NEWS
Avro Arrow replica project
The Avro Arrow replica project in Malton is a tribute to Canada’s most famous aeronautical achievement and the community that built it. Located in Paul Coffey Park, this massive installation honours the CF-105 Arrow, a supersonic interceptor that was once the most advanced aircraft in the world. The original jets were designed and manufactured right in Malton during the late 1950s before the project was abruptly cancelled by the federal government in 1959. This sudden shutdown led to the destruction of all existing prototypes and remains a defining moment of heartbreak in Canadian industrial history.
To bring this piece of history back to life, the Malton Business Improvement Area partnered with the City of Mississauga to commission a near-full-size model of the legendary interceptor. While the replica was originally intended to be a 1:1 scale, the final design was adjusted to be approximately 80 per cent of the original size to manage rising construction costs. The finished structure is still a sight to behold, standing roughly six storeys high with a wingspan of 55 feet and a length of 72 feet. Constructed from high-grade aluminum and specialized composite materials, the jet was fabricated in sections in Barrie, Ontario, before being transported south for its final assembly.
The total investment for the project reached approximately $3.6 million, funded through a combination of municipal hotel taxes, federal grants, and significant private donations from the local community. It is positioned on a reinforced steel pedestal in the park, sitting alongside a restored CF-100 Canuck to create a dedicated aviation heritage zone. Because the park is situated directly under the flight paths of Pearson International Airport, the gleaming silver jet is positioned to be visible to millions of travellers flying into the city each year. Local leaders view the replica as more than just a monument; they see it as a way to revitalize Malton’s identity and spark interest in STEM careers among local youth. By celebrating the engineering brilliance of the past, the project aims to turn Paul Coffey Park into a premier destination for aviation enthusiasts and tourists alike. As of the spring of 2026, the final landscaping and structural touches are being completed, with the site expected to be fully accessible to the public by the upcoming summer season.