August 24, 1999
To:Etobicoke Community Council
From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture & Tourism
Subject:Historical Marker - Long Branch Race Track - Ward 2 - Lakeshore-Queensway
Purpose:
To respond to a request from Etobicoke Community Council that the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Department report back on the recognition of the location of the former Long Branch Race Track by the erection of a
historical marker on the site. Etobicoke Community Council also requested that the Etobicoke Historical Board be asked to
comment on the proposal.
Source of Funds:
Costs will be in the range of $3,000.00 and could be covered by the 1999 Operating Budget.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)staff be authorized to proceed with the installation of an enameled historical plaque, with appropriate landscaping, to
commemorate the location of the former Long Branch Race Track;
(2)installation of the historical plaque proceed this fall or as soon as the necessary permissions are obtained;
(3)the cost to fabricate and install the plaque be covered by the 1999 operating budget; and
(4)the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
Council Reference/Background/History:
At its meeting held April 28, 1999, the Etobicoke Community Council considered a memorandum from Councillor Irene
Jones, requesting that Economic Development, Culture and Tourism report on the recognition of the location of the former
Long Branch Race Track by the erection of a historical marker on the site on Horner Avenue. Etobicoke Community
Council further requested that the Etobicoke Historical Board/LACAC be asked to comment.
The Etobicoke Historical Board/LACAC considered this matter at its meeting held May 12, 1999, and endorsed the
concept of a historical marker for this site.
Background:
The Long Branch Race Track was active between 1924 and the late 1950's. Councillor Jones has asked that its site be
marked with a historical marker at the location of the last remaining physical artifacts, one post marking the east entrance
to the track and an avenue of trees which formed that entrance.
The Long Branch Race Track operated on a site on the north side of Horner Avenue, west of Kipling Avenue and east of
the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks. Newspaper accounts show that the track opened on September 6, 1924 and was
active, with some disruptions during World War II until October 21, 1955. This property and the Dufferin Race Track, both
controlled by the Orpen family, were sold to the Toronto Racing Securities Limited on December 1, 1955. At some later
date, the Township of Etobicoke took over the property for industrial development.
Discussion:
Although at one time, the Track consisted of a small grandstand and several paddock barns, as well as the racecourse itself,
all that remains is a single stone gatepost and an avenue of trees which formed the main entrance to the Race Track
grounds. All other evidence has been lost over time. It should also be noted that the gatepost has been vandalized and has
been tipped off of its mooring onto its side and needs to be stabilized.
The property is currently owned by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and is the site for their Ontario Region
distribution facility.
The Etobicoke Historical Board has established a style of plaque which has been used in the former City of Etobicoke in
recent years. This consists of an enameled panel with a photograph or series of photographs, plus text enameled onto the
panel. This style would be appropriate for this site as there are several photographs of the race track from its days of
activity and would help explain the site to today's reader.
The plaque could be erected outside of the fencing delineating the Goodyear property, between the fencing and the public
sidewalk. It is advisable to consider a site to the western end of the property as there is a lay-by immediately to the west of
the railroad tracks into which people can pull their vehicles if they wish to read the plaque(s). At the same time, such
location would allow pedestrian traffic to read the plaques while the plaques would not interfere with vehicular traffic as
they are well back from the roadway.
The Etobicoke Historical Board has indicated their willingness to provide wording for the text.
Past practice in Etobicoke was to enlist the support of local corporations and businesses in underwriting part or all of the
cost of commemorative plaques. This could be pursued in this instance, although Council should be aware of possible
delays if implementation must await private sector support. Alternatively, the costs can be covered by this year's (1999)
Culture Division budget.
Conclusion:
It is appropriate that the Culture Division, in consultation with the Etobicoke Historical Board/LACAC, proceed with the
installation of a plaque to commemorate this site.
Contact Name:
Beth Hanna
Culture Division
392-5225
Ernest Buchner
394-8112
Joe Halstead
Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
