West Toronto Diamond

Upper Canada Railway Society Newsletter August 1961

Originally an all-mechanical interlocking built 1908 by Saxby and Farmer in England controlled the diamond through a system of rods and bell cranks. Installation, operation and maintenace; 100% CPR. It consisted of 44 levers controlling 21 switches, derails and locks plus 17 signals (6 levers were spare). This system was finally replaced in March 1965 with modern CTC controlled by a train dispatcher at Union Station. The tower was demolished in September 1964 temporarily replaced by a small shanty and around-the-clock switchtenders to manually control tracks during the changeover.

West Toronto diamond looking southeast. Men are working on connecting track from MacTier Sub. to Galt Sub. originally CVR main line to St. Thomas. Note the crossovers and station platforms. Double track main line is CNR Weston Sub. originally GTR broad gauge (5' 6") to Stratford. Crossways double track is North Toronto Sub.originally O&Q main line from Havelock. Far left single track is Old Bruce Service track, originally TG&B narrow gauge (3' 6") main line to Bolton. April, 1923. The interlocking tower was replaced by a small control panel located in Union Station operated by a train dispatcher.

Old Weston Road bridge, looking southeast, CPR freight crossing West Toronto Diamond, entering West Toronto Yard.
Taken from the roof of Campbell Milling Company, July 28, 1920. Arthur S. Goss/City of Toronto Archives
Note: This bridge was closed to traffic in July 1972 due to deteriorated condition and the lack of government funding to rebuild it caused it to be demolished in July of 1981 although the approaches remained for some time before being removed. Traffic congestion has existed ever since as only a narrow ancient Keele Street underpass remains in the area.