Industrial site.

Details of Site Location: In New Toronto at Birmingham and Ninth Streets.

Boundary History: The property of 23 acres was bounded by Birmingham on the north, Ninth Street to the east.

Current Use of Property: Housing.

Historical Description: The first Goodyear plant in Canada was built in Bowmanville, Ontario, in 1910. Because of increased demand, in 1917 a new tire manufacturing facility was constructed in New Toronto on land previously used for market gardens. New Toronto was able to supply water necessary for the manufacture of rubber products, as well as power, plenty of labour, and excellent shipping facilities. The factory building was of steel frame construction with brick walls, and was fireproofed with concrete. The factory building measured 100 by 460 feet and was four storeys and a basement high. Initially, capacity was set at 200 tires per day; during World War II it reached 10,500 per day. In 1974, Goodyear had more than 2,200 employees at the factory. As it announced in advertising in 1985: “it manufactures tires for automobiles, trucks, logging and farm vehicles, industrial tires, tubes and plastic films.” The company was also known for its community involvement, and its gardens and Goodyear field became an unofficial play-ground for schools and the town. On 8 December 1988, the Daniels Group became the owners of the Goodyear property and constructed Lakeshore Village on the site.

Relative Importance: Goodyear was a major industry in Etobicoke for over 70 years. New Toronto’s several important industries no longer exist, but their history should be acknowledged.

Planning Implications: It is recommended that a plaque be mounted on the open space within Lakeshore Village. Testing should be done to ensure that adequate soil remedia-tion was done in developing the village.

Reference Sources: “Goodyear Rubber Factory” article in The Contract Record and Engineering Review (14 March 1917); Survey, The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company of Canada, Limited, New Toronto, 21 November 1929.

Acknowledgements: Enoch Turner Schoolhouse.