In 1979, staff of the Archives of Ontario did a wonderful thing for Ontario researchers—creating a massive index to the settlers who were allocated Crown land in Upper Canada/Canada West/Ontario. It took five years and all the new-fangled technology they could muster 46 years ago.
The Ontario Land Records Index (OLRI) connects the person to a specific property and opens the door to many more records. But until September 2025, it was only found on microfiche in a few locations.
The OLRI is now available worldwide online for free on The Internet Archive.
As sponsors and funders of the OLRI digitization project, Toronto Branch OGS will hold an online celebration on January 17. We want you—and everyone with an interest in Ontario research—to come to the virtual party and explore the records and stories the OLRI can help reveal.
The event is free. Please register for your Zoom link here.
PROGRAM
The celebration starts with a nuts-and-bolts explanation of how to use the OLRI including the new features available with the digitized version. Whether this amazing index is new to you or the fiche version is an old friend, speaker Jane MacNamara will demonstrate its use and show us some of the idiosyncrasies discovered during digitization.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
OLRI to the Rescue
Speaker Ken McKinlay
When using the land records in our research, quite often we get frustrated with the Abstract/Parcel Registers on OnLand since they only start once the letters patent have been granted. But what if your ancestor was recorded on that property before then but never filled in the paperwork to be granted the letters patent for the lot? This is where the OLRI can sometimes shed some light onto the property occupancy. Ken takes a look at the OLRI through several examples of this challenge.
Unlocking Records for the Founders of Burritts Rapids
Speaker Chuck Buckley
The OLRI provides keys to unlock part of the life story of Stephen Burritt U.E., founder of Burritts Rapids on the Rideau River. A few examples of records from the Archives of Ontario (many now digitized on FamilySearch), Library and Archives Canada, and Héritage Canadiana will be presented. These records provide much more than land details and help resolve family puzzles.
In Recognition of Your Service: Land Grants for Ontario Veterans of the Fenian Raids and the South Africa War
Speaker Glenn Wright
In 1901, the Ontario government offered 160 acres of land in northern townships to all those who had defended the province against Fenian raids in the 1860s. Those who were then serving in the South Africa War were also eligible for a land grant. The OLRI includes the names of those granted land and where located, but the original records documenting these land grants, including registers of claimants, applications and related correspondence are held by the Archives of Ontario and are the subject of this presentation.
Ontario’s AA Grants—Warning: AA Could Mean “Absolutely Awful”
Speaker Linda Corupe
Free grants were one of the methods used to draw people to Upper Canada/Canada West/Ontario. The OLRI uses various codes to designate different types of these grants, with the letters AA being used to indicate gratuitous or free land given to destitute settlers or to those who paid no administrative fees. Usually, these were lots along colonization roads, or given under the Free Grant and Homestead Act. Some consisted of good land, eagerly snapped up by settlers. But some, especially in later years, did not, leading to hardship and starvation. Using the information found in the OLRI on AA grants will lead to more information on those settlers and the land they attempted to live on and cultivate.
And that’s not all. Toronto Branch OGS didn’t do this alone. We had partners—wait until you hear what they have to say!
The event is free. You should come. Please register for your Zoom link here.
Our main speaker, Linda Reid, will share her views on making effective use of DNA testing for genealogy. This exciting addition to traditional documentary research is populated by many “experts”, with some strong and occasionally varying opinions. Often Linda agrees with the majority—and sometimes not.
Linda will talk of how she navigates the many choices of tools and techniques and why she has made the choices she has. Perhaps the points she raises will help you to navigate your path—and enjoy productive genetic genealogy research.
Speaker Linda Reid has been researching her British and Irish roots for decades. For the last 15 years she has focused on confirming the paper trail with DNA evidence, most recently Big Y, and has had great success. She believes that family history is family stories, documentary evidence and DNA evidence all woven together.
OPENING ACT:
Tracing Roots Through Records: Genealogy and the University of Toronto Archives
This presentation will introduce attendees to the extensive resources available at the University of Toronto Archives and their value for genealogical research. The presentation will highlight the diverse materials collected—such as institutional records, personal papers, student publications, photographs, and oral histories—and explore how these resources support historical and family research. Attendees will discover key genealogical assets like alumni records, yearbooks, clippings files, and various rolls and registers, along with practical guidance on accessing them through on-site visits, digital collections, and archivist support. The session also offers tips for maximizing archival tools, interpreting historical documents, and uncovering hidden sources, empowering participants to begin or deepen their genealogical journey using records at the University of Toronto Archives.
Speaker Tys Klumpenhouwer is the University Archivist at the University of Toronto Archives & Records Management Services. Committed to preserving the university’s rich history, Tys oversees the management of archival collections, donations, and special collections to the University Archives. In his role as University Archivist, Tys ensures the accessibility and integrity of historical records, supporting academic research, and promoting the importance of archival preservation for the University and its community.
In this presentation, we’ll explore Ken McKinlay’s top ten tips and strategies for uncovering our ancestors’ stories. Instead of focusing on individual sites or specific search techniques, Ken highlights a broader approach our genealogy research, offering insights into how to think strategically and see the bigger picture in our research. Whether you’re just starting your family history journey or have been researching for years, you’ll come away with practical advice to help you uncover new connections and make progress in your genealogy research endeavours.
Speaker: Embarking on a genealogical adventure over two decades ago, Ken McKinlay’s quest began with a mission to confirm or debunk three family stories. Despite uncovering the truth behind those initial tales, Ken’s passion for delving into his family’s past remains steadfast, fueled by a constant stream of new questions. As a sought-after speaker by branches of OGS, the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa, and other genealogy societies across Canada, Ken McKinlay shares his expertise through engaging talks and workshops. Beyond public speaking, Ken shares his insights on his blog, Family Tree Knots (https://familytreeknots.blogspot.com/), providing a valuable resource for fellow enthusiasts.
OPENING ACT:
AI-Generated Genealogy Games—Transforming Great Grandma’s Letters
Janice has been creating family history games for over 15 years. Now with the help of generative AI, she has a whole new batch of fun ideas for engaging the family: introducing “Spot the Anachronism”, “Recipe Challenge”, “Farm Life Charades”, and “Speed Chronology”.
Speaker: Professional genealogist Janice Nickerson loves a good challenge—whether it’s identifying elusive ancestors, tracking disappearing descendants or telling richer family stories. She’s been treating / subjecting her family to genealogy themed games for decades!