Bay Street

Three views of the congestion and danger of Bay Street level crossing. 1913

Bay Street level crossing cuts through the railway yard, a dangerous situation (note the policeman) that was to
continue here and at Yonge Street for many more years until the massive Toronto Viaduct grade separation.
CPR 5996 one of two unique 0-6-4T engines. Looking west August 27, 1914

Bay Street level crossing showing crowd of people coming from the waterfront. Bayfront park upper left. c.1911
City of Toronto Archives/James Collection #0259e

A new temporary bridge was built between Yonge and Bay Streets to handle traffic while subways were built seen here as the high level is under construction. Yonge Street is where the unique round roof former GWR passenger station sits, now the Toronto Wholesale Fruit Terminal. Tall (90 foot) stack near center of photograph is the old coal-fired Toronto Hydro Scott Street (Wharf 31) electric generating station due to be demolished. Rated at over 1000 horsepower, this plant was once the privately-owned Toronto Electric Light Company founded by Sir Henry Pellatt of Casa Loma fame!

This great scene shows a lot of activity with several engines including CPR 3441 in foreground and a TH&B Pacific above it.
Bay Street bridge replaced the dangerous level crossings at both Bay and Yonge Streets now closed.

Massive construction work with a number of steam cranes in view building the Bay Street subway and high level.

View looking north towards partially completed new subway with low level tracks still in place in background.
Note the girder type rail used for street railway tracks. Note too those trucks!

Completed subway and high level. CPR John Street Yard Office at far left. CPR 2-8-0 yard engine switching.
Recently completed (December 1930) Canadian Bank of Commerce head office skyscraper in the background.
This 476 foot 34 story building was the tallest in the British Empire until 1962.
Police officer with manual signal directing traffic in the Bay and Fleet Street (Lake Shore Blvd.W.) intersection.
Only a few pedestrians on the street but lots of automobiles in the parking lot even in the Great Depression.
Note the size of the billboard for Church's Shoes at Simpson's department store. At least it is hiding a lot of clutter!