20 MB - University of Toronto Magazine

LookingBackBY GRAHAM F. SCOTTBridgeOver TimeThe casual observer might not think ofmodern-day Mississauga, Ontario, as a placeto find idyllic pastoral scenes, but this picturesays otherwise.The Lislehurst Bridge spansa manmade pond on the University ofToronto Mississauga campus, not far fromthe historic home where vice-president andprincipal Ian Orchard and his family reside.“The bridge is picturesque year-roundbecause it reflects the seasons that are goingon around us,” says Orchard.“We have lotsof walkers who go through the campus andthrough the woods, even in winter. Oftenyou’ll see people walking over the bridgeand reflecting, looking down in the pool.Youhear the frogs croaking as you go by in thespring and summer. It’s lovely.” The bridgeis also a popular spot for wedding photos.During the warmer months, Orchard oftenfinds limousines lined up near the house ascouples pose in the rustic surroundings.The Lislehurst estate was built by theSchreiber family, descendants of Sir IsaacBrock.The house was constructed in 1885,but the bridge and pond were added later byReginald Watkins, a Hamilton businessmanwho bought the property in 1928.Watkinseventually sold it to U of T, and Mississaugadeclared Lislehurst a heritage site almosta quarter-century ago.Orchard believes the estate and thebridge provide an important historicalreminder for the U of T Mississauga students,staff and faculty who pass throughthe bucolic patch of nature in the midst ofthe city.“Even though we’re a very youngcampus,” he says,“we have this reflectionof history built into it.”50 UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO MAGAZINE / SPRING 2008