By James Rayner
This month we continue our walk along the shores of Lake Ontario by visiting the CNE grounds (or Exhibition Place if you prefer.) As a bonus, I will let you know where to park for free, something that is nearly impossible now.
Approaching the CNE from the west, go along Lake Shore Blvd. past the Boulevard Club. Just as you reach the top of the hill to the east, you will see traffic lights at Net Drive. Turn right into the narrow road and you will end up in a parking lot where it is free to park except in the summer after 4:00 p.m., I think, and on weekends. Park and walk east along Lake Shore to the next traffic lights at the west end of the CNE. Cross the road into the exhibition grounds. On the left is the new Raptors’ practice facility beside which is Medieval Times housed in the old Governments Building.
The old Governments Building , like many others, was built in the 1920s in a period of optimism after the horrors of WWI, reflected in soaring domes and towers. Foreign governments used to have displays there during the Ex, but now it is rented out as a dinner theatre.
A similar building is the Horticultural Building just across the road. It, too, has been repurposed, first as the night club Muzik that closed because of some shootings, and now is being repurposed as a new night club. On the south side is a collection of sculptures of Greek mythological creatures but unfortunately it was all fenced off for construction.
To the south is the old Ontario Government Building, now the Liberty Grand. It, too, has flair, somewhat reminiscent of Tuscany.
Continuing east, past the Queen Elizabeth Building, and the Food Building, you will come to the Horse Palace, a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture.
Do you remember the news that used to run across the top of this building in white lights? I think it was called “Canada Trans Lux”, a communications marvel.
Here is the main entrance for the Horses Building.
Now we take a detour up the passage between the Horse Palace and the Coliseum, another example of flair and optimism. Some of the original has been lost over time but the rear side, facing the Gardiner Expressway, is still intact with its beautiful arched windows and soaring domed towers.
An extension of the exhibition space for farm products is to the east. You can’t miss the purpose of these buildings.
A cow and pig both adorn this building.
One of the most beautiful and classic buildings is the former Automotive Building on Princes’ Blvd. As car manufacturers varied the times for unveiling new models, the building lost its original purpose and is now a conference centre but it still maintains its Art Deco beauty.
A detailed close-up of the former Automotive Building.
Many original CNE buildings have disappeared over time, but some beautiful ones remain, even if no longer part of the annual fair. We should treasure them, as modern construction lacks the flair and the attention to detail evident in these gems. Visit the new Hotel X to see what I mean.
Nice, but . . .
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 