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The Princes' Gates

The stone and concrete gates were restored by the Toronto firm of Chapman and Oxley and are a fine example of monumental architecture in the Beaux-Arts mode. Sculptor Charles D. McKechnie created the statues. The winged Victory atop the central arch is flanked by figures representing the CNE’s commitment to progress through industry, education and the arts. The gates were opened officially on August 30, 1927 by Edward, Prince of Wales and Prince George. They have been known ever since as the “Princes’ Gates”. Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Recreation
(French translation provided)

“83”
Sculptured by Ronald Baird, Commissioned by the House of Seagram. Location: West side of the Better Living Centre attached to the sculpture “83”

American Elm
Largest and oldest American Elm at Exhibition Place, part of these grounds for over a century, survivor of Dutch Elm Disease, living symbol of strength, resilience and endurance. August 24, 2004. Location: On a rock west of the Press Building.

Baden-Powell, Lord Robert of Gilwell
This plaque commemorates the 100th anniversary of the official opening of the 32nd annual Canadian National Exhibition by Lord Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell of Gilwell on August 30, 1910. Location: West lawn of the Queen Elizabeth Building

B-P, as he became familiarly known, founded Boy Scouts in 1907 and Girl Guides in 1910. The movements grew spectacularly and have touched the lives of over 300 million throughout the world. At our investiture we undertake to love and serve God and country and to develop ourselves fully so that we can help others at all times. For over forty years, Scouts Canada of the Greater Toronto Council has operated a free wheelchair service for those who cannot easily get around the EX. Many thousands of visitors appreciate the help provided by the youth and adults of this volunteer Service Corps.

August 30, 2010

Greater Toronto Council – Scouts Canada

Bandshell (erection)
Erected by the City of Toronto for the Canadian National Exhibition Association and officially opened by His Worship the Mayor Samuel McBride Esquire, August 28, 1936 K.S. Gillies, MRAIC, Commissioner of Buildings. Location: On the east wall of the Bandshell

The Bandshell
The Bandshell was built in 1936, replacing the Bandstand that had occupied this area of the Exhibition Place grounds since 1906. Location: On the east wall of the Bandshell.

Its Art Deco architecture, designed by Crai and Madill Architects, is modeled after the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California. The Bandshell was officially opened on August 28, 1936 by Toronto Mayor Sam McBride and Sir Percy Vincent, Lord Mayor of London, as part of the CNE Opening Ceremonies.

Since that time, it has been home to a host of the world’s finest entertainers including military and jazz bands, orchestras, vocalists,choirs, comedians, cartoon characters, musical shows, rock ‘n’ roll bands, urban music, and dignitaries from across Canada and around the world.

This plaque commemorates the 75th Anniversary of the Bandshell.

August 2011

Bell, Marilyn
This plaque is dedicated to the honour of Marilyn Bell. A Toronto, Ontario girl who, on Sept 9th 1954 at the age of 16 years, performed the magnificent athletic feat of swimming the full width of Lake Ontario, thus being the first known person to have accomplished this arduous task, of which all Canadians are justly proud. Location: On the concrete base of the lion monument on the south side of Liberty Grand.

Better Living Center City of Toronto
Officially opened by his worship Nathan Philips, Q.C., Mayor August 17, 1962. Location: On the wall of the northwest entrance of the Better Living Centre.

Controllers: Donald D. Summerville, Philip G. Givens, Q.C.President of Council: William Dennison, Herbert Orlife, Q.C. Alderme William L. Archer, Fred Beavis, Horace Brown, Mrs. Margaret Campbell, Q.C., W. Frank Clifton, W.M.C Davidson, Q.C., B. Michael Grayson, B.A, Alex Hodgins, Harold Menzies, Frank L. Nash, Q.C., Kenneth M. Ostrander, Joseph J. Piccininni, Mrs. May Robinson, David Rottenberg, B.A., Mrs. Mary Temple, Charles Tidy, Thomas A. Wardle, Kenneth G. Waters

W.P. Freyseng President, Canadian National Exhibition

Marani, Morris & Allan-ArchitectsRedfern Construction Company Limited-General Contractor

Bone, Percy
This tree is planted in memory of the late Percy Bone a dedicated director of the Canadian National Exhibition for many years. Sept. 2, 1973. Location: On a rock on the southwest corner of the Horticulture Building.

