Horse Palace – The Equestrian Art Deco Temple at Exhibition Place

2022 – Looking northeast towards the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. It's considered one of Toronto's finest Art Deco buildings. Notice the CN Tower in the distance on the right
2022 – Looking northeast towards the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. It’s considered one of Toronto’s finest Art Deco buildings

The Horse Palace is located at 15 Nova Scotia Ave (and Manitoba Dr, adjacent to the west side of the Coliseum Complex) at Exhibition Place in Toronto.

Planning for the Horse Palace

While the Horse Palace had been envisioned since the Royal Winter Fair’s establishment in the early 1920s, plans for the building started moving forward in the late 1920s. The old wooden stables and brick Livestock Building that had been constructed decades prior (on the site of the Horse Palace) were due for an update. Exhibitors were concerned about their valuable horses being housed in the old structures, plus visitors were not getting a good opportunity to see the animals.

So to improve the quality of horse accommodations at Exhibition grounds and to support the equestrian events at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, the City of Toronto, the Province of Ontario and the Dominion of Canada entered into a joint agreement to provide equal funding for the $1 million project. Committee members visited some of the finest American horse show buildings to get ideas of the latest developments. In early 1931, during the Great Depression, the previous structures were demolished, and construction began on the Horse Palace.

The Architecture

August 6, 1931 – The copper dome being added to the west entrance of the Horse Palace at Exhibition grounds
August 6, 1931 – The copper dome being added to the west entrance of the Horse Palace at Exhibition grounds (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 1032)

It took just 20 weeks to build the magnificent Art Deco-style equestrian facility. It was designed by City of Toronto architect John James Woolnough. The two-storey building is clad with buff brick and Queenston limestone. Its plain horizontal form features many decorative elements, with horses symbolized throughout. Exterior architectural highlights include beautifully detailed south and west entrances with low-relief sculptured friezes, red doors with bold geometric shapes, coloured glass, orate window spandrels and a copper-domed tower over the west entrance.

There were 2 million bricks, 29,000 cubic feet of cut stone and 1,700 tons of structural steel used in its construction.

The Horse Palace has over 8 acres of space across the two floors. The building initially accommodated 1,200 horses with approximately 700 box stalls and 500 open/standing stalls with metal details. There are long and wide horse ramps that feature a gentle grade, a central exercise ring measuring 55 m by 18 m or 180 ft by 60 ft, interior skylights, veterinarians’ quarters, showers, and washrooms. It also had a blacksmith shop.

For the opening ceremonies during the 1931 CNE, Mayor William James Stewart led a 998 kg or 2,200 lb Clydesdale named Mac into the great new building and unveiled a bronze plaque in the rotunda. The Horse Palace was billed as one of the finest equestrian facilities in the country.

Along with the Coliseum and the East and West Annexes (built in 1921/22) and the Cattle, Sheep, Swine and Judging Pavilions (built in 1927), the Horse Palace completed the group of livestock exhibition buildings.

Canadian Army Barracks

Beginning in 1939 and throughout the Second World War, Exhibition Place grounds were used by the Canadian Armed Forces. Known as Exhibition Camp, the vast buildings were home to various military departments. The Horse Palace stalls became the Canadian Army’s sleeping quarters, which included the 48th Highlanders and the Toronto Scottish battalions. A few of the soldiers that bunked at the Horse Palace during the war carved their names and assigned numbers/Regimental numbers into the brick in the second-floor stairwell on the west side.

The building reverted to horse stables for the 1946 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Toronto Police Service Mounted Unit

2022 – Toronto Police Service horses and officers at the Horse Palace
2022 – Toronto Police Service horses and officers at the Horse Palace

Since 1931, the Toronto Police have stationed a Mounted Unit in the Horse Palace during the CNE and The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. They would eventually take up year-round residency in the landmark building, plus there were other Mounted Units in stables throughout the city.

In the late 1990s, the decision was made to consolidate the specialized unit into one facility, the Horse Palace. So in 2000, after improvements, which included restoring 25 stalls and replacing 25 more to accommodate 50 horses, the equestrian facility became the headquarters for the TPS Mounted Unit. The officers and their exceptional horses are responsible for patrolling the downtown area and crowd management.

