From their museum website: (
visit link)
"From the first days of colonial settlement until 1854, the only types of sugar that were available within the Canadian market were either the crude and dirty "Muscovado" (raw) sugar, or the expensive refined "Loaf" sugar, imported from the United States and Europe. This lack of domestic refining capability and the high prices being charged by the importers of refined sugar created a business opportunity fo an enterprising industrialist named John Redpath."
The first refinery was located in Montreal and opened in 1853.
From the website again:
"By the mid-1950's, the consumer and industrial markets for sugar were continuing to expand and it was decided that a new refinery would be constructed at Toronto. Designed to the latest techological standards, this landmark complex of buildings was the first industrial production facility built to coincide with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Taking two years to complete, the official opening of the new refinery took place on June 29, 1959, when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinbrgh toured the Toronto facility during their visit to Canada for the opening of the seaway"
The Montreal location has been shut down and "the Toronto refinery has continually upgraded and improved to keep pace with the increasing demands of its customers and to maintain its position as Canada's premier sugar refiner. Today, the Redpath Brand continues to be displayed prominently on all of our products."
They are still currently functioning and export several items to the US. You can read more about their very extensive history at (
visit link)
Their main page: (
visit link)
Their main products: (
visit link)
According to the Canadian Sugar Institute's website: (
visit link)
There are three key players in Canada's sugar industry and Redpath was the first.
The Redpath Building houses the storage and refining plant for Toronto-based Redpath Sugar. The facility is located on the Toronto waterfront and is situated just east of downtown Toronto on Queen's Quay.
The sugar processed at the plant originates in the Caribbean, and is delivered and stockpiled by ships using the St. Lawrence Seaway. Due to the limited shipping season, sugar cane is stockpiled each fall in facilities next to the processing plant.
The complex consists of Building 1 (8 floors), a chimneystack and Building 2 (5 floors) houses the sugar museum.
In 2006 the famous illuminated red "Redpath Sugar" sign that adorned the north side of the building was removed and replaced with a sign (since removed) of "Tate & Lyle" the former owners (Redpath is currently owned by American Sugar Refining Inc). The signage on the West side of the building is still intact.
The north-facing wall of the Raw Sugar Shed features a whale mural by marine artist Wyland. (
visit link)