Mimico Switch Line

By R.L.Kennedy

Mimico Switch Line Railway was Ontario incorporated in 1891 " to build an industrial spur over lands of the Mimico Real Estate Security Co.Ltd.. in Etobicoke Township, from a point on the Grand Trunk Railway to Lake Ontario; no powers to expropriate private lands; authority to arrange for operation by the Grand Trunk Railway Co. Of Canada, the Canadian Pacific Railway Co., or the Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo Ry. Co."

This unique "railway" is believed to be the long spur in New Toronto, running south over New Toronto Street, and Birmingham Street parallel to 8^th Street, to reach several industries including the 8 tracks at Goodyear Tire & Rubber. A distance of about one mile.

How long it legally existed before being sold to the GTR or CNR is unknown. It must be remembered that in the 1890’s the railway did not have to build any tracks to serve industries. They preferred for you to bring it to a team track. Some had to take different types of action to get service.

A similar situation existed in West Toronto, when local businessmen sought a charter for the Junction Terminal Railway