Background

Historic Plaque: Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters

Commemorating the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters' fight for labor rights and equality in Canada's railway history on Bremner Boulevard, Toronto.

4.9

A Heritage Toronto plaque commemorating the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first Black labor union to sign an agreement with a Canadian employer, the Canadian Pacific Railway. It recognizes their fight against institutional racism and contributions to human rights and labor relations in Canada.

A brief summary to Historic Plaque: Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters

  • 272 Bremner Blvd Suite 260, Toronto, Old Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2T6, CA

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a walk along Toronto's waterfront for a more enriching experience.
  • Visit during the day for the best lighting to photograph the plaque and surrounding area.
  • Take time to read the plaque's inscription to fully appreciate its historical significance.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are near the waterfront or Union Station, head towards Bremner Boulevard. The plaque is located at 272 Bremner Blvd, Suite 260, a short walk from the CN Tower and Rogers Centre. Look for the sidewalk on the south side of Bremner Boulevard, west of Lower Simcoe Street.

  • Public Transport

    Take the subway to Union Station. From Union Station, you can walk west along Bremner Boulevard or through the SkyWalk. Alternatively, take the 509 Harbourfront streetcar to the 'Bay St. at Queens Quay' stop, then walk east to Bremner Blvd. A single TTC fare is $3.35, with free transfers for two hours.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Toronto. A short trip from Union Station or the downtown core to 272 Bremner Blvd will likely cost between $10 and $20, depending on traffic and surge pricing. Taxi stands are located on the south-east corner of Front Street West and York Street, and at the Bremner Boulevard loop near the Scotiabank Arena.

  • Driving

    If driving, enter 272 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, into your GPS. Be aware that parking in this area can be limited and expensive. There are several parking garages nearby, including the Maple Leaf Square Garage at 55 Bremner Blvd, with rates starting at $15.86. Parking at 25 York Street, located in Maple Leaf Square, offers rates of $6.00 for 20 minutes or less and a daily maximum of $24.00. Weekend rates are $15.00 for a 12-hour maximum. Street parking is also available on Bremner Boulevard, but check restrictions.

Unlock the Best of Historic Plaque: Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Historic Plaque: Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters

This plaque, located on Bremner Boulevard in Toronto, marks the site of a former coach yard where sleeping car porters prepared passenger cars for travel. From the early 20th century until the late 1980s, Black men predominantly filled these roles, facing systemic racism in pay, promotions, and union membership. The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP), founded in 1925, was the first African American labor organization to receive a charter from the American Federation of Labor. In 1939, Canadian porters joined the BSCP, leading to the first agreement between a Black union and a major Canadian employer, the Canadian Pacific Railway, in 1945. This agreement improved wages, provided pay for downtime, and opened opportunities for promotion. The BSCP's legacy extends to influencing human rights policy and labor relations in Canada, advocating for immigration policies based on qualifications rather than race. The plaque serves as a reminder of the struggles and achievements of the BSCP, honoring Canadians such as Stanley G. Grizzle, Donald W. Moore and Harry Gairey. It stands as a symbol of the fight for equality and better working conditions, cementing the group's profound impact on Canadian history.

Popular Experiences near Historic Plaque: Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters

Popular Hotels near Historic Plaque: Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters

Select Currency