Leaside Facts

Canada’s first bag of air mail arrived in Leaside on June 24th, 1918. It took 7 hours and 2 stops along the way from Montreal but Captain Brian Peck and his co-pilot arrived safely, promoting the idea that aviation was the way of the future.The aerodrome was located just north of Canada Wire and Cable at Laird Drive and Wicksteed Avenue, extending north and east to Broadway Avenue. Today an historical plaque located at the Broadway/Brentcliffe parkette commemorates the first airmail flight.

Arrival of first bag of air mail, 1918.

Durant Motors occupied the Canada Wire and Cable factories in the 1920s, becoming the 3rd largest car manufacturer in Canada. The Durant was marketed as “Just a real good car” and was meant to be the direct competitor of GM’s Oldsmobile line. The Durant Motors Headquarters Building at 150 Laird Drive was built in 1928, and later used as offices by the Catholic School Board. Together with the adjoining site it will become part of a new rental retirement project. The street facing and side wall facades have been retained and will be incorporated into the new building.

Durant automobile in production, 1920s.

1890 St.

1912:

Population 43

Town of Leaside is incorporated