West Toronto Junction Plaque stands as a marker of a vibrant past. This area, now known as The Junction, was once a crucial Indigenous trade route. It followed the shoreline of Lake Iroquois. This ancient path stretched from Detroit to Montreal.
In 1817, Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe built Dundas Highway. This military road connected York now Toronto to Lake Ontario’s western end. Taverns sprung up catering to merchants traveling this route. These were the earliest businesses here. The Keele family established the Carlton Racecourse. In 1860, the first Queen’s Plate took place here. It is Canada’s oldest thoroughbred horse race.
The West Toronto Junction Plaque commemorates the arrival of railroads in the 1880s. D.W. Clendenan developed the old racetrack and surrounding area. The Junction became a major industrial hub. Businesses like Heintzman Pianos and the Union Stockyards thrived. Wilkinson Ploughs and Canada Cycle & Motor Company also operated here. The Campbell Mining Company added to the area’s industry. A Customs House allowed local businesses to clear railroad imports. They did not have to go to Toronto.
In 1884, the Village of West Toronto Junction was founded. It sat at the intersection of Dundas and Keele Streets. By 1889, it merged with Carlton and Davenport. It became the Town of West Toronto Junction. It grew into the Town of Toronto Junction in 1892. It finally became the City of West Toronto. In 1909, it was amalgamated with the City of Toronto.
The West Toronto Junction Plaque reminds us of the town’s wild reputation. The temperance movement pushed for a ban on alcohol. In 1903, the town voted to prohibit its sale. The ban lasted until 1996 for most of the area. It was completely removed in 2000. The Junction housed Ontario’s oldest purpose-built synagogue. The city’s first mosque was also here. Malcolm X visited it in 1968.
The West Toronto Junction’s significance continued. It was named for its location. It was at the intersection of four railway lines. These were Grand Trunk Railway, Toronto Grey & Bruce, Credit Valley Railway and Ontario, Simcoe & Huron Rail. British immigrants and working-class families settled nearby. They found well-paying jobs. The railway’s repair yards were initially south of St. Clair. They later moved west to Runnymede Road. These yards serviced 100 trains daily during the early 20th century.
Rail connected international markets sparking land speculation. Before joining Toronto in 1909, it was the City of West Toronto. It challenged Toronto for business. In 1982, the historic West Toronto Station was demolished. This happened despite public opposition.
Today, the West Toronto Junction Commemorative Plaque stands at 275 Keele Street. It marks a place of transformation. It symbolizes industry, community, and change. It reminds us of The Junction’s vibrant story.