Urbanism
Studio
Downsview: Defence During Cold War
I. AIR MATERIAL BASE:
- During the Cold War, the RCAF built an Air Material Base at Downsview to support military operations in Europe and Korea, with a Supply Depot responsible for storing and distributing large quantities of materials. A vehicle re-life and repair depot was also located at downsview for air reserve squadrons. The base was also responsible for administrative and technical support to the defence and civil institute of environmental medicine, RCAF colleges, as well as the Toronto Militia District, and the Cadet League. The RCAF constructed barracks, headquarters and maintenance buildings at Downsview between 1952 and 1956.
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The facility’s runways were lengthened and resurfaced in 1952 during which time Downsview was closed and Air Reserve flying was relocated to Mount Hope Airport in Hamilton. The airport was provided with a 200 ft (61-meter) wide and 7000 ft (2133-meter) long north to south runway, and a 150 ft (46-meter) wide, 5000 ft (1500-meter) long east-west runway.
II. THE SUPPLY DEPOT:
- Later named 1 Canadian Forces Supply Depot. The Supply Depot was built of the same type of concrete construction used in the only buildings that were not flattened in Nagasaki. It was over a quarter mile in length with a total area of 27.5 acres. 18.5 of which were contained in a single roof. The building provided over 10 million cubic ft of warehouse space, and could contain over 200 000 items