page_title: Bank of British North America
section_title: 49 Yonge Street, Toronto
hierarchical_section_title: Bank of British North America / Branches / 49 Yonge Street, Toronto
caption_attribution_description: English: Bank of British North America building, subsequently a branch of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce; constructed 1872-73 (architect: Henry Langley); alterations 1903 (architects: Burke &amp; Horwood). Currently serves as an Irish-style pub. Toronto, Canada.
context_page_description: The Bank of British North America was founded by Royal Charter issued in 1836 in London, England with offices in Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Saint John, New Brunswick, Halifax and St. John's, Newfoundland. It was the first bank operating in British Columbia. It also operated agencies in New York City and San Francisco. Like the other Canadian chartered banks, it issued its own paper money. The bank issued notes 1852–1911. The end dates are the final dates appearing on notes, which may have circulated for some time after. The Bank of Canada was established through the Bank of Canada Act of 1934 and the banks relinquished their right to issue their own currency.
  It merged with the Bank of Montreal in 1918. British North America was the common name by which the British colonies and territories that now comprise Canada were known prior to 1867. Many Canadian banks disappeared as a result of mergers in the 20th century and by 2007, only five or six major banks and several smaller ones still operate in Canada.
context_section_description: The first Toronto branch, designed by John George Howard was built in 1845 at the northeast corner of Yonge Street and Wellington. The current building, designed by architect Henry Langley, replaced the original in 1875. A restaurant occupies the ground floor with offices above.
caption: 49 Yonge St; current building
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