Princes' Gates

The Princes' Gates

There are three plaques at this location.
All can be seen on this page.

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted August, 2007

The Princes' Gates

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted April, 2012

To the right as you approach the gates from Strachan Avenue can be seen three plaques in the grass erected by Heritage Toronto in 2006. Only the first one has historical text. Please note that the gates are the Princes' Gates not the Princess Gates are some are want to call them. Here's what the plaque says:

These monumental gates were erected in 1927 to mark the 60th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style by the Toronto firm of Chapman and Oxley, the gates - including the sculptures - were constructed of "artificial stone" made from cement. The sculptures were modelled by Charles D. McKechnie.

Designed during a period of great national confidence, the gates use the style of ancient Greece and Rome to celebrate both Canada and the Canadian National Exhibition. Originally named "The Diamond Jubilee of Confederation Gates", the structure was renamed the "Princes' Gates" for Edward, Prince of Wales, and his brother Prince George, who were both present at its official opening on August 30, 1927.

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted September, 2006

Photo Source - Wikimedia Commons

This plaque is built into the northern side of the Princes' Gates arch. It reads:

Plaque coordinates: 43.635198 -79.409448

The Princes' Gates were officially opened on August thirtieth MDCCCCXXVII by H.R.H. The Prince of Wales accompanied by H.R.H. Prince George. First to pass through these gates was a veterans' parade under the auspices of the Canadian Legion - The British Empire Service League for review by H.R.H. The Prince of Wales.

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted March, 2004

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted April, 2012

This plaque was erected by the Ontario Heritage Trust. It's located off to your left after entering through the arch. Here's what it says:

Plaque coordinates: 43.634456 -79.409689

This entrance to the Canadian National Exhibition grounds was built in 1927 to commemorate 60 years of Canadian Confederation. The stone and concrete gates were designed by the Toronto firm of Chapman and Oxley and are a fine example of monumental architecture in the Beaux-Arts mode. Sculptor Charles D. McKechnie created the statues. The Winged Victory atop the central arch is flanked by figures representing the CNE's commitment to progress through industry, education and the arts. The gates were opened officially on August 30, 1927 by Edward, Prince of Wales, and Prince George. They have been known ever since as the "Princes' Gates".

Related Toronto plaque
Canadian National Exhibition

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Posted September 13, 2009
Only today did I discover that the gates were not the "Princess Gates" as I thought they were for 60 years or so but the gates in honor of the Prince of Wales. I am so stupid and my name is Edwin Jannett.

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