Here at Exhibition Place, think of a sprawling stage where Toronto’s history plays out in many acts. This mixed-use district pulsates with life. It is right by Lake Ontario. Exhibition Place is more than just a location. It is a vibrant tapestry of exhibit spaces, theaters and parks. The district hosts trade shows and public events all year.
Exhibition Place gets its name from the Canadian National Exhibition CNE. The CNE is a massive fair held here every year. It starts in mid-August. It ends on Labour Day. For those few weeks, the grounds transform. They swell to include nearby parks and parking lots. Agriculture, food and arts take center stage. A huge amusement park pops up. The Canadian International Air Show thrills crowds overhead. This fair is a big deal for Toronto.
But Exhibition Place has deeper roots than just the CNE. The grounds were once a military reserve. Now, look around. You will see buildings from various eras. Some are from the 1700s. Others are very recent. Five buildings are a National Historic Site. These buildings are the Fire Hall. They are also the Police Station. The Government Building and Horticulture Building are historic too. The Music Building and Press Building round out the list.
French fur traders built a small fort in the 1750s. This fort was called Fort Rouillé. It was a trading post with local Native Americans. The British burned it down later.
The area became a military reserve. It was next to Fort York. The British built New Fort York. It is now called Stanley Barracks. They sold the eastern half of the reserve to finance it.
In 1878, the City signed a lease. It leased the western end of the reserve. The Palace of Industry was moved here. It was rebuilt and expanded. The City wanted a bigger exhibition space.
In 1902, the City Council decided to rebuild Exhibition Place. The Government of Canada helped sponsor it. Fifteen permanent buildings were built. G. W. Gouinlock was the architect.
During World War I, the Government Building became a barracks. The Stanley Barracks became an internment camp. It served as an intake center.
The CNE became the world’s largest annual fair in 1920. A 50-year plan was launched. It emphasized Beaux-Arts architecture. The Princes’ Gates were built in 1927.
During World War II, Exhibition Place became a military training ground. The CNE was canceled between 1942 and 1946.
After the war, the military left. The CNE returned. The Stanley Barracks were demolished for parking.
New buildings rose up. They replaced ones lost to fire. The Gardiner Expressway cut through the grounds. The Dufferin Gate was rebuilt in 1959.
In 1971, a new master plan was created. It proposed demolishing many older buildings. The plan was abandoned. Exhibition Stadium was redeveloped for baseball. The site became Exhibition Place.
In 1986, the streets became a race circuit. It is now known as the Honda Indy Toronto.
In the 1990s, there was a new focus. The focus was on self-sufficiency for Exhibition Place. The Enercare Centre was built.
In 1999, Exhibition Stadium was demolished. BMO Field was built. It is a soccer stadium.
Today, Exhibition Place hosts sporting venues and more. It was used for the 2015 Pan American Games.
As you stroll through Exhibition Place, you are walking through layers of history. Each building and monument tells a story. From military beginnings to a world-class entertainment hub, Exhibition Place continues to evolve. It continues to captivate visitors with its blend of heritage and innovation.