The Bay Street Corridor stands out as one of the neighbourhoods, in Toronto with a population density and a strategic location near key city landmarks like the Financial District and hospitals as well as major universities like Toronto Metropolitan University and University of Toronto along with downtown Yonge Street nearby which has made it a sought after area for young professionals looking for condos, in Toronto. This neighbourhood attracts a group of residents and investors from around the world due to its proximity to the University of Toronto and the Financial District as well as the hospital area nearby….
History Of Bay Street Corridor, Toronto
The region known today as the Bay Street corridor used to be called St.John’s Ward when it was a ward, in Toronto city’s days. It has the informal name of “The Ward”. Initially inhabited by immigrants who escaped Eastern Europe in the 1890s The Ward saw an influx of immigrant communities over time. Particularly Italians eventually settled there too. As these early groups settled in and established themselves they moved away from the crowded conditions of The Ward. Made their way towards neighbourhoods, like Kensington Market and Little Italy.
The Jewish and Italian communities were gradually replaced by immigrants over time in the 1950s when the construction of the New City Hall took place resulting in the displacement of residents, from The Ward to Spadina Avenue now known as Toronto’s Chinatown district.The Bay Street Corridor has been an area in Toronto dating back, to 1827 with the establishment of Kings College later renamed as the University of Toronto. In 1899 the Toronto City Hall was moved to the intersection of Queen and Bay streets and in 1930 Eaton’s Department store established their College Park branch at Yonge and College Streets location, within the city limits of Toronto.
It was not until the opening of the Toronto City Hall in 1965 that The Ward neighbourhood completely disappeared due to the development of these landmarks earlier mentioned. A revitalization process of this area started in the 1990s with a surge in condominium construction, along the Bay Street corridor. This trend has persisted over time with buildings either finished or currently being built. The upscale condominium buildings stand in contrast to the shacks of The Ward, a neighbourhood that has faded into obscurity, in Toronto’s history books.
Lifestyle
Bay Street boasts a variety of shops and dining options nestled within its condominium lined stretch. Perfect for picking up essentials and enjoying a meal, on the go! Elm Street exudes a charm with its cluster of pubs and eateries housed in stunning historical structures while Downtown Yonge beckons, with its eclectic array of shopping destinations. The upscale and chic Bloor Yorkville shopping district offers a range of clothing and fashion boutiques along with home furnishing stores and a diverse selection of high end dining options to choose from.
Bay Street Corridor, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Queens Park is an oval shaped space situated near University Avenue in the southern vicinity of the Ontario Legislative Building area, in the city’s hustle and bustle environment; it provides a peaceful escape with abundant trees and pathways to explore and admire various statues and monuments dotting the landscape within the grounds of this serene retreat known as Queens Park. An ideal setting for leisurely walks, contemplative moments, on inviting benches or engaging in yoga or pilates sessions. The YMCA located at 20 Grosvenor Street is a popular spot for exercising, offering both a gymnasium and a swimming pool for visitors to enjoy.
Cloverhill Park is located on the side of Bay Street next to the University of Toronto campus – it’s a neighbourhood park with a playground and park benches where you’ll find a unique collection of art statues depicting various animals. Hart House at the University of Toronto is open to the public through membership. Provides a range of activities including sports events and art classes well as culinary workshops and lifestyle courses. For those interested in theatre performances Hart House Theatre offers shows. Is recognized as one of Canada’s oldest theatres. Arthur Hiller, along with Donald Sutherland were among the individuals who kickstarted their careers at the Hart House stage alongside renowned figures such as Norman Jewison and Raymond Massey as well as the legendary duo of Lorne Michaels and Wayne and Shuster.
It’s simple to have a time at the parks around here! The local parks offer ice skating as an activity option in this area of Bay Street Corridor, which has six parks and a total of nine facilities combined among them. An average of one facility, per park.
- Number of Parks: 6
- Number of Recreation Facilities: 9
Recreation Facilities in Neighbourhood Parks
- Playground – 1
- Rinks – 2
- Splash Pad – 1
- Botanical Garden – 1
- Trail – 1
- Arts/Performance Facilities – 3
Bay Street Corridor, Toronto Transit
There is a section of Bay Street that is covered by streetcars while buses serve the rest of the street. The College Street Dundas Street West. Queen Street West also have streetcar services available The Bay subway station, along the Bloor Danforth line as well as the Dundas,College,Wellesley,St.George and Queens Park subway stations along the Yonge University Spadina line are all, in close proximity and can be reached by foot.
In the Bay Street Corridor area there are a total of 173 transit stops for commuters to use for their daily transportation needs, with Bloor Station being one of the rail stations in the vicinity where people can board or disembark from trains at convenient locations along their journey, within the city limits.
Commute Destination for Residents
- Commute within the city – 92%
- Commute to another city – 7%
Commute Types
- Vehicle – 16%
- Transit – 30%
- Walk/bike – 51%
Commute Times of Residents
- 15 to 29 minutes – 41%
- 30 to 44 minutes – 18%
- 45 to 59 minutes – 5%
- 60 minutes and over – 7%
- Less than 15 minutes – 26%
Bay Street Corridor, Toronto Elementary, Secondary, High schools
The Bay Street Corridor neighbourhood boasts elementary and secondary schools, along with specialized programs catering to a diverse range of students needs and interests—an impressive educational landscape comprising 12 public schools, 7 Catholic schools, 2 private institutions and 1 alternative/special school. Noteworthy programs at these schools encompass Special Education All education Advanced Placement courses French Immersion program Gifted/Talented initiatives and International Baccalaureate offerings.
- Public Schools: 12
- Catholic Schools: 7
- Private Schools: 2
Public
- Church Street Junior Public School
- Ogden Junior Public School
- Jarvis Collegiate Institute
- ÉÉ Gabrielle-Roy
- Collège français secondaire
- Market Lane Junior and Senior Public School
- Jesse Ketchum Jr and Sr Public School
- Lord Dufferin Junior & Senior Public School
- Kensington Community School
- King Edward Jr & Sr Public School
- Orde Street Public School
- Ryerson Community School
Catholic
- Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
- St. Joseph’s College School
- St. Mary Catholic School
- ÉSC Saint-Frère-André
- St. Bruno – St. Raymond Catholic School
- ÉÉC du Sacré-Coeur-Toronto
- St. Michael Catholic School
Private
- YMCA Academy
- Rosedale Day School
- Alternative/Special
- YMCA Academy
Bay Street Corridor, Toronto Homes
A lot of high rise apartment complexes are springing up along the Bay Street Corridor with many of them popping up within the past twenty years especially in the last decade or so. These buildings are mostly considered upscale offering services like, round the clock concierge and various recreational facilities. When you head east from Bay Street onto the side streets you’ll find a few houses and townhomes nestled in the narrow but charming city streets that surprisingly give off a homely vibe despite being, in a densely populated area.