Long Branch Arsenal Lands

The Ontario Rifle Association and the Government established the Long Branch Rifle Ranges in 1891. In May 1915 Curtis Aeroplanes and Motors Company of Toronto opened Canada(a)s first airfield and flying school there. Its objective was to train airmen for service in World War I.

In June 1940, Small Arms Limited was formed, and produced Sten Submachine guns and the Long Branch Lee Enfield rifles until the end of WWII.

In the Mid 90(a)s the buildings were torn down after Canada post closed the sorting station that had been in use since the 70(a)s.

Many historical structures remain, including the firing range backstop, the sound baffles, the water tower, and other concrete structures littered around the site as you will see in my photos.

The area is currently planned for park development in the near future. The water tower will be knocked down and replaced with a splash pad and picnic area. See map in gallery.

Added by Lightbulb, January 8, 2017:

An Ontario Heritage sight. Built in the early 1800, this was the sight of munitions production and small arms testing, it. The only building left standing was the building designated to small arms inspection. A lot of weapons that came through here saw action in WWI and even WWII. The sight stop supplying munition in 1974 and was shutdown for good sometime in the 90's.

The old and over grown firing range that was used until 1957 still stands directly south of the small arms building, but be careful. Directly behind the small arms building is a nice little deposit of mildly radioactive materials burred under the soil. Nothing horrible, and nothing your body can't deal with. Probably.

The old water tower still stands and is planned to remain standing along with the firing range and the small arms building.

Future plans for this space include redevelopment: a connection to the waterfront, hipster cafe style shops; areas for small businesses that hipsters love so much and even a greenspace for squirrels.