Battling Hurricane Hazel transformed a community and birthed Marie Curtis Park. Imagine the scene in 1954. Torrential rain lashed the Greater Toronto Area. Etobicoke Creek swelled. It unleashed its fury on the homes and cottages nestled along its banks.
Marie Curtis Park stands as a testament to resilience. It is a green space born from devastation. Today we explore its story. The park is named after Marie Curtis. She was the reeve of Long Branch. Long Branch was a separate village that is now part of Toronto. Marie Curtis played a pivotal role in the park’s creation.
In the late 1790s, this land was part of the Toronto Purchase. It was acquired from the Mississaugas First Nation. Colonel Samuel Smith, a United Empire Loyalist, received a land grant here. He built his house near Etobicoke Creek in 1799.
For most of the 19th century, agriculture dominated this area. However, the early 1900s brought change. Summer cottages popped up along the Lake Ontario shoreline. Some were even built on stilts because the area was prone to flooding. The creek then had two channels. They surrounded an island near its mouth.
By the late 1940s, the Etobicoke Flats housed at least 277 residences. Just west was a small arms manufacturing company. It was constructed during World War II. The creek flooded badly in March 1948. It forced the rescue of 110 families.
Then came Hurricane Hazel in 1954. The storm brought devastation. It led to the deaths of seven local residents. At least 56 residences were destroyed. The government expropriated 164 properties. The cottages on the flats were removed. The western channel of the creek was filled in.
Marie Curtis Park officially opened in 1959. It was a tribute to Marie Curtis. She was the Reeve of Long Branch. She was honoured for her dedication to municipal service.
Marie Curtis Park offers many attractions. There is a playground and a wading pool. A colourful children’s labyrinth is available with a water fountain. There is a public swimming beach. A dog off-leash area is also available for dog owners. Picnic spots and walking trails provide relaxation. The trails connect to the Martin Goodman Trail and Waterfront Trail. A boat launching area is available on the western bank.
Notably, the park’s beach is monitored. The City of Toronto checks for safe swimming. E. coli bacteria levels can rise after rainstorms. The beach closes after major rainstorms until the levels drop. It is Toronto’s westernmost beach. Unfortunately, it is the one most frequently polluted.
An interesting artifact sits at the beach. It is a 32-pounder cannon. It was manufactured in Scotland in 1803. The cannon came from Quebec City in 1881. It once decorated Riverdale Park.
In 1992, the TRCA expanded the parkland. They purchased the Arsenal Lands. These lands belonged to the former arms factory. Soil remediation was necessary. 70000 tonnes of contaminated soil was removed.
Marie Curtis Park is more than just a park. It is a symbol of a community’s ability to rebuild. It also honors a remarkable woman. Marie Curtis dedicated herself to public service. Take a moment to reflect on the park’s transformation. Consider the lives impacted by Hurricane Hazel. Remember Marie Curtis. She helped to shape this space for generations to enjoy.