Lake Shore West’s Beach Motel demolished to make way for condos

The Beach Motel on Lake Shore Boulevard West in Etobicoke — remembered both as a vacation spot for families in the post-war era and then for its seedy decline — was torn down Thursday morning to make way for a massive condominium development.

During the 1950s and 60s the 40-room inn on Lake Shore at Park Lawn Road was a popular spot for local and tourist families to enjoy the lakefront. It stood among other similar spots, including the Shore Breeze, the Rainbow Motel and the Sunshine Tourist Court, all of which have since been torn down.

The strip fell into decline starting in the late 60s.

The Beach Motel has been boarded up since its closure last year. Local residents and historians will be on-hand Thursday morning when the final vestige of the motel strip’s past is reduced to rubble.

The demolition started at 8:30 a.m.

Developer Empire Communities is building two large condo towers at the site — 66 and 45 storeys — as part of its Eau Du Soleil project. Empire is billing the development as “one of Canada’s tallest and most iconic waterfront condominium communities” with “awe-inspiring design.”

A similar fate awaits the Mr. Christie’s plant across the road.

Local councillor Mark Grimes said the Eau Du Soleil condo plan promises a “future of renewal and revitalization” for the area.

Will you miss this landmark? Let us know in the comments below.

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