The Horse Palace Today

The building continues its traditional role during the annual Canadian National Exhibition and The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The Horse Palace is also home to the Toronto Equestrian Downtown riding school, which offers riding lessons, introductory programs and more.

Haunted Tales

2022 – The box stalls at the Horse Palace in Exhibition Place. Notice the decorative metalwork on the stalls doors
2022 – The box stalls at the Horse Palace in Exhibition Place. Notice the decorative metalwork on the stalls doors

The Horse Palace has had its share of ghostly sights and sounds. Officers and riding school employees have reported hearing footsteps and horses moving above them on the mezzanine level, but that floor is usually vacant of people and animals.

A riding school staff member would bring their dog and play fetch. They would toss a red ball up the ramp to the second floor in the northeast corner of the Horse Palace. One time, the dog returned with no ball. A few moments later, the ball came bouncing down the ramp when no one was up there.

In another occurrence, while a custodian was mucking out a stall one night during The Royal Canadian Winter Fair, they saw a uniformed police officer and his horse walking down the corridor. The custodian greeted the officer when they passed and continued to work, but when they turned to look again, the officer and horse had vanished. Click for more about the ghosts of Exhibition Place.

Did You Know?

2020 – The beautiful Art Deco details of the Horse Palace's west entrance. Notice the low-relief sculptured friezes over the entryway
2020 – The beautiful Art Deco details the Horse Palace’s west entrance. Notice the low-relief sculptured friezes over the entryway
  • The Horse Palace is considered one of Toronto’s finest Art Deco buildings.
  • When the Horse Palace opened for the 1931 CNE, not all stalls were filled that first year. After a particularly rainy evening, visitors to the CNE brought their picnic suppers into the building. They sat on bales of straw, happily eating and taking in the magnificent new stables.
  • During the Second World War, wedding ceremonies also took place in the Horse Palace. Then utilized as Canadian Army barracks, some soldiers married their sweethearts before heading overseas.
  • The Horse Palace received heritage status from the city in 1979 and from Ontario Heritage Trust in 1988.
  • Since 2006, the roof of the Horse Palace has been a Photovoltaic (PV) Generation Plant. The rooftop solar panels convert thermal energy into 200,000 kW of pollution-free electricity annually. The landmark building has also been retrofitted with a cool roof which reflects the sun’s energy.
  • A canopy between the Horse Palace and the West Annex of the Coliseum makes for a covered laneway at ground level, plus there’s a pedestrian walkway connecting the two buildings at the second-floor level.

