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Canada's First Aerodrome

In May 1915, Curtiss Aeroplanes and Motors, Ltd. established Canada's first aerodrome and flying school on this site. The school, and the Curtiss aircraft factory on Strachan Avenue in Toronto, were managed by John A.D. McCurdy, Canada's first aviator. Most of the graduates went to England at their own expense, to join the Royal Flying Corps or the Royal Naval Air Service. When the Royal Flying Corps, Canada was created in January 1917, its first flying units were based at Long Branch. Later that year, when Armour Heights and Leaside were prepared for flying, Long Branch became the ground training school for the cadet wing of the R.F.C.

Location

At the site of the former aerodrome, Lakeshore Road West just west of Dixie Road, Mississauga

Region: Greater Toronto Area

County/District: Regional Municipality of Peel

Municipality: City of Mississauga

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