Danforth Village is famous for its shopping area, on Danforth Avenue, where the diverse range of shops and restaurants mirrors the community that calls this neighbourhood home.
Danforth Village offers priced homes and easy access to the Bloor Danforth subway line. An option for those looking to buy their first home! Getting around is a breeze with Greenwood, Coxwell, Woodbine and Main subway stations along with the Danforth GO train, in the vicinity.
Danforth Village has emerged as a destination for working adults in recent times affectionately referred to as “The Danny.” This neighbourhood attracts people from all corners of the city with its array of activities, such as street festivals and garden tours. Not to mention we can’t talk about Danforth without recognizing “Greektown” along the Danforth home, to restaurants that have been passed down through generations and serve as the focal point of the yearly “Taste of the Danforth” street festival.
History Of Danforth Village, Toronto
North of the Danforth lies Danforth Village which was initially owned by the Church of England in the past; evident from street names such as Glebeholme and Glebemount that serve as reminders of its origin.
South of the Danforth area did not belong to the Church originally; instead it was, under the ownership of families involved in farming or brick making businesses. The main street, in this neighbourhood is known as Danforth Avenue and is named after Asa Danforth. A contractor who constructed Kingston Road in 1799; ironically he was not involved in the building of Danforth Avenue itself. The area of Danforth Village started to be divided into plots after becoming part of the City of Toronto in 1908. The neighbourhood saw growth, due to the construction of the Prince Edward Viaduct in 1918 and the introduction of the Bloor Danforth subway, in 1966.
Lifestyle
Danforth Avenue provides a variety of stores and amenities, for the community members living with its renowned Greek eateries and vibrant markets offering produce and groceries.
Danforth Avenue is famous for its bargain and discount shops, with Shoppers World being an outdoor mall situated at the intersection of Victoria Park and Danforth. Known as one of Toronto’s biggest discount shopping destinations.
In 2009 there’s going to be a family focused art show and sale, along the Danforth from Donlands to Main showcasing over 100 artists for an evening event together, with musicians performing and delicious food offerings.
“Have you ever heard that ‘The Danforth’, in Toronto’s East end is the community in North America?”
The Greek influence and culture can be seen in ways. Both subtly and more prominently. Creating an inviting atmosphere in the area! Being conveniently close to the city centre with subway access makes exploring the Danforth appealing for a mix of classic shopping experiences along with a wide range of fantastic dining options.
During the summer months, in Danforth strip area is bustling with planters filled with colours and fresh local produce while couples walk hand in hand and parents keep an eye out for their little ones enjoying a stroll together with singles whizzing by cycling. You can also spot dogs taking breaks, for water along the way.
Danforth Village, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Monarch Park is found south of the Danforth area, between Coxwell and Greenwood. Offers a range of amenities such as a man made ice rink and facilities like a wading pool and swimming pool for visitors to enjoy. Meanwhile the East Toronto Athletic Field is situated at Gerrard and Main Streets with sports fields for use by athletes and sports enthusiasts. Adjacent to the sports fields lies the Ted Reeve Indoor Hockey Arena which caters to hockey enthusiasts looking for some action. Further north on Woodington Avenue beyond the Danforth is the Earl Beattie Community Centre featuring a swimming pool along with a gymnasium, for community members to stay active and engaged in various activities. The library, at Danforth/Coxwell provides activities for children and kids in the age group.
Having time is simple to come by in the parks here! The parks in this area offer playground areas for children to enjoy as sports facilities and places for skating enthusiasts to have fun in the neighbourhood of Danforth Village East York. In total there are three parks in this area with a total of 16 facilities available for everyone to enjoy! On average each park boasts around 5 types of facilities for visitors to make use of.
- Number of Parks: 3
- Number of Recreation Facilities: 16
Recreation Facilities in Neighbourhood Parks
- Playgrounds – 2
- Rinks – 2
- Tennis Courts – 5
- Ball Diamond – 1
- Sports Field – 1
- Splash Pads – 2
- Sports Court – 1
- Outdoor Games Facilities – 2
Danforth Village, Toronto Transit
Danforth Village benefits from a public transportation network with access points such as the Bloor Danforth subway stations at Greenwood,Coxwell,Woodbine,Main and Victoria Park. Additionally a Go Train station can be found at Danforth and Main.Regular bus and streetcar services operate along Greenwood,Coxwell,Gerrard and Woodbine Avenue to facilitate commuting within the area.Danforth Avenue offers a route for motorists heading downtown while commuters are a short distance away, from the Don Valley Parkway and Lake Shore Boulevard.
This neighbourhood has a total of 129 transit stops, with Main Street Station serving as one of the rail stations in the area of Danforth Village East York where residents use a combination of vehicles and public transit for their commute within the city, with moderate commuting distances.
Commute Destination for Residents
- Commute within the city – 91%
- Commute to another city – 8%
Commute Types
- Vehicle – 46%
- Transit – 42%
- Walk/bike – 9%
Commute Times of Residents
- 15 to 29 minutes – 29%
- 30 to 44 minutes – 34%
- 45 to 59 minutes – 16%
- 60 minutes and over – 9%
- Less than 15 minutes – 10%
Danforth Village, Toronto Elementary, Secondary, High Schools
This area boasts elementary and secondary high school, along with specialized programs for both levels of education available at a total of 12 public schools and 6 Catholic schools in the vicinity offering programs such, as International Baccalaureate (IB) French Immersion program (FIP) and Gifted/Talented Program (GTP).
- Public Schools: 12
- Catholic Schools: 6
Public
- ÉS Michelle-O’Bonsawin
- ÉÉ La Mosaïque
- R. H. McGregor Elementary School
- Cosburn Middle School
- Chester Elementary School
- East York Collegiate Institute
- Westwood Middle School
- D. A. Morrison Middle School
- William Burgess Elementary School
- Parkside Elementary School
- Diefenbaker Elementary School
- Collège français secondaire
Catholic
- ÉÉC Georges-Étienne-Cartier
- ÉSC Saint-Frère-André
- Holy Cross Catholic School
- ÉÉC du Bon-Berger
- St. Brigid Catholic School
- Canadian Martyrs Catholic School
Danforth Village, Toronto Homes
The area above the Danforth has rows of detached houses with charming front porches while the region below boasts a mix of Victorian semis bungalows and modern townhouses in different sizes and designs. The majority of homes in Danforth Village were constructed during the 1920s and 1930s.