Leaside: A Railway Town

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted August, 2013

On the east side of Laird Drive opposite Lea Avenue stands this 2012 Heritage Toronto plaque. Here's what it says:

Coordinates: 43.70608 -79.36165

The development of the Town of Leaside, named for 19th-century farmer and settler William Lea, is historically linked to the Canadian Pacific and Canadian Northern Railways. By 1894, a railway station was established at "Leaside Junction". The Canadian Northern Railway subsequently acquired substantial holdings in the area for the development of a locomotive repair shop and a marshalling yard for its Eastern Lines.
In 1912, the Canadian Northern Railway announced its intention to build a large residential community, commissioning noted Montreal-based landscape architect Frederick Todd to design a model town. The Town of Leaside was incorporated in May 1913, with a population of 43, and land was advertised for sale a month later. Monies from the sale of the land were intended to finance the railway line's maintenance facilities. In the late 1930s, industrial development along Laird Drive - which had become a hub for manufacturers - stimulated residential growth.

More
Towns and Villages

Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

(none yet)

Here's where you can sent me a comment for this page.

Note: If your comment includes a question, it's best to include your email address in your comment so others can respond to you.

Note: Comments are moderated. Yours will appear on this page within 24 hours (usually much sooner).

Note: As soon as I have posted your comment, a reply to your email will be sent informing you.

To send me your comment, click alanlangfordbrown@gmail.com.

Thanks
Alan L Brown
Webmaster