This is why you don’t buy celebs as creative directors for tech companies.
Predictable
Why I Love The CNE Ground.
The Princes’ Gates
I started at the first official entrance of the CNE (The Dufferin Gate) and today I end at the newest entrance into the CNE Grounds. Now I have to start off by saying I honestly thought the structure was called the Princess Gates, and not the Princes’ Gates. So basically for the past 22 years of my life I have gender confused this entrance way – it’s almost worse than the time I thought the song Macho Man was Nacho Man, but I digress.
Designed by some familiar faces, Chapman & Oxley (Sunnyside Bathing Pavillion, Palais Royale, Runnymede Theatre, parts of The Bay on Queen Street, parts of the ROM), the Princes’ Gates were officially opened in 1927 which may come as a shock to many of you considering the Dufferin Gate looks to be in the condition of a building that has been around for almost a century whereas the Princes’ Gates look brand new. The Gates focal point is this stunning archway that has nine pillars on each side representing the provinces of Canada – and remember Newfoundland and Labrador did not join Canada until 1949 and this was built in 1927. The Gates were erected to mark the 60th anniversary of our countries confederation. Atop the archway is angel like figure that reaches to the sky. This figure is the Goddess of Winged Victory by Charles McKechnie.
When the Gates were first built they were to be named The Diamond Jubilee Confederation Gates, which number one is the longest name for a structure ever. However, it was changed to Princes’ Gates when H.R.H, The Prince of Wales, and his brother Prince George attended the official opening.
When I was in Europe I asked my friends if they noticed how every major European city had a so-called Arc de Triomphe like in Paris. Well I think this is Canada’s version of Arc de Triomphe. In fact, the Gates do have a lot of European influence in them for they are similar to styles found in ancient Rome and Greece.
Well I hope you enjoyed my CNE week! I had an awesome time discovering the deep history of the CNE Grounds and now I see it as more than an area that is only used once a year for the annual CNE. It would be an utter shame if the CNE Grounds disappeared or were redeveloped, because it truly is a very diverse property.
That is Why I Love Toronto.
http://torontoist.com/2010/10/reel_toronto_driven/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shoejunkie/galleries/72157628329287663
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Canada
