The Gardiner is the expressway Toronto loves to hate.

Controversial from the get-go, it was initially built in stages between 1955 and 1966, completely transforming the city's waterfront.

When completed in 1966, the Gardiner extended from west of the Humber River to Leslie Street. Since then, there have been more than a few calls to demolish the highway, replace it with a tunnel, or to turn it into a park. In 2022 the eastern section of the Gardiner was demolished.

Here are photos of the birth of the Gardiner Expressway.

From the Toronto Daily Star in 1947

Across the Humber, 1956

Jameson to York Street section prior to construction, around 1959

Jameson to York Street early construction, 1959

Same area, later that year.

Construction near the Ex, 1959

1959, construction with Royal York Hotel in the distance

Construction, 1959

Dufferin Bridge, 1959

Below Dufferin Bridge

Aerial view, 1960, at the Humber River where the Palace Pier Condos and Arch Bridge are located today

Aerial view, 1960. This was the final nail in the coffin for Sunnyside Amusement Park, which was demolished to make room for the expressway.

Construction near Jarvis Street, 1963

Construction near Lake Shore Avenue East, 1963