Despite the 1928 date written on the first photo, it’s from sometime in the 1890s. The Don River often jammed up with ice and this picture shows the scene, facing north from the Gerrard Street East bridge.
The second picture is of ice being blasted on the Don in 1904 – I’m not certain what bridge is in the background (let us know in the comments if you know).
Hat Tip to the Toronto Guardian for finding these and other great winter pictures in the Toronto Archives!