Anaconda American Brass Limited

Industrial site.

Details of Site Location: In New Toronto within the area bounded by Birmingham Street to the south, Eighth Street to the east, and Thirteenth Street to the west.

Current Use of Property: Streets and housing.

Historical Description: The Anaconda American Brass Limited company was established in 1922 when it acquired the business machinery and good will of Brown’s Copper and Brass Rolling Mills. In November 1928 the company officials decided to make New Toronto the permanent home of the industry and acquired the buildings and property. The site housed the main office and plant. Anaconda was converted almost totally to the war effort in 1939, making shell casings, housings for instruments, and many types of parts. After World War II, the company occupied 32 acres, employed 1,400, and invested over $20,000,000 in a postwar expansion program. A photograph circa 1951 shows an extensive complex of buildings, both modern and from the Brown’s era.

Relative Importance:The company played a major role in the development of New Toronto area, and a major role in Canada’s war effort The company also played a leading role in community improvements, including the building of a public ice arena and a swimming pool.

Reference Sources: Dorine Bellamy editor, Town of New Toronto – A Souvenir (1951); Peter Adamson and Robert E. Jones, Celebrating Our Golden Jubilee (New Toronto, 1963); Map of New Toronto 1950.

Acknowledgements: Enoch Turner Schoolhouse; Toronto Military Heritage Association.