Horse Palace Photos

1931 – Looking southeast towards the west side of the Horse Palace. The photo was taken during the 1931 CNE and the opening year of the Horse Palace
1931 – Looking southeast towards the west side of the Horse Palace. The photo was taken during the 1931 CNE and the opening year of the Horse Palace (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)
2022 - Looking northeast towards the Horse Palace at 15 Nova Scotia Dr at Exhibition Place. Today the historic building is home to an equestrian school and the Toronto Police Services – Mounted Unit. Notice the CN Tower in the background on the right
2022 – Looking northeast towards the Horse Palace at 15 Nova Scotia Dr at Exhibition Place. Today the historic building is home to an equestrian school and the Toronto Police Services – Mounted Unit. Notice the CN Tower in the background on the right
October 7, 1930 – Looking northeast towards the old Livestock Building and wooden stables approximately six months before construction began on the Horse Palace. Notice the Coliseum in the background with all four towers. Today, only the north side towers remain on the Coliseum
October 7, 1930 – Looking northeast towards the old Livestock Building and wooden stables approximately six months before construction began on the Horse Palace. Notice the Coliseum in the background with all four towers. Today, only the north side towers remain on the Coliseum (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1231, Item 1455)
March 26, 1931 – The clearing of the old Livestock Building and wooden stables for the construction of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. Notice the Coliseum in the background
March 26, 1931 – The clearing of the old Livestock Building and wooden stables for the construction of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. Notice the Coliseum in the background (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 973)
May 7, 1931 – Looking northeast towards the construction of the Horse Palace. The building's cornerstone was laid on this day by Mayor William James Stewart
May 7, 1931 – Looking northeast towards the construction of the Horse Palace. The building’s cornerstone was laid on this day by Mayor William James Stewart (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 985)
May 15, 1931 – The construction of the Horse Palace at Exhibition grounds. The contractor for the $1 million project was Christman Burke Ltd
May 15, 1931 – The construction of the Horse Palace at Exhibition grounds. The contractor for the $1 million project was Christman Burke Ltd (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)
May 21, 1931 – Progression on the construction of the Horse Palace. The aerial photo is looking northeast with the Coliseum in the background
May 21, 1931 – Progression on the construction of the Horse Palace. The aerial photo is looking northeast with the Coliseum in the background (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 990)
June 18, 1931 – Looking northeast during construction of the Horse Palace. Did you know that 2 million bricks, 29,000 cubic feet of cut stone and 1,700 tons of structural steel were used in its construction
June 18, 1931 – Looking northeast during construction of the Horse Palace. Did you know that 2 million bricks, 29,000 cubic feet of cut stone and 1,700 tons of structural steel were used in its construction (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 1012)
July 16, 1931 – During construction of the west entrance at the Horse Palace. The decorative entryway is made of Queenston limestone
July 16, 1931 – During construction of the west entrance at the Horse Palace. The decorative entryway is made of Queenston limestone (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 1024)
July 30, 1931 – The west entrance of the Horse Palace during construction. Notice the copper dome has not yet been added to the tower
July 30, 1931 – The west entrance of the Horse Palace during construction. Notice the copper dome has not yet been added to the tower (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 1028)
July 30, 1931 – From the date the cornerstone was laid at the Horse Palace on May 7, it has only been 12 weeks to get to this point in the construction
July 30, 1931 – From the date the cornerstone was laid at the Horse Palace on May 7, it has only been 12 weeks to get to this point in the construction (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 1029)
August 6, 1931 – The copper dome being added to the west entrance of the Horse Palace at Exhibition grounds
August 6, 1931 – The copper dome being added to the west entrance of the Horse Palace at Exhibition grounds (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 1032)
August 13, 1931 – Nearing completion of the Horse Palace
August 13, 1931 – Nearing completion of the Horse Palace (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 1035)
1931 – The architect's sketch of the Horse Palace at Exhibition grounds
1931 – The architect’s sketch of the Horse Palace at Exhibition grounds (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 998)
2023 - The majestic west entrance of Exhibition Place's Horse Palace. The equestrian facility was built in 1931 and designed by City of Toronto architect John James Woolnough
