Leaside Aerodrome

The closure was primarily due to economic reasons and urban encroachment. As the Town of Leaside grew rapidly, the land became far more valuable for industrial and residential development. The aerodrome became obsolete with the development of larger, more modern facilities like Malton Airport (the precursor to Toronto Pearson International Airport).

The site of the former Leaside Aerodrome is now a major commercial and light industrial area known as the Leaside Business Park. The land is completely redeveloped and occupied by numerous businesses, including big-box retail stores (such as Costco and The Home Depot), offices, and warehouses. There are no physical remnants of the original runways or hangars on the site, though its legacy is noted on local historical plaques in the area.

Leaside Aerodrome holds a significant place in Canadian aviation history. Its key roles and events include:

- **Military Training:** Established in 1917 as a major training facility for the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) during World War I. It was used to train pilots and aircrew on aircraft such as the Curtiss JN-4 'Canuck'.

- **First Airmail:** It was the departure point for Canada's first official airmail flight, which flew from Leaside to Ottawa on June 24, 1918. It was also the site of the first international airmail flight from Canada to the United States (New York City) in 1919.

- **Early Commercial Aviation:** After the war, it transitioned to a civilian airfield and was instrumental in the early days of Canadian commercial aviation and aircraft manufacturing. The de Havilland Aircraft of Canada company established its first factory adjacent to the airfield in 1928, building iconic aircraft like the de Havilland Moth.

- **Note on ICAO Code:** The ICAO code CA-0486 is a modern, unofficial identifier, likely originating from flight simulator databases or unofficial registries. The aerodrome did not have an ICAO code during its operational years, as the ICAO was not formed until 1947, well after the aerodrome had closed.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening the Leaside Aerodrome. The site is a densely developed, high-value urban commercial district fully integrated into the city of Toronto. Re-establishing an airport at this location is physically, logistically, and economically impossible.