Flourish Through Industry. That was the motto of Bendale Business and Technical Institute. For 57 years it stood proudly in Scarborough. Right here on Midland Avenue. This isn’t just a spot on a map. It’s a legacy.
Bendale Business and Technical Institute wasn’t just another school. It was the first vocational school in Scarborough. It opened its doors in 1963. Imagine the excitement. Teenagers eager to learn practical skills. They prepared for careers in trades like auto mechanics. Culinary arts were also popular. There was hairstyling. Even construction and welding.
Bendale was more than a vocational school. It housed Canada’s largest urban organic farm. It was a unique partnership with FoodShare. Students learned valuable skills. They grew fresh food for the community. It was a true testament to the school’s motto.
But times changed. Enrollment declined. In 2009 the Toronto District School Board decided to merge Bendale with David and Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute. A new school was built. Bendale was demolished. The land was used to build townhouses.
The demolition was controversial. Local residents protested the loss of green space. They fought to preserve part of the Bendale site. They wanted to honour its history. Some success was achieved. A portion was reserved for community use. A daycare was built. Still many felt the decision wasn’t right.
Despite the controversy Bendale left a mark. It provided opportunities for generations of students. It taught important life skills. The school also fostered community involvement. It showed that vocational training can be more than just a job preparation. It can be a chance to flourish. To grow. Both personally and professionally.
Bendale’s final principal Colin Dye presided over its closing. He and other staff members transitioned to other schools. The last classes were held in June 2019. The building was razed at the end of January 2020. The playing field remained. A testament to its legacy. A quiet reminder of the school’s impact. The spirit of Bendale Business and Technical Institute lives on.