2023 – The majestic west entrance of Exhibition Place’s Horse Palace. The equestrian facility was built in 1931 and designed by City of Toronto architect John James Woolnough
1931 - A view of an aisle showing the box and standing stalls in the Horse Palace. The photo was taken around the time of the building's completion
1931 – A view of an aisle showing the box and standing stalls in the Horse Palace. The photo was taken around the time of the building’s completion (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)
2022 – The box and standing stalls at the Horse Palace in Exhibition Place. The present-day photo was taken on a ghost walk at Exhibition Place led by Steve Collie of After Dark Tours
2022 – The box and standing stalls at the Horse Palace in Exhibition Place. The present-day photo was taken on a ghost walk at Exhibition Place led by Steve Collie of After Dark Tours
1931 – The dome over the exercise ring in the Horse Palace. The ring measures 55 m by 18 m. The photo was taken around the time of the building's completion
1931 – The dome over the exercise ring in the Horse Palace. The ring measures 55 m by 18 m. The photo was taken around the time of the building’s completion (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)
2022 – The exercise ring in the Horse Palace during the 100th anniversary of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
2022 – The exercise ring in the Horse Palace during the 100th anniversary of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
1931 – One of the low-relief sculptured friezes by artist Charles Adamson. This horse sculpture is located above one of the west entrances of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place
1931 – One of the low-relief sculptured friezes by artist Charles Adamson. This horse sculpture is located above one of the west entrances of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)
2023 – A low-relief sculptured frieze by Charles Adamson above the west entrance of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place
2023 – A low-relief sculptured frieze by Charles Adamson above the west entrance of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place
August 27, 1931 – Mayor William James Stewart opened the Horse Palace during the 1931 CNE. The Mayor led Mac, a 998 kg Clydesdale into the new equestrian facility
August 27, 1931 – Mayor William James Stewart opened the Horse Palace during the 1931 CNE. The Mayor led Mac, a 998 kg Clydesdale into the new equestrian facility (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 1043)
Circa 1931 – CNE crowds on the west side of the Horse Palace. The structure was billed as one of the finest equestrian facilities in Canada
Circa 1931 – CNE crowds on the west side of the Horse Palace. The structure was billed as one of the finest equestrian facilities in Canada (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)
2021 – Looking northeast from Nova Scotia Ave towards the west entrance of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. The equestrian facility was built in 1931
2021 – Looking northeast from Nova Scotia Ave towards the west entrance of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. The equestrian facility was built in 1931
Circa 1933 – One of two entrances to the Horse Palace on the building's west side. Sculpted into the stone are low relief friezes of horses and lettering
Circa 1933 – One of two entrances to the Horse Palace on the building’s west side. Sculpted into the stone are low relief friezes of horses and lettering (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)
2021 – One of the majestic stone entrance's on the Horse Palace's west side
2021 – One of the majestic stone entrance’s on the Horse Palace’s west side
2023 - Looking east towards the west entrance of the Horse Palace located at 15 Nova Scotia Ave at Exhibition Place. The beautiful stone entrance features low-relief Art Deco-style elements and a copper-domed tower
2023 – Looking east towards the west entrance of the Horse Palace located at 15 Nova Scotia Ave at Exhibition Place. The beautiful stone entrance features low-relief Art Deco-style elements and a copper-domed tower
2023 - Looking up at the tower at the west entrance of the Horse Palace. Notice the beautiful Art Deco-style elements carved into the stone
2023 – Looking up at the tower at the west entrance of the Horse Palace. Notice the beautiful Art Deco-style elements carved into the stone
2023 - Horseshoes embedded in the west entrance floor of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place in Toronto
2023 – Horseshoes embedded in the west entrance floor of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place in Toronto
2023 - Doors of the Horse Palace's west entrance with the Art Deco-style lights illuminated
2023 – Doors of the Horse Palace’s west entrance with the Art Deco-style lights illuminated
2023 - A illuminated Art Deco-style light located between the doors of the west entrance of the Horse Palace
2023 – A illuminated Art Deco-style light located between the doors of the west entrance of the Horse Palace
2023 - An Art Deco-style light at the exterior west entrance of the Horse Palace. The fixture features geometric shapes with bold green, blue, orange and yellow colours
