Sixth Stop: Parking Lot where Long Branch Park Tennis Court stood at Thirty Third St.: May 5, 2018 “Evolution of Long Branch Park” Jane’s Walk

Jane and Sid Olvet of Oakville, visiting Marie Cutis Park Jane’s father was Gresley Elton, who designed many buildings in Long Branch, including the building in the background of this photo. Jaan Pill photo

We have learned from Bill Rawson, who for many years ran a used furniture store on Lake Shore Blvd. West, that a tennis court was located where a parking lot for an apartment building on Thirty Third St. is now located.

The tennis court was a feature of Long Branch Park for many years. From an interview with Jane Olvet, the daughter of a long-time local architect, we have learned that her father, Gresley Elton met his future wife (that is, Jane’s mother) when the two were guests at Long Branch Park in the early 1900s. They lived in Long Branch for many years. Gresley Elton designed many buildings in Long Branch, including the Long Branch Library, James S. Bell School, the former Parkview School, and several buildings at the mouth of Etobicoke Creek just west of Forty Second Street, in what is now Marie Curtis Park.

Elton Crescent, located near the waterfront a short ways to the east of the original Long Branch Park, is named after Gresley Elton’s brother:

Elton Crescent in Long Branch is named after J.O. Elton, reeve of Long Branch and brother of architect Gresely Elton

Heritage register listing does not preclude demolition

As we walk north toward Lake Shore Blvd. West, we will pass by 25 Thirty Third St. The house is noteworthy because it was previously listed on the City of Toronto Heritage Registry. It was demolished anyway, as is noted in a May 22, 2008 Etobicoke Guardian article entitled: “OMB supports Lake Promenade homeowner: Long Branch house on city’s list of heritage properties for demolition, rebuilding.”

The above-noted article also refers to 274 Lake Promenade, a property that had been listed on the Heritage Registry, but that was demolished, following an Ontario Municipal Board ruling, as part of a rebuilding project.

The bottom line, in this regard, is that being on the heritage “list” offers a measure of protection, has not – at least in the past, prior to the passage of OMB Reform legislation – offered the same level of protection as designation under the Ontario Heritage Act.

An example of a property that has gained protection, under the Ontario Heritage Act, is 26 Daisy Ave., located north of Lake Shore Blvd. West.

With regard to this topic, a July 3, 2013 post is entitled:

Update regarding 28 Daisy Avenue: Notice of passing of bylaw