MY Initiatives
The Iron Horse Returns
A Galloping Return to Midtown's Heart
Midtown Yonge has always been a place where history and progress intersect. Nowhere is this more evident than on the Kay Gardner Beltline Park Bridge, a pathway that once echoed with the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages and the rumble of steam engines. Today, it's a haven for walkers, runners, and cyclists. But something was missing...
The Iron Horse, original sculpture, designed by Toronto artist Robert Sprachman, was installed in May 1994, and was on display for two years. Its absence left a void, a forgotten echo of a bygone era. That's why MYBIA, in partnership with the City of Toronto, embarked on a mission to bring the Iron Horse back home. The Official Unveiling of the new sculpture happened on November 30th, 2019.
“We are very excited to bring back the much-loved public art installation as part of the BIA’s Streetscape Master Plan implementation, and this time the sculpture will be tastefully illuminated in order to maximize its visual impact”, said Jennifer Gittins, Vice-Chair of MYBIA, at the inauguration event. “It will enhance the bridge that forms the southern gateway to our neighbourhood and will be an iconic marker and point of reference.”
The new sculpture was manufactured locally using 90% recycled fiberglass and plastic materials to recreate the original, with a few modern updates. It now stands tall, illuminated and proud, a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of preserving our heritage. It's more than a sculpture; it's a beacon, drawing people together and reminding us that progress is built upon the foundations of the past.
Original Iron Horse Press Coverage