2023 – An Art Deco-style light at the exterior west entrance of the Horse Palace. The fixture features geometric shapes with bold green, blue, orange and yellow colours
\1936 – A meet on the race track in front of the Exhibition Grandstand. The view is looking northeast with the Horse Palace on the left and the Coliseum in the background on the right
1936 – A meet on the race track in front of the Exhibition Grandstand. The view is looking northeast with the Horse Palace on the left and the Coliseum in the background on the right (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 372, Sub Series 52, Item 1830)
1940s – Hendrie and Co Ltd trucks with horse trailers outside the Horse Palace at the Exhibition grounds in Toronto. The transport company was established in 1855 and had its warehouse on the corner of Front St W and what we know today as Blue Jays Way
1940s – Hendrie and Co Ltd trucks with horse trailers outside the Horse Palace at the Exhibition grounds in Toronto. The transport company was established in 1855 and had its warehouse on the corner of Front St W and what we know today as Blue Jays Way (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 6239)
1949 – A Canadian Trans-Lux display above the west entrance at the Horse Palace during the CNE. Trans-Lux is a company that specializes in designing, manufacturing and maintaining information displays, including stock tickers and scoreboards
1949 – A Canadian Trans-Lux display above the west entrance at the Horse Palace during the CNE. Trans-Lux is a company that specializes in designing, manufacturing and maintaining information displays, including stock tickers and scoreboards (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)
1952 – Looking northwest towards the Horse Palace from Nunavut Rd
1952 – Looking northwest towards the Horse Palace from Nunavut Rd (Toronto Public Library R-3475)
2022 – Looking towards the south facade of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. The majestic building was constructed using 2 million bricks, 29,000 cubic feet of cut stone and 1,700 tons of structural steel
2022 – Looking towards the south facade of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. The majestic building was constructed using 2 million bricks, 29,000 cubic feet of cut stone and 1,700 tons of structural steel
1952 – Looking northeast towards the Horse Palace located at Exhibition Place. The Art Deco-style building was designed by city architect John James Woolnough
1952 – Looking northeast towards the Horse Palace located at Exhibition Place. The Art Deco-style building was designed by city architect John James Woolnough (Toronto Public Library R-3474)
1955 - Hendrie and Co Ltd truck and trailer on Nova Scotia Ave between the Food Building on the left and the Horse Palace on the right
1955 – Hendrie and Co Ltd truck and trailer on Nova Scotia Ave between the Food Building on the left and the Horse Palace on the right (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 6246)
1956 – Gene Autry, the legendary singing cowboy and actor, outside the west entrance of the Horse Palace
1956 – Gene Autry, the legendary singing cowboy and actor, outside the west entrance of the Horse Palace (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)
1950s – Friends inside the Horse Palace at Exhibition grounds in Toronto
1950s – Friends inside the Horse Palace at Exhibition grounds in Toronto (CNE Archives)
2022 – Horses in their stalls at the Horse Palace during The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
2022 – Horses in their stalls at the Horse Palace during The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
1961 – An aerial view during CNE looking northeast towards the Midway games in front of the Horse Palace. Notice Loblaws in the distance
1961 – An aerial view during CNE looking northeast towards the Midway games in front of the Horse Palace. Notice Loblaws in the distance (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)
Between 1976 and 1987 – Looking towards the Horse Palace's west entrance
Between 1976 and 1987 – Looking towards the Horse Palace’s west entrance (City of Toronto Archives, Series 1465, File 365, Item 8)
Circa 1976 – Treats and souvenirs near the west entrance of the Horse Palace during the CNE
Circa 1976 – Treats and souvenirs near the west entrance of the Horse Palace during the CNE (Courtesy of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives)
2022 – Looking northeast towards the Horse Palace and cotton candy stand during the Canadian National Exhibition
2022 – Looking northeast towards the Horse Palace and cotton candy stand during the Canadian National Exhibition
Between 1976 and 1987 – Looking towards the south entrance of the Horse Palace on Nunavut Rd at Exhibition Place. City architect John James Woolnough designed the building in the Art Deco style
Between 1976 and 1987 – Looking towards the south entrance of the Horse Palace on Nunavut Rd at Exhibition Place. City architect John James Woolnough designed the building in the Art Deco style (City of Toronto Archives, Series 1465, File 365, Item 10)
2021 – The south entrance of the Horse Palace. Notice the lamps, the red doors with bold geometric shapes and the low-relief friezes in the stonework around the entrance