British Columbia Fir Flagpole
Which was cut from a tree two hundred and thirty-seven years old and which is one hundred and eighty-four feet high. Donated by Timberland Lumber Co. Limited, New Westminster, B.C. October 22nd 1928. Transported free of charge from New Westminster, B.C. to Quebec by Canadian National Steamships Limited, from Quebec to Toronto by Canadian Steamships Limited, and from the dock to Exhibition grounds by the Toronto Harbour Commission. Erected by the Canadian National Exhibition Ass'n. August 12th 1930. Location: On a cement marker immediately north of the site of the flagpole (the flagpole was removed in 2008).

Canadian International Air Show
Human fascination with flight has made air shows popular since the early days of aviation. Toronto was the site of numerous air shows as it developed into a center of air transportation and aircraft manufacturing in the early twentieth century. Location: South of the Fort Rouillé monument.

The Canadian International Air Show originated in 1946 when the National Aeronautical Association of Canada attracted overflow crowds to a show at De Havilland Airport in Downsview. Staged annually thereafter, the air show moved to Exhibition Place in 1949 and became a regular feature of the Canadian National Exhibition in 1956. Here it developed into a world class exhibition featuring diverse types of aircraft, precision and stunt flying, and aeronautical technology.

Ontario Heritage Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario

(French translation provided)

Canadian National Exhibition Association
This plaque is erected to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian National Exhibition, 1978, CNE 100 Centennial. Location: On the west wall of the Queen Elizabeth Building

Officers
President Richard R. Horkins
Honorary President Julian Porter, Q.C.
First Vice-President William R. Allen, Q.C.
Second Vice-President Everett Biggs, C.D., F.A.I.C.
Third Vice-President Alderman Arthur C. Eggleton
General Manager William A. Mallatratt
Assistant General Manager Howard C. Tate
Treasurer Christopher J. Reid, C.A.
Corporate Secretary Shirley P. Hughes
Board of Directors
William A. Harris, William R. Allen, Q.C., Harry I. Price, Vern T. Barber, D.F.C., W. P Freyseng, Howard A. Gilkeson, Jack M. Fraser, Orval J. McKeough, W.H. Evans, Samuel V. Shefsky, George C. Hendrie, Murray Tate, John S. Corrigan, M.N. Vughnich, Douglas V. Palmer, Hon. Eugene F. Whelan, P.C., MP, Julian Porter Q.C., Hon. William G. Newman, M.P.P., Metropolitan Chairman, Everett Biggs, C.D. F.A.I.C., Paul V. Godfrey, P.ENG, Donald G. Davis, D.V.M., Mayor David E. Crombie, Hon. R. Roy McMurtry, Q.C., M.P.P., Mayor Frederick J. Beavis, Margaret E. Ashdown, Alderman Arthur C. Eggleton, Diana L. Goad, Controller Kenneth I. Morrish, C.D., Grant G. Brown, Alderman Joseph J. Piccininni, James D. Fraser, Controller Nora Pownall, Reford W. Gardhouse, Alderman Gordon Risk, Knox M. Henry, Alderman Leslie Saunders, James W. Howell, Controller Esther Shiner, Ward C. Pitfield, Richard R. Horkins, Isabelle M. Johnston, Karl L. Mallette, Gary W. McMahon,
Hon. Jack H. Horner, P.C., M.P., Tommy R. Thompson, Hon. John Rhodes, M.P.P., John B. Withrow, C.D., F.R.S.A., C.A.
Associate Directors
S.C. Malcom Ambler, Donald H. Hartford, W.W. Bartlett, M.D., Reverend Derwyn S. Shea, F.A.P.C., William B. Boggs, O.B.E., F.C.A.S.I., Harold D. Shield, Vern C. German, P.ENG, Neil R. Wood, A. Davidson, C.A., Sam Sniderman, C.M.

