the Mohawk language ‘tkaronto’, meaning where there are trees standing in the water.  Toronto was originally the site of an Aboriginal mission called Ebenezer, established in 1829 by Reverend Threlkeld. Threlkeld is reported to have begun construction of his chimney with a local black stone which he later realised was coal. Coal Point is named after this discovery. The development of several coal mines in the region, proximity to the nearby city of Newcastle, and its position by the lake led to gradual development and population increases. Whilst Toronto is an ‘old’ town very little of the old has survived. Sad really. There is a sign that accords ‘heritage’ importance but that is all. Take away two or three really old buildings and nothing is left. The Toronto Hotel is the last ‘in use’ classic old building. This pub is really old and is also a classic. The War Memorial is located next to the old ‘masters’ cottage. The Cenotaph is a quite worthy acknowledgement. The Anglican and United Churches are mid-fifties. The United has a bit of style. The foreshore upgrades have created a wonderful family environment that rubs off on the visitor. Be sure to linger or stay awhile. Heritage diary