Gushing water a majestic spectacle. This is the Princess Margaret Fountain at Exhibition Place. For decades it has been a centerpiece a symbol of Toronto’s vibrant history.
Imagine Princess Margaret herself in 1958. She touched a button. Water cascaded. The Princess Margaret Fountain sprang to life. A crowd cheered. This wasn’t just any fountain. It replaced a previous one a replica of a fountain in St Peter’s Square Rome. That older fountain the Gooderham Fountain had been a beloved landmark for nearly fifty years. A meeting place a symbol of the Canadian National Exhibition itself.
The Princess Margaret Fountain is more than just a pretty sight. It’s twelve feet tall. Two levels of cascading water delight the eye. Concrete and steel form its graceful structure. Design Craft Limited a Toronto firm designed it. The fountain sits in a flower garden. At night lights illuminate its lower base.
The cost? A hefty CA$300000 in 1958. That’s over three million dollars today. A significant investment for a symbol of the city. A testament to Toronto’s commitment to beauty and its royal connection. The Princess Margaret Fountain wasn’t just a replacement. It was an upgrade a symbol of a city moving forward.
A story whispered among CNE workers. They say on one closing night in 1959 a prank occurred. Someone turned the fountain into a mountain of bubbles. They flowed all the way to the Bandshell.
More than a beautiful fountain. It’s a heritage landmark designated in 1993. The Princess Margaret Fountain is a living piece of Toronto’s past present and future. A place where history and beauty intertwine. Enjoy the sight and sound of this iconic fountain. Feel the cool spray on your skin. Let the water’s music wash over you. Remember Princess Margaret’s visit. Remember the fountain it replaced.