Long Branch Racetrack

Sports facility.

Details of Site Location: West of Kipling Avenue and north of Horner Avenue.

Boundary History: The site is bounded by Kipling, Horner, and Evans Avenues, and the CPR rail line. It consisted of approximately 98 acres (39.8 hectares).

Current Use of Property: Light industry and some commercial use.

Historical Description: Between 6 September 1924 and 2 October 1955, the Orpen family operated the Long Branch Racetrack. On 1 December 1955, the track was sold to Toronto Racing Security Limited, which closed the track with the development of the new Woodbine Racetrack in Rexdale. During the years of the Orpen family’s operations, thousands of fans would flock to the track for thoroughbred and standard-bred races. Race meetings were usually held in late summer or autumn. The Long Branch Track was notable as the site of a number of races that are still featured in Canadian racing. The Canadian International Championship was first run as the Long Branch Championship Stakes in 1938. Mrs. Orpen initiated the Cup and Saucer Stakes for Canadian-foaled two-year-olds at this site. Both races are still part of Canada’s racing season. A tall brick and stone gatepost at the northeast corner of Horner Avenue and the CPR track was one of two marking the entrance to the track. Further highlighting the entrance was an avenue of maple trees, which still stand.

Relative Importance: The property was important to the economy of Long Branch in bringing visitors to the area, in addition to providing a recreational diversion for the community.

Planning Implications: In June 2000, local historical societies plaqued the site. The maple trees and gatepost should be protected against future construction.

Reference Sources: Files of Alderwood, Long Branch, and New Toronto historical societies.

Acknowledgements: Long Branch Historical Society.