Danforth Village
History
Danforth Village, north of the Danforth, was land originally held by the Church of England. Local street names like Glebemount, and Glebeholme, are reminders that this was once Church land.
The land south of the Danforth was not held by the Church. This land was originally owned by families engaged in either farming or in the brick making business.
Danforth Avenue, this neighbourhood's main thoroughfare, is named after Asa Danforth, an American contractor who built Kingston road in 1799 but ironically he had nothing to do with the building of Danforth Avenue.
After being annexed to the City of Toronto in 1908 Danforth Village began to be subdivided. The two most significant events in the growth of this neighbourhood were the completion of the Prince Edward Viaduct in 1918, and the opening of the Bloor - Danforth subway in 1966.
Overview
Danforth Village is well known for its shopping district along Danforth Avenue. The Danforth's many shops and restaurants reflect the multicultural flavour of the residents who live in this neighbourhood.
The relative affordability of the houses in Danforth Village, together with the convenience of the Bloor-Danforth subway line make this neighbourhood an excellent choice for first time home buyers.
This neighbourhood has become a recent hot spot for young professionals' many of whom are noted artists. It would not surprise if your neighbour was a member of the Toronto Symphony, Canadian Opera, or film and television performers; a far cry from the blue collar families that once proliferated in this neighbourhood. The "Danny" as this neighbourhood is affectionately known attracts visitors from across the city in the springtime to a number of popular street festivals; and in the Fall garden tours together with studio visits provide an up close opportunity to get to know your neighbours. This neighbourhood is proud of its active parent participation in the school system which has welcomed many new families in recent years.
Homes
North of the Danforth the streets are lined with semi-detached houses that feature distinctive front porches. South of the Danforth the homes are more varied ranging in size and style from Victorian semis, to bungalows and newer townhouses.
The typical Danforth Village home was built in the 1920's or 1930's.
Shopping
Danforth Avenue offers local residents a full range of shops and services. The Danforth is well known for it's authentic Greek restaurants and fresh fruit and vegetable markets.
Danforth Avenue is also known for its many bargain and discount stores. Shoppers World, an outdoor mall at the corner of Victoria Park and the Danforth is one of Toronto's largest discount malls.
In 2009 there will be a family oriented, artist exhibition and sale, that is planned to run from Donlands to Main along the Danforth featuring more than 100 visual artist on display for one memorable evening. This celebration of the arts will include performing minstrals and lots of yummy culinary delights.
Recreation
Monarch Park, located south of the Danforth between Coxwell and Greenwood features a variety of recreational facilities including an artificial ice rink, a wading pool, and a swimming pool.
The East Toronto Athletic Field located at Gerrard and Main Streets encompasses a number of sports fields. The Ted Reeve Indoor Hockey Arena is situated adjacent to the sports fields.
The Earl Beattie Community Centre on Woodington Avenue just north of the Danforth has an indoor swimming pool, and a gymnasium.
The Danforth/Coxwell Public Library offers programs for toddlers and preschoolers.
Schools
Please Note: Prior to buying or renting , you should phone the school you are interested in enrolling your child, in order to confirm that they will accept children from the address you are considering moving to.
Earl Haig Jr., 15 Earl Haig Ave., (416) 393-1640
(Public School)
Earl Beatty Jr. and Sr., 55 Woodington Ave., (416) 393-9070
(Public School)
Gledhill Jr., 2 Gledhill Ave., (416) 393-1745
(Public School)
Monarch Park Collegiate, 1 Hanson Street., (416) 393-0190
(Public High School)
Malvern Collegiate Institute, 55 Malvern Avenue (416) 393-1480
(Public High School)
St. Patrick, 45-49 Felstead Ave., (416) 393-5546
(Separate School)
Georges Etienne Cartier, 250 Gainsborough Rd., (416) 393-5314
(Separate School)
Legend:
(P) Public School
(PH) Public High School
(CA) Catholic School
(PR) Private School
(PC) Private Catholic School
(PJ) Private Jewish School
(C) College
(U) University
The Toronto Neighbourhoos text profiles, sketches and maps displayed on this website were originally published in "your Guide to Toronto Neighbourhoods". are © Maple Tree Publishing Inc. and have been reproduced by Toronto Real Estate Board under license.
