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Annex, Toronto

The Annex is a lively community in Toronto home to a mix of residents ranging from professionals and artists to students and locals. It thrives on the vibrancy of the University of Toronto and the bustling atmosphere of its bars, eateries and nightlife along Bloor Street. Known for its blend of living catering to lifestyles the Annex boasts a rich history reflected in its charming Victorian homes lining the tree filled streets. The dynamic energy of Bloor Streets shops and dining options is complemented by spaces scattered throughout the area. In addition to top notch schools and cultural hubs, the neighbourhood offers access to transportation for its residents.

History Of Annex, Toronto

The Annex was divided into sections during the 19th century quickly establishing itself as a prestigious neighbourhood in Toronto. Among its residents were figures like Timothy Eaton, the founder of Eatons department store and George Gooderham, the head of Gooderham and Worts Distillery. 

The heyday of The Annex came to an end in the 1920s as the affluent classes started moving to trendy areas like Forest Hill and Lawrence Park. Those who remained played a role in creating the Annex Residents Association, a group that successfully fought against the construction of the Spadina Expressway which would have disrupted the neighbourhood. Despite its age of, over a century The Annex has stood strong. Continues to be regarded as one of Toronto’s finest neighbourhoods.

Lifestyle

The main shopping area, in The Annex is located along Bloor Street offering a mix of clothing boutiques, coffee shops, food markets, restaurants and live entertainment spots. 

Another interesting spot is the renovated Mirvish Village on Markham Street south of Bloor Street. This charming district is home to a variety of specialty stores. Situated south of Bloor Street and west of Bathurst Mirvish Village boasts 24 beautifully restored heritage buildings housing an array of restaurants and shops. A highlight of this shopping destination is The Kitchen, a space featuring a food hall and music venue.

Annex, Toronto Parks & Facilities

The Annex neighbourhood buzzes with activity at night as people from across the city flock to its eateries, bars and clubs. Those keen on fitness can work out at either the University of Toronto’s Athletic Centre or the Miles Nadal JCC Community Centre on Bloor and Spadina. Located in the Annex at 16 Spadina Road, the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto offers a range of programs and services for both Toronto’s Indigenous community and the wider public. For book lovers the Spadina Road Public Library at 10 Spadina Road hosts a variety of activities for locals to enjoy.

Enjoying leisure time is effortless with parks and recreational facilities in this area. The parks in Annex are equipped with play areas for kids, sports amenities, dog friendly spaces and skating rinks. With a total of 9 parks boasting 35 facilities collectively each park averages about 3 facilities.

  • Number of Parks: 9
  • Number of Recreation Facilities: 35

Recreation Facilities in Neighbourhood Parks

  • Playgrounds – 8
  • Dog Parks – 3
  • Arena – 1
  • Rinks – 3
  • Tennis Courts – 12
  • Ball Diamond – 1
  • Splash Pads – 2
  • Outdoor Games Facilities – 3
  • Botanical Garden – 1
  • Trail – 1

Annex, Toronto Transit

The Annex has access to transportation with subway stations located at Spadina and Bathurst on the Bloor Danforth line as well as at Dupont Street on the Yonge University Spadina line. In this area there are a total of 173 transit stops, including the Summerhill Station. Residents use a variety of transportation methods, for their commutes with traveling within the city and typically having commute times.

Commute Destination for Residents

  • Commute within the city – 92%
  • Commute to another city – 7%

Commute Types

  • Vehicle – 24%
  • Transit – 42%
  • Walk/bike – 32%

Commute Times of Residents

  • 15 to 29 minutes – 42%
  • 30 to 44 minutes – 26%
  • 45 to 59 minutes – 9%
  • 60 minutes and over – 6%
  • Less than 15 minutes – 15%

Annex, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools

This area boasts elementary and secondary high schools, along with specialized programs for both levels. The neighbourhood is served by a total of 11 schools, 6 Catholic schools, 7 private schools and 1 alternative/special school. The local schools offer programs such, as All Boys, Christian Montessori, French Immersion and International Baccalaureate.

  • Public Schools: 11
  • Catholic Schools: 6
  • Private Schools: 7

Public

  • Jarvis Collegiate Institute
  • Palmerston Avenue Junior Public School
  • ÉÉ Gabrielle-Roy
  • ÉS Toronto Ouest
  • Collège français secondaire
  • Harbord Collegiate Institute
  • Jesse Ketchum Jr and Sr Public School
  • Essex Junior and Senior Public School
  • Huron Street Junior Public School
  • Cottingham Junior Public School
  • ÉÉ Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau

Catholic

  • Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
  • ÉÉC du Sacré-Coeur-Toronto
  • St. Bruno – St. Raymond Catholic School
  • Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School
  • Holy Rosary Catholic School
  • ÉSC Saint-Frère-André

Private

  • Royal St George’s College
  • McDonald International Academy – Main Campus
  • Taddle Creek Montessori School
  • JICS Lab School
  • City High School
  • Dalton School
  • Howlett Academy
  • Alternative/Special
  • Msgr Fraser College 

Annex, Toronto Homes

The houses in the Annex constructed between 1880 and 1910 showcase Victorian, Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque architectural designs. Many of these residences feature exteriors crafted from plum and pink Credit River sandstone, vibrant red brick and terra cotta clay tiles.

These homes boast elements such as pyramidal roofs, turrets, grand archways set back into the structures and charming wooden spindled porches. Another cluster of Annex residences was built between 1910 and 1930. While less ornate, than their predecessors these homes still exemplify English Cottage, Georgian and Tudor styles.

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