Davenport is a neighbourhood situated in a location offering simple single family homes, easy access to public transportation and close proximity to downtown Toronto. The area spanning four blocks from Christie Street to Shaw Street south of Davenport Road includes the Frankel Lambert housing co-operative with a mix of residences, Cityhome rentals and accommodations, for senior citizens.
History Of Davenport, Toronto
Davenport has a history dating back thousands of years. Initially Davenport Road served as a footpath, for the First Nations people navigating between the Humber and Don Rivers. Over time it evolved into a route for fur traders in the 1600s and later for the first European settlers arriving in the 1790s. Ensign John McGill, a settler and original owner of ‘Davenport’ house, played a role in shaping this neighbourhood.
Originally a farming community, Davenport’s landscape transformed in 1861 with the introduction of the Northern Railway line of the area. This led to growth and the establishment of a village called Davenport.
The consolidation with West Toronto Junction in 1889 marked another milestone for Davenport followed by its annexation by Toronto in 1909. Residential development quickly followed suit.
In the 1800s Toronto was predominantly forested, making travel between communities challenging. Despite this early European settlers utilized existing First Nations trading routes to navigate through parts of the city.
One of the roads in Toronto was Davenport Road, an ancient footpath used by First Nations people and later adopted as part of a route connecting Montreal to Niagara. French fur traders frequented Davenport Road in the 1600s followed by the settlers arriving in the 1790s.
During the 1800s, a private company transformed the Davenport trail into a roadway and managed it through toll collection from all travelers. Along this route five tollgates were established between the Humber and Don Rivers. Interestingly a local resident discovered that one of these tollkeepers cottages on Howland Avenue had originated from Davenport Road and was indeed a tollkeepers dwelling. Another resident corroborated this account.
In depth research conducted by historians confirmed this revelation leading to efforts to preserve and restore the tollkeepers cottage that stood in the way of development. With volunteers contributing hours and donations over many years The Tollkeepers Cottage, previously known as Tollgate #3 found its way back to its original location at a serene park setting on the northwest corner of Davenport Road and Bathurst Street. This historical building is believed to be the surviving tollhouse in Canada today.
Lifestyle
On the side of Davenport Road there are a few shops that residents can easily walk to from the neighbourhood. Along Dupont Street you’ll find a range of stores including the Galleria Mall, a grocery store, a hardware store and several dining options.
Davenport, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Residents of Davenport are conveniently situated close to the Wallace Emerson Community Centre on 1260 Dufferin Street. This versatile facility boasts a swimming pool, a gymnasium and four lit tennis courts that transform into an artificial ice rink during the winter months.
Over at Hillcrest Park, located at the intersection of Davenport Road and Christie Street visitors can enjoy a view of the city skyline and Lake Ontario. This charming park features four tennis courts, a wading pool and a playground for children.
Melita Park offers a wading pool for families to enjoy while South Park provides swings, a playwall and bocce courts. Additionally, the Davenport Branch of the Toronto Public Library offers engaging programs tailored for children and preschoolers.
Davenport, Toronto Transit
In the Davenport area there are bus routes that intersect and operate along streets, like Dufferin, Dovercourt, Ossington, Bathurst Dupont and Davenport. These buses help commuters reach either the St. Clair West or Dupont subway stations. For drivers, it takes around ten to fifteen minutes to reach downtown and twenty minutes to access Toronto’s highways.
Davenport, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Davenport, in Toronto’s end is a diverse neighbourhood with a rich cultural heritage featuring a mix of charming older homes and newer developments. The area boasts a variety of businesses, parks and community spaces making it an attractive place to live. With access to transportation residents can conveniently commute to different parts of the city. Davenport also houses a range of institutions, including Catholic and private schools that cater to its diverse population’s needs.
Davenport in Toronto offers a selection of opportunities through its mix of public, Catholic and private schools. The neighbourhood’s unique blend of allure, cultural diversity and robust educational system makes it an enticing choice, for families looking for quality schooling in a lively setting.
- Public Schools: 6
- Catholic Schools: 4
- Private Schools: 4
Public Schools:
- Dovercourt Public School
- Regal Road Junior Public School
- Rawlinson Community School
- Winona Drive Senior Public School
- Oakwood Collegiate Institute
- Bloor Collegiate Institute
Catholic Schools:
- St. Mary Catholic School
- St. Clare Catholic School
- Loretto College School
- De La Salle College
Private Schools:
- Hudson College
- The York School
- Upper Canada College
- De La Salle College
Davenport, Toronto Homes
Davenport features rows of connected Victorian style houses constructed from 1900, to 1929. Over time a few of these homes have been replaced by detached residences.
The Frankel Lambert townhouses, established in the 1980s boast brick and wood exteriors, charming front porches and secluded backyards. Additionally, there are some low and medium rise apartment buildings catering to seniors situated along Christie Street and Shaw Street.