2021 – The south entrance of the Horse Palace. Notice the lamps, the red doors with bold geometric shapes and the low-relief friezes in the stonework around the entrance
2023 - A low-relief horse head sculpture over the south entrance of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place
2023 – A low-relief horse head sculpture over the south entrance of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place
2023 - The sleek, illuminated lights over the south entrance of the Horse Palace
2023 – The sleek, illuminated lights over the south entrance of the Horse Palace
2023 - A light fixture above the Horse Palace's south entrance
2023 – A light fixture above the Horse Palace’s south entrance
2021 – Looking northwest towards the south entrance of the Horse Palace on Nunavut Rd at Exhibition Place. The Art Deco-style building is clad with buff brick and Queenston limestone
2021 – Looking northwest towards the south entrance of the Horse Palace on Nunavut Rd at Exhibition Place. The Art Deco-style building is clad with buff brick and Queenston limestone
2023 – The south entrance of the Horse Palace features red doors with bold geometric shapes and low-relief sculptural friezes of horses and lettering
2023 – The south entrance of the Horse Palace features red doors with bold geometric shapes and low-relief sculptural friezes of horses and lettering
2023 - The finely detailed south entrance of Exhibition Place's Horse Palace from Nunavut Rd
2023 – The finely detailed south entrance of Exhibition Place’s Horse Palace from Nunavut Rd
2022 – Looking north towards the Horse Palace during the CNE. Notice the Gardiner Expressway in the background on the left
2022 – Looking north towards the Horse Palace during the CNE. Notice the Gardiner Expressway in the background on the left
2020 – The beautiful Art Deco details of the Horse Palace's west entrance. Notice the low-relief sculptured friezes over the entryway
2020 – The beautiful Art Deco details of the Horse Palace’s west entrance. Notice the low-relief sculptured friezes over the entryway
2023 – The copper-topped dome at the west entrance of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. Notice the stonework details below the dome's windows, including the carved horse head corners
2023 – The copper-topped dome at the west entrance of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. Notice the stonework details below the dome’s windows, including the carved horse head corners
2022 – One of two entrances on the west side of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. Notice the decorative Art Deco elements on the doors and lights, including the bold colours and geometric ornamentation
2022 – One of two entrances on the west side of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. Notice the decorative Art Deco elements on the doors and lights, including the bold colours and geometric ornamentation
2022 – An interior light at the west entrance of the Horse Palace. The sleek Art Deco-style light fixture features bold orange, white, green and blue colours with geometric detailing
2022 – An interior light at the west entrance of the Horse Palace. The sleek Art Deco-style light fixture features bold orange, white, green and blue colours with geometric detailing
2022 – During the Second World War, the Horse Palace became the Canadian Army's barracks. A few of the soldiers carved their names and assigned numbers/Regimental numbers into the brick, which is now protected by plexiglass, in the second-floor stairwell on the west side
2022 – During the Second World War, the Horse Palace became the Canadian Army’s barracks. A few of the soldiers carved their names and assigned numbers/Regimental numbers into the brick, which is now protected by plexiglass, in the second-floor stairwell on the west side
2022 – The ramp at the northeast corner of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. The long and wide horse ramp grades gently to and from the second floor
2022 – The ramp at the northeast corner of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. The long and wide horse ramp grades gently to and from the second floor
2022 – The box and standing stalls at the Horse Palace in Exhibition Place. The present-day photo was taken on a ghost walk at Exhibition Place led by Steve Collie of After Dark Tours
2022 – The box and standing stalls at the Horse Palace in Exhibition Place. The present-day photo was taken on a ghost walk at Exhibition Place led by Steve Collie of After Dark Tours
2022 – The box stalls at the Horse Palace in Exhibition Place. Notice the decorative metalwork on the stalls doors
2022 – The box stalls at the Horse Palace in Exhibition Place. Notice the decorative metalwork on the stalls doors
2022 – The standing stalls at the Horse Palace in Exhibition Place. The photo was taken during a ghost walk led by After Dark Tours
2022 – The standing stalls at the Horse Palace in Exhibition Place. The photo was taken during a ghost walk led by After Dark Tours
2022 – Horses in the box stalls in the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. The photo was taken during The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
2022 – Horses in the box stalls in the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. The photo was taken during The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
