According to the City of Burlington web site, during the 19th century and early 20th century, Lakeshore Road was, literally, running along the shores of Lake Ontario. There was no protection during stormy weather and waves frequently washed over the road and threatened nearby property. In 1939, the Federal government built a seawall and that same year the Burlington Horticultural Society became involved in cleaning up the shoreline just west of the foot of Brant Street. This area of land was part of the parcel granted to Mohawk leader Joseph Brant, in recognition for his loyalty and service to the British monarchy during the American Revolution.
Spencer Smith
Spencer Smith came to Canada from England in 1885 at the age of 15. Since his mother could not support him, he was sent overseas with a group of boys to become a farm labourer. He eventually married the daughter of one of his employers, Edith Bell, and together they opened a grocery store on Brant Street.
For 35 years, Smith was an active member of the Horticultural Society and was responsible for the planting of many trees in Burlington, During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Smith hired striking cannery workers to clean up the shoreline at the foot of Brant Street. Smith spent many hours working on the park with volunteers. In 1947, he was honoured for his timeless efforts to make Burlington a more beautiful place. After retiring in 1950, Smith devoted himself to the upkeep of the small park on the waterfront.
Park's Dedication to Smith
Smith died in 1955 and was never able to see the incredible evolution the park would undergo. The land, known originally as Lakeside Park, was renamed Spencer Smith Park and in 1964, the area behind the breakwater was filled in and the park was extended to Locust Street. The park was then 13 acres in size and an architect was hired to further develop the area. In 1967, Spencer Smith park was developed all the way to the old Brant Inn site and a new sea wall was built. A plaque, placed on the upper pathway of the park, was erected in honour of the park's original creator.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Spencer Smith Park has been redeveloped to include a wide promenade for walking, cycling or rollerblading, as well as several performance areas, historic monuments, a children's playground and expansive lawns and landscaped gardens. Even more recently, the Waterfront Centre was opened in the Park, which also features a lake-view restaurant. The performance areas have been increased in size and the area behind the Travelodge now includes a 150-foot pier.
Additional Resources:
A Brief History of Burlington, Ontario
City of Burlington: Parks of the City
Gemma Richardson - Gemma Richardson is a PhD student with a Master of Arts degree in Communication and Social Justice from the University of Windsor (2009) ...
