September 6
@
11:00 am
–
12:30 pm
“Baird Park is named after the last Mayor of West Toronto Junction, William Baird, whose home stands just south at 263 Keele Street. In its early days, a horse drawn band wagon (yes, the real thing) played in the park.
Immediately west across Keele is the site of the Carleton Race Course (1857-1876). It was between Annette, Glenlake, Keele and Aziel. The first running of the Queen’s Plate was held there on June 27, 1860. It was subdivided into building lots in 1883. Some of the houses on High Park Blvd were built so as to take advantage of a view of the racetrack.
West Toronto was known for its brick factories due to the quality of the local clays.” (West Bend Community Association)
Join us for a FREE, public walking tour that will be a good experience for anyone: whether you’re 8 or 80 years old, and whether you’re a curious local, solo traveler, backpacker, part of a small groups of friends, or a newcomer.
ABOUT
Beginning in front of the West Bend “a city within a park” sign in Baird Park (275 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M6P 2K5), the interactive tour will be hosted by your guide Alex Rășcanu. The tour will focus on West Bend’s history. The historical tour will conclude at a nearby coffee shop.
WHEN
Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 11:00am. The tour will last approximately 90 minutes.
WHERE TO MEET
The tour will start in Baird Park (275 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M6P 2K5), in front of the West Bend “a city within a park” sign.
WHERE IT ENDS
This tour will end at a nearby coffee shop, where you can order coffee/tea/brunch and spend some more time speaking and connecting with fellow historical tour participants.