2022 – Looking down an aisle in the Horse Palace during the 100th anniversary of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
2022 – Looking down an aisle in the Horse Palace during the 100th anniversary of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
2004 - The Toronto Police Service Mounted Unit training in the Horse Palace exercise ring
2004 – The Toronto Police Service Mounted Unit training in the Horse Palace exercise ring (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 540, Item 2)
2005 - An officer and horse in Toronto Police Service's Mounted Unit. The view is looking east from the north side of the Horse Palace. Notice the Coliseum and the CN Tower in the background
2005 – An officer and horse in Toronto Police Service’s Mounted Unit. The view is looking east from the north side of the Horse Palace. Notice the Coliseum and the CN Tower in the background (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 540, Item 19)
2022 – Looking northeast from Nova Scotia Ave and Manitoba Dr at Exhibition Place towards the Horse Palace and the Coliseum. Notice the Gardiner Expressway on the left and the CN Tower in the distance
2022 – Looking northeast from Nova Scotia Ave and Manitoba Dr at Exhibition Place towards the Horse Palace and the Coliseum. Notice the Gardiner Expressway on the left and the CN Tower in the distance
2006 – A Toronto Police Service Mounted Unit officer and horse in front of the Horse Palace's west entrance at Exhibition Place
2006 – A Toronto Police Service Mounted Unit officer and horse in front of the Horse Palace’s west entrance at Exhibition Place (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 540, Item 27)
2021 – Looking southwest towards the north facade of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. Since 1968, the Toronto Police Service's Mounted Unit has had year-round residency in the historic building
2021 – Looking southwest towards the north facade of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. Since 1968, the Toronto Police Service’s Mounted Unit has had year-round residency in the historic building
2022 – Toronto Police Service horses and officers at the Horse Palace
2022 – Toronto Police Service horses and officers at the Horse Palace
2022 –  Horses and officers from the Toronto Police Service's Mounted Unit heading into the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place
2022 – Horses and officers from the Toronto Police Service’s Mounted Unit heading into the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place
2022 – The entrance to the Toronto Police Service Mounted Unit Headquarters in the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place
2022 – The entrance to the Toronto Police Service Mounted Unit Headquarters in the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place
2023 – The Horse Palace cornerstone reads:
Erected AD 1931
2023 – The Horse Palace cornerstone reads: Erected AD 1931
2022 – Levelling the sand in the exercise ring at the Horse Palace during the 100th anniversary of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
2022 – Levelling the sand in the exercise ring at the Horse Palace during the 100th anniversary of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
2022 – The exercise ring in the Horse Palace during the 100th anniversary of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
2022 – The exercise ring in the Horse Palace during the 100th anniversary of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
2022 – Royal Canadian Mounted Police during The Musical Ride at the Horse Palace. The RCMP Musical Ride was founded in 1887. The troop of up to 32 police officers and their horses perform complex formations and drills set to music. The photo was taken during The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
2022 – Royal Canadian Mounted Police during The Musical Ride at the Horse Palace. The RCMP Musical Ride was founded in 1887. The troop of up to 32 police officers and their horses perform complex formations and drills set to music. The photo was taken during The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
2022 – The standing stalls at the Horse Palace in Exhibition Place. The RCMP Musical Ride horses occupied these stalls during the 100th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
2022 – The standing stalls at the Horse Palace in Exhibition Place. The RCMP Musical Ride horses occupied these stalls during the 100th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
2022 – The "CAUTION: Horses - Please... Approach Quietly" sign near the exercise ring in the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place
2022 – The “CAUTION: Horses – Please… Approach Quietly” sign near the exercise ring in the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place
2022 – The west side doors from inside the Horse Palace. The photo was taken during a ghost walk led by After Dark Tours
2022 – The west side doors from inside the Horse Palace. The photo was taken during a ghost walk led by After Dark Tours
 2022 – Horse cleaning area in the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place
2022 – Horse cleaning area in the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place
2023 – The Horse Palace plaque reads: 

