Harbourfront-CityPlace in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
John Street Roundhouse
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La Rotonde de la Rue John
Photographed by Tim Boyd, November 14, 2025
1. John Street Roundhouse/La Rotonde de la Rue John Marker
This roundhouse complex was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1929 to service the steam locomotives of its passenger trains using nearby Union Station. The 32-stall roundhouse featured the most modern technology. Its direct steaming facility was the first of its kind in Canada, allowing a faster and more economical operation, and a smokeless environment. Abundant natural light is provided by its monitor roof and large windows. The switch from steam power to diesel, completed by the CPR by 1960, spelled the end for Canadian roundhouses. The John street complex was closed in 1982.
Cette rotonde de 32 emplacements, à la fine pointe des techniques de l'époque, fut construite par le Canadien Pacifique en 1929. Elle était destinée à l'entretien des locomotives a vapeur des trains de voyageurs de la compagnie, qui s'arrêtaient à la gare Union, située proximité. Sa prise directe, première du genre au Canada, permettait d'économiser temps et argent et d'éliminer la fumée. Son lanterneau et ses grandes fenêtres laissaient la lumière naturelle
this page online
Erected by Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1929.
Location. 43° 38.489′ N, 79° 23.183′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in Harbourfront-CityPlace. It is on Bremner Boulevard 0.1 kilometers east of Rees Street, on the right when traveling east. The marker is in Roundhouse Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 149 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto ON M5V 2T6, 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: Toronto Locomotive and Car Facilities of the Canadian Pacific Railway (here, next to this marker); The Railway Lands (here, next to this marker); Reinhart Vinegars RVLX 101 (a few steps from this marker); The Coach Yards (a few steps from this marker); Pyke Crane (a few steps from this marker); Union Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters
Photographed by Tim Boyd, August 14, 2025
2. John Street Roundhouse/La Rotonde de la Rue John Marker
Facing south from Bremner Boulevard
3. John Street Roundhouse ca 1930
Toronto Public Library (public domain)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 46 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 18, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
