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Canadian National Exhibition

This plaque commemorates the establishment of the Exhibition (the “Ex”), a national event that has occurred since 1912.

Canadian National Exhibition (Photo: Destination Ontario, Ryan Lee)
Canadian National Exhibition
Photo: Destination Ontario, Ryan Lee
Agriculture Arts and culture Industry and trade Organizations Scientific and technological innovations Sports and recreation Plaque

Location:

At the entrance to Centennial Square, near the Dufferin Gate, Exhibition Place, Toronto

Themes:

Agriculture, Arts and culture, Industry and trade, Organizations, Scientific and technological innovations, Sports and recreation

Unveiling year:

1970

Part of this walking tour:

The Canadian National Exhibition

Plaque text:

The second half of the 19th century was an era in which technological innovation brought rapid economic progress and social change. The spirit of the age was reflected in an annual fair that first opened on this site on September 5, 1879. Staged by the Industrial Exhibition Association of Toronto, it offered medals and prize money to encourage innovation and improvement in agriculture, manufacturing and the arts. The fair quickly became a popular attraction and a boon to the local economy. A national event since 1912, the CNE continues to showcase Canadian creativity and achievement.

Canadian National Exhibition plaque