rectory cafe toronto

Rectory Cafe on Toronto Island closing its doors for good

Thanks to rising water levels and wide-spread flooding, the Toronto Island Park remains closed until further notice.

Some businesses are pushing through, despite restricted access to the Islands, including The Rectory Cafe, which remains open (including its sun-soaked lakeside patio) seven days a week.

After Thanksgiving, however, the Rectory will close its doors for good. "We decided not to exercise our right to renew our lease," says Ken McAuliffe, one of the restaurant's three owners.

One of the partners is pulling out of the popular Ward's Island spot, and McAuliffe says the remaining two won't buy out the stake. The ongoing flood hasn't helped business either, despite the Rectory remaining dry (for now).

Since fewer people are coming to the Islands, the Rectory's already been losing money, but it's decided to keep trucking and will keep its 57 employees on board until the fall.

"We are going hammer down," says McAuliffe. "We're not doing The Rectory light."

Lead photo by

Greg's Southern Ontario


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

Toronto neighbourhood upset that local Starbucks is switching to takeout only

Toronto restaurant that was a neighbourhood institution has permanently closed

Famous shawarma restaurant from Montreal opening first downtown Toronto location

A new Hong Kong style breakfast spot is about to open in Toronto

5 Passover dinner catering options in Toronto

Another Loblaws-owned store in Toronto slammed over grocery quality and price

People in Canada shocked at price comparison between Whole Foods and Loblaws

Former Vanderpump Rules star Jax Taylor spotted at Toronto restaurant