General Information

The United Church of Canada Archives in Toronto is open to all researchers by appointment only, Tuesday to Thursday, and who register annually and abide by our researcher regulations. Contact us with an inquiry before your first visit, so that we can advise you whether there may be records at the Archives relating to your inquiry, explain how you can access records, or refer you to another archives or institution if we do not have related records.

The United Church of Canada Archives will be closed from August 11-15th, 2025. Researchers will not be able to schedule appointments during that time. Only priority requests sent to the Archives will be answered.

Hours

The Archives is opened by appointment only from Tuesday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.

Registration

Users will be asked to register when visiting the Archives. Registration forms can be found at the reference desk. The information collected in the forms will not be used for any purpose other than its intended use and in adherence to The United Church of Canada’s privacy statement.

Users, new and returning, will be asked to fill in a ledger book when visiting the Archives. This allows us to track visits to the reading room for security and statistical purposes.

Fees

Users will be asked to pay a fee for the copying of records and certificate requests. Please contact Archives staff prior to requesting copies of material or certificates or making online payment. Fees must be paid in advance.

Fees can be paid online, in person with cash (exact change please), or by money order or cheque payable to the United Church of Canada.

The following fees are charged for the various reproduction requests:

  • Photocopies – $1/page (pick up). An additional $5 will be applied for mailed orders.
  • Digital Camera Use – $5 / box
  • Microfilm – $0.50/page. Users may make printouts in the archives. Alternatively, users can save digital copies to a USB stick.
  • Scans – $25/image. Images are transferred to users via FTP
  • Certificate Requests – $30 (includes HST) – (Baptismal and Marriage)

Requesting Material

In order to view archival material, users must complete a Retrieval Request Form available at the reference desk. The form will require users to fill in their name, date and the accession number, box and file number of the requested material. For preservation and security reasons, the number of items given to the user at one time will be limited.

The majority of our audio-visual material is held offsite. Please contact the Archives for more information.

Archives staff can provide users with research guides and general guidance regarding which records to consult for their research.

Restrictions

Unless otherwise indicated, access to archival records is open.  Records cannot be borrowed and must be viewed in the reading room. Records may, however, be restricted for various reasons.  Restriction on access is outlined in the records descriptions and findings aids. Please contact the Archives prior to your visit for more details.