Surplus dealer Dave Shankman has pretty well seen most military insignia items in the last 68-years his family has been operating The New Toronto Surplus Centre Ltd.

The centre, at 2938 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at the corner of Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Islington Ave., is viewed by some as iconic, or historic, since it is in the middle of New Toronto.

It is the building on which a RCMP, with a horse, is painted in a popular mural with a large Canadian flag.

Shankman says the business was started by his father, after he returned home from WW11.

“My father served in the Korean War,” Shankman says proudly in honour of his dad. “He founded and ran the business until about 2010.”

The business is now said to be the oldest in New Toronto and it features roof and building architecture of an earlier era in Toronto.

“We are still busy in this line of work,” he says. “The weather is getting colder and people are coming in for winter gear.”

They carry a large range of military style winter shoes, jackets, gloves and other gear to keep you warm.

The interior of the store is from the 1950s and 60s with gear, clothing and other items everywhere, including military insignia like crests or badges, which are still popular in some circles.

There are hats, caps, vests, shoes and countless items hunters or anglers may require.

Shankman is proud that many films and TV productions have been shot in his store over the years, including Police Academy and Kung Fu; which are the ones he recall.

He loves the community and the people who have supported his family for the almost seven decades in business in the center of New Toronto.

The New Toronto Surplus Centre Ltd., can be reached at 416-251-3821.