"This tablet was erected to commemorate the construction of this building in the year 1931 by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the Corporation of the City of Toronto.” 

The Right Honourable, Richard Bedford Bennett, PC. KC. LLD. DCL., Prime Minister of Canada 
The Honourable, George Stewart Henry, B.A. LLD., Prime Minister of Ontario 
The Honourable, Robert Weir BA., Federal Minister of Agriculture 
The Honourable Thomas Laird Kennedy, Minister of Agriculture for Ontario 

Board of Control – Toronto WM. J. Stewart ESQ. Mayor J.G. Ramseden, Vice-Chairman, A.E. Hacker, W.D. Robbins, James Simpson 

J.J. Woolnough Architect 

The plaque is located on the exterior west wall of the Horse Palace
2023 – The Horse Palace plaque reads:

“This tablet was erected to commemorate the construction of this building in the year 1931 by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the Corporation of the City of Toronto.”

The Right Honourable, Richard Bedford Bennett, PC. KC. LLD. DCL., Prime Minister of Canada
The Honourable, George Stewart Henry, B.A. LLD., Prime Minister of Ontario
The Honourable, Robert Weir BA., Federal Minister of Agriculture
The Honourable Thomas Laird Kennedy, Minister of Agriculture for Ontario

Board of Control – Toronto WM. J. Stewart ESQ. Mayor J.G. Ramseden, Vice-Chairman, A.E. Hacker, W.D. Robbins, James Simpson

J.J. Woolnough Architect

The plaque is located on the exterior west wall of the Horse Palace
2022 – An aerial view of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place looking north-northwest. Notice the rooftop solar panels on either side of the exercise ring's glass dome, and on the right, the canopy that connects the Horse Palace to the Coliseum's West Annex
2022 – An aerial view of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place looking north-northwest. Notice the rooftop solar panels on either side of the exercise ring’s glass dome, and on the right, the canopy that connects the Horse Palace to the Coliseum‘s West Annex (Google Maps)
February 27, 1931 – Looking southeast toward the old Livestock Building and stables being torn down. Employees of the wrecking company received 60¢ per hour during the demolition
February 27, 1931 – Looking southeast toward the old Livestock Building and stables being torn down. Employees of the wrecking company received 60¢ per hour during the demolition (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1266, Item 23286)
July 10, 1930 – Looking northeast towards the old stables and Livestock Building, where the Horse Palace stands today at Exhibition Place
July 10, 1930 – Looking northeast towards the old stables and Livestock Building, where the Horse Palace stands today at Exhibition Place (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 1, Item 950)
1915 - Soldiers grooming a horse at the old stables once at Exhibition grounds. During both World Wars, the grounds were used by the Canadian Armed Forces and known as Exhibition Camp
1915 – Soldiers grooming a horse at the old stables once at Exhibition grounds. During both World Wars, the grounds were used by the Canadian Armed Forces and known as Exhibition Camp (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, Item 977D)
1914 - Visitors to the Canadian National Exhibition in front of the former Livestock Building. Built in 1905, it was designed by architect GW Gouinlock. This Livestock Building was replaced in 1931 by the Horse Palace
1914 – Visitors to the Canadian National Exhibition in front of the former Livestock Building. Built in 1905, it was designed by architect GW Gouinlock. This Livestock Building was replaced in 1931 by the Horse Palace (CNE Archives)
1908 – A horse in front of the old horse stables once at Exhibition grounds. The wooden stables were replaced in 1931 by today's Horse Palace
1908 – A horse in front of the old horse stables once at Exhibition grounds. The wooden stables were replaced in 1931 by today’s Horse Palace (CNE Archives)
Circa 1905 – The old horse stables once at Exhibition grounds. The wooden stables were on the same site as the present-day Horse Palace, which was built in 1931
Circa 1905 – The old horse stables once at Exhibition grounds. The wooden stables were on the same site as the present-day Horse Palace, which was built in 1931 (CNE Archives)
1928 - Plan of the grounds and buildings at the Canadian National Exhibition highlighting the site of today's Horse Palace, which was built in 1931
1928 – Plan of the grounds and buildings at the Canadian National Exhibition highlighting the site of today’s Horse Palace, which was built in 1931 (CNE Archives)
SOURCE
  • City of Toronto Heritage Register: 100 Princes’ Blvd
  • Ontario Heritage Trust: 2 Strachan Ave
  • The Globe Newspaper Archives: Dec 14, 1928, pg 15
  • The Globe Newspaper Archives: Feb 24, 1931, pg 11
  • The Globe Newspaper Archives: Jun 18, 1931, pg 7
  • The Globe Newspaper Archives: Aug 11, 1931, pg 15
  • The Toronto Daily Star Newspaper Archives: Aug 14, 1931, pg 24
  • The Globe Newspaper Archives: Aug 28, 1931, pg 10
  • The Globe Newspaper Archives: Aug 29, 1931, pg 27
  • The Globe and Mail Newspaper Archives: Oct 3, 1939, pg 12
  • The Globe and Mail Newspaper Archives: Dec 6, 1939, pg 5
  • The Globe and Mail Newspaper Archives: Nov 14, 1946, pg 8
  • Toronto Police Mounted Unit Headquarters, Horse Palace – Lease, 2000
  • Exhibition Place: History: Architecture Spotlight
  • Royal Canadian Mounted Police: The Musical Ride
  • Toronto Police Service: Explore: Mounted Unit
  • Trans-Lux: Company: History
  • Photos: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
  • Vintage Photos: City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Public Library, CNE Heritage & Canadian National Exhibition Association Archives
  • Street Photo: 15 Nova Scotia Ave from Google Maps