BY: JOSYL SINGH
Since 1957, the heritage Radio Tower on the north-east corner of Finch Ave. W and Alness Rd has been a landmark feature for the Downsview community. The tower once served as a two-way radio communication tower for contact between police and emergency services. Its existence originally was scheduled for demolition in 2018, but today remains standing tall.
The DUKE Heights Board of Directors has taken to recognize the importance of the tower preserving it from demolition. The DUKE Heights local Business Improvement Area (BIA) hosted the official unveiling of the revamped Radio Tower as the DUKE Tower on July 18, 2022. The event featured a light display as well to commemorate the tower’s history and service. The event was celebrated by both local community members and its leaders. Councilor James Pasternak of Ward 6, Councilor Anthony Perruzza of Ward 7, and MPPs Michael Kerzner and Tom Rakocevic were all present during the grand unveiling.
Over the past 10 years both York Center, and the Humber River - Black Creek, have gone over major development changes. The DUKE Heights BIA’s preservation of the Radio Tower “connects the past with the present and represents a thriving and growing community that looks toward the future.”
The structure today is branded with the DUKE Heights signature logo during the day time, and at night reflects a light display for the community to come and observe. The area also has been renovated to welcome the community and visitors to stop by the historic site.
The DUKE Tower is one of the many restoration and community projects brought forward by the BIA. The BIA explains its purpose is to serve its community by transforming its existing structures, while providing “support, security, [and] advocate on behalf of the interests of the BIA business community and to promote the area as a business, employment, tourist and shopping area.”
For more information and to stay up to date about the DUKE Heights BIA, visit dukeheights.ca, or follow them on Instagram/Twitter at @DUKEHeightsBIA