Canadian National Exhibition Flagpole
The flagpole is presented to the Canadian National Exhibition by Travel South, U.S.A. and the member states of Alabama, Arkansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Virginia as an expression of appreciation to the many Canadians who visit our states and for their friendships that have evolved over the years. Location: On a cement marker immediately north of the site of the flagpole

Dedicated August 18, 1977, in the twenty-fifth year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by the Honourable Pauline M. McGibbon, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario.

Canadian National Exhibition
The second half of the 19th century was an era in which technological innovation brought rapid economic progress and social change. The spirit of the age was reflected in the annual fair that first opened the site on September 5, 1879. Location: On a cement marker at the north entrance to Centennial Square

Staged by the Industrial Exhibition Association of Toronto, it offered medals and prize money to encourage innovation and improvements in agriculture, manufacturing and the arts. The fair quickly became a popular attraction and a boon to the local economy. A national event since 1912, the CNE continues to showcase Canadian creativity and achievement.
Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Recreation
(French translation provided)

Carlsberg Carillon
Carlsberg Carillon presented to the Canadian National Exhibition by Carling O’Keefe Breweries August 1974. Made by Royal Eijsbouts-Holland Location: On the east side of the Carillon

Clapsaddle, Jerry
Jerry Clapsaddle. (b.1941) “Shoreline”, 1996. Coloured concrete pavers. Location: On east side of concrete wall on outer stairwell after exiting Galleria, Hall B, Enercare Centre.

Coliseum Complex
Coliseum Complex, Exhibition Place G.F.W. Price, City Architect The Coliseum erected to showcase The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the agricultural programs of the Canadian National Exhibition, opened in 1921. Location: On the wall in the lobby outside the main-floor entrance to the RAWF offices (also called the Coliseum Rotunda)

With additions made in 1926, the complex ranked as the largest exhibition space under one roof in the world. Its towers and classical detailing complemented the Beaux Arts Buildings at the west end of the exhibition grounds. During the Second World War, the Coliseum served as a recruitment centre, known as Manning Depot Number One, for the Royal Canadian Air Force. It has hosted a wide range of entertainment and sporting events and has served as a showplace for livestock and other farm products. Today, the Coliseum is part of the Metropolitan Toronto’s National Trade Centre, the largest trade and consumer facility in Canada.
Unveiled by HRH Prince Philip, K.G., K.T., The Duke of Edinburgh.
November 5, 1996
Toronto Historical Board

Commemorative Employee Bench (9 small plaques)
In Memory Your Colleagues at Exhibition Place Terry Palmateer 1950 – 2011 Debbie Young 1954 – 2011 Mike Sgouraditis 1966 – 2011 Duncan McKenna 1950 – 2011 Linda Newman 1957 – 2012 Richard Bieler 1941 – 2012 John Scott 1949 – 2012 Reggie Langford 1936 – 2013 John Harlowe 1959 – 2015 Location: On the lawn south of the Better Living Centre and east of the Rose Garden

Construction of National Soccer Stadium
The construction of the National Soccer Stadium was completed on April 11, 2007. This project was made possible through investments by the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the City of Toronto. Location: On the wall on the northeast side of BMO Field (French translation provided)

The Defence of York
Pro Patria In memory of Captain Neal McNeal, Volunteer Donald Maclean, and the soldiers of the Royal Artillery, 8th Regiment, Royal Newfoundland Regiment, Glengarry Light Infantry, York and Durham Militia, and Indians, killed in action, and their comrades who fought here, facing fearful odds, in defence of the Capital of Upper Canada, 27th April, 1813. Location: On the concrete base of the lion monument on the south side of Liberty Grand

Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
Government of Canada - 1928
(French translation provided)