Huron Sussex in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

After the Spadina Expressway

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 1, 2025

1. After the Spadina Expressway Marker

Inscription. The cancellation of the Spadina Expressway in 1971 left a section completed from Wilson Avenue in the north to Lawrence Avenue in the south. Now known as the William R. Allen Road, the expressway was opened to Eglinton Avenue in 1976, while the Spadina subway line was completed along the planned route of the expressway in 1978.

The cancellation of the Spadina Expressway project was a landmark in the development of the City of Toronto. It signalled the end to plans for the other expressways which were to be cut through existing neighbourhoods.

The Stop Spadina movement also helped give a voice to citizens in the planning of their neighbourhoods, and encouraged greater respect for the historic urban fabric during a period of intense redevelopment. Newly elected municipal politicians influenced by the Spadina Expressway fight and other movements of civic activism would shape the City of Toronto in the 1970s.

Erected 2010 by Heritage Toronto.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Government & Politics • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it

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is included in the Canada, Toronto Heritage series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1971.

Location. 43° 39.998′ N, 79° 24.213′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in Huron Sussex. It is on Bloor Street West. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 393 Bloor Street W, Toronto ON M5S 2J4, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto

and on the Golden Horseshoe.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: “Stop Spadina Save Our City” (here, next to this marker); Spadina Expressway (here, next to this marker); Young Men’s - Young Women’s Hebrew Association (within shouting distance of this marker); Saint Thomas’s Anglican Church (about 240 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Medical Arts Building (approx. 0.3 kilometers

After the Spadina Expressway Marker (the left of the three markers) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 1, 2026

2. After the Spadina Expressway Marker (the left of the three markers)

away); 35 Walmer Road (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Brunswick House (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Early meteorology in Canada / Les débuts de la météorologie au Canada (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toronto.

After the Spadina Expressway marker photo and captions detail image. Click for full size.

courtesy Toronto Star, 1985

3. After the Spadina Expressway marker photo and captions detail

After the Spadina Expressway marker photos and captions detail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 1, 2025

4. After the Spadina Expressway marker photos and captions detail

Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 7, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.