In 1940, the Binari gang emerged in Toronto, causing chaos with armed robberies and thefts. By the end of that year, the gang had left its mark on the city. Read more about the formation of the gang and their “dirty” deeds on torontoyes.com.
The Binari Gang’s Notoriety
By late 1940, the Binari and Tippa gangs were infamous for targeting burger joints and dance halls in Toronto. They frequently stole cars and engaged in street brawls, seeing these activities as entertainment. Although other gangs existed in the city, the Binari gang was the dominant force. Their headquarters was an unassuming burger joint at the corner of Dovercourt Road and College Street in Toronto’s west end.
Members of the gang, aged 18 to 22, were known for their uniform appearance, often sporting bomber jackets and slicked-back, heavily oiled hair. Their slang was a mix of vulgar language and prison jargon. The gang adhered to a strict code, emphasizing loyalty, the ability to endure punishment, and a commitment to never betray fellow members.
The gang’s core group consisted of 9 to 50 members, occasionally joined by hangers-on who claimed affiliation or sought their protection during conflicts. Despite constant surveillance, police struggled to curtail the gang’s activities effectively.
The Binari gang drew significant public attention in July 1940, when police discovered a stash of homemade weapons hidden in a hayloft near Lake Wilcox, leading to several arrests. Public outrage grew after 15 gang members were accused of assaulting a 16-year-old girl.
The Bloodbath at Wasaga Beach
On August 21, 1948, a chaotic scene unfolded at Wasaga Beach near the Davie’s Dance Club. Around 11:00 PM, hundreds of rival gang members clashed violently. Police were called to the scene and fought to subdue the brawling mob. The chaos was finally brought under control by 3:00 AM, with 13 individuals arrested for obstructing police and illegal possession of weapons.
Many were injured in the brawl. Victor Kehoe, a shopkeeper at Midway, lost an eye and sustained burns and head injuries while resisting gang members. Jay Murray, a clubgoer, was attacked by 15 men, suffering a broken jaw and the loss of his front teeth.
The day after the incident, local shop owners and residents near the club voiced their anger and frustration. Some even called for public whippings of the offenders.
The Toronto Daily Star reported that on August 23, Tippa gang members arrived in trucks from their Queen Street and Bathurst Street base, seeking another fight with the Binari gang.
On August 25, those arrested were brought before the Barrie Police Court. While four individuals were acquitted due to witnesses refusing to testify, others faced convictions and sentencing.
By 1949, the Binari gang had disbanded. Their notoriety faded as a new group, the Junction Boys, rose to prominence. But that is a story for another time.