Fashion District in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The Broad Arrow

Photographed by Tim Boyd, November 14, 2025

1. The Broad Arrow Marker

Inscription. Survey posts bearing a "Broad Arrow" once stood at the four original corners of Victoria Square to mark it as British military property. They were placed there in 1853 by a young Sandford Fleming who surveyed the square as part of the military reserve surrounding Fort York. Later, Fleming went on to fame as Chief Engineer of Canada's first transcontinental railway, and as inventor of our modern system of time zones.

Fleming's markings followed a centuries-old tradition. The Broad Arrow and the initials "B.O." connected Victoria Square to the Board of Ordnance, a British government body which had used the symbol since the 1600s to mark the supplies, buildings and property it controlled for military purposes.

Though now lost, Fleming's survey stone in this location has been replaced by a reproduction, below. Other original survey stones may still exist throughout the former military reserve, buried under gardens or sidewalks.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.

Location. 43° 38.553′ N, 79° 23.968′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in the Fashion District. It is at the intersection of Portland Street and Niagara Street, on the right when traveling south on Portland Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 18 Portland Street, Toronto ON M5V 2M7, 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.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Copp Clark Co. Complex (within shouting distance of this marker); Surviving Gravestones of the Military Burial Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); 30 Draper Street (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); 32 Draper Street (about 120 meters away); 28 Draper Street (about 120 meters away); 26 Draper Street (about 120 meters away); 18 Draper Street (about 120 meters away); 16 Draper Street (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toronto.

The Broad Arrow marker map illustration and captain image. Click for full size.

2. The Broad Arrow marker map illustration and captain

The Broad Arrow marker photograph and illustration detail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, November 14, 2025

3. The Broad Arrow marker photograph and illustration detail

Photographed by Tim Boyd, November 14, 2025

4. The Broad Arrow Marker

The replica of Sanford Fleming’s broad arrow marker is visible at bottom

Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 45 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 19, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.