Young professionals are drawn to Corktown for its location, near Toronto’s business and entertainment hubs; the neighbourhood’s mix of live work studios and charming converted buildings adds to its appeal and vibrancy. Noteworthy landmarks in Corktown include the Little Trinity Church and the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse; newer parks like Corktown Common and Underpass Park have garnered recognition for their designs. Underpass Park even hosts a bustling Farmers Market.
History Of Corktown, Toronto
The neighbourhood of Corktown was initially established by hardworking immigrants, in the 1800s with people from County Cork in Ireland hence earning its name as Corktown. Most residents in Corktown secured jobs, in breweries or brickyards as they struggled financially and couldn’t afford pew rents charged by St James Cathedral nearby. To address this issue they constructed their place of worship known as ” Trinity Church” in 1843 which stands to this day on 417 King Street East. The historic Trinity Schoolhouse sits along Trinity Street near Little Trinity Church.
Dates back to 1848 as Toronto’s inaugural ‘free school’. Enoch Turner generously funded this institution. A brewer from Corktown who held a reputation as one of Toronto’s generous benefactors and philanthropists in the past. After one hundred and fifty years have passed since its establishment the Trinity Schoolhouse continues to serve as a hub, for both young learners and adults alike. Transformed into a museum today the site meticulously recreates the ambiance of a mid nineteenth century classroom.
Lifestyle
The neighbourhood boasts an array of shops and dining options, along King Street and Queen Street as well as Parliament Street residents also appreciate the convenience of having the St Lawrence Market within walking distance of a historic market offering locally sourced and international foods galore.
Corktown, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The playground, in Sackville, on King Street East features a play area for children well as a basketball court and a wading pool near.The St.Lawrence Community Centre situated on the Esplanade offers squash courts,a swimming pool,a gymnasium,a piano room,a weight room and a games room for its visitors to enjoy. The recreational facility, at John Innes Community Centre located in the Sherbourne Street area boasts amenities like a swimming pool and gymnasium along with spaces for running track exercises and weight training as well as cardio workouts.
It also features a games room woodworking shop and craft room for pursuits Adjacent to the centre is the Moss Park indoor hockey arena adding to the sporting options within the vicinity Additionally the neighbourhood is home, to two renowned parks. Corktown Common Park and Underpass Park both recognized for their innovative designs and recreational offerings
Having a time is quite simple, at the parks here in this area! The parks around here have playground areas designed for children to enjoy and have fun in the outdoorsy setting. Corktown neighbourhood specifically has three parks with a total of 12 spots altogether! On average each park boasts about four facilities for everyone to explore and make the most out of their time spent there.
- Number of Parks: 3
- Number of Recreation Facilities: 12
Recreation Facilities in Neighbourhood Parks
- Playgrounds – 3
- Basketball Court – 1
- Ball Diamond – 1
- Sports Fields – 3
- Splash Pad – 1
- Sports Courts – 2
- Trail – 1
Corktown, Toronto Transit
The Queen and King streetcars link up with stops, along the Yonge–University–Spadina subway line as the Parliament streetcar that takes riders to Castle Frank station along the Bloor–Danforth subway line route.The drivers can quickly access the Adelaide Street ramp leading to the Don Valley Parkway. Are also a stone’s throw away, from both the Gardiner Expressway and Lake Shore Boulevard.
In the Corktown area of the city there are 46 transit stops for commuters to utilize with the Hamilton GO Centre serving as one of the rail stations, in that vicinity where a mix of commuting options exist and a majority of people prefer to commute within the city itself.
Commute Destination for Residents
- Commute within the city – 72%
- Commute to another city – 28%
Commute Types
- Vehicle – 45%
- Transit – 32%
- Walk/bike – 20%
Commute Times of Residents
- 15 to 29 minutes – 33%
- 30 to 44 minutes – 21%
- 45 to 59 minutes – 7%
- 60 minutes and over – 15%
- Less than 15 minutes – 23%
Corktown, Toronto Elementary, Secondary, High Schools
In the Corktown area there are schools as well, as special programs for both elementary and secondary levels available here too! The neighbourhood is served by a total of 10 schools along with 8 schools and 1 private school along with an alternative/special school too! Some of the programs offered at these schools include French Immersion studies and options like Advanced Placement courses and International Baccalaureate programs in addition to Montessori education opportunities as well!
- Public Schools: 10
- Catholic Schools: 8
- Private Schools: 1
Public
- ÉS Georges-P-Vanier
- ÉÉ Pavillon de la jeunesse
- Norwood Park ES
- Sir Allan MacNab SS
- Queensdale School
- Queen Victoria PS
- Westdale SS
- Central ES
- Bernie Custis SS
- Kanétskare School
Catholic
- St Joseph Catholic ES
- ÉSAC Mère-Teresa
- ÉÉC Monseigneur-de-Laval
- ÉÉC Notre-Dame
- Cathedral HS
- St Patrick Catholic ES
- St Mary Catholic SS
- Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic ES
Private
- Colin Macdonald Community School
- Alternative/Special
- Hamilton-Wentworth CDSB Continuing Ed
Corktown, Toronto Homes
In Corktown you can discover some of Toronto’s row houses with origins dating back to the mid 1800s era of the 1850’s and 1860’s period in history. Nestled within the laneways off the bustling main thoroughfares of Corktown, these former workers’ cottages exude a sense of historic charm and character that is truly unique to the area. Corktown has seen a surge in renovation projects aimed at revitalizing its industrial spaces. Many of these buildings are being transformed into vibrant live/work studio lofts fitted with all the modern amenities one would expect in today’s world. In addition there are constructed apartment complexes in this area.