Davenport is a neighbourhood situated in a location offering modest single family homes, easy access to public transportation and close proximity to downtown Toronto. The area spanning from Christie Street to Shaw Street south of Davenport Road includes the Frankel Lambert housing co-operative. This community comprises residences along with units from Cityhome and housing, for senior citizens.
History Of Davenport, Toronto
Davenport has a history dating back thousands of years when Davenport Road served as a pathway for the First Nations people connecting the Humber and Don Rivers. Over time it evolved to become significant for French Fur traders in the 1600s and later for the first European settlers arriving in the 1790s. Ensign John McGill, a settler and owner of ‘Davenport’ house, played a role in shaping this neighbourhood.
A farming community, Davenport saw transformation with the opening of the Northern Railway line in 1861 south of its location. This led to growth and the emergence of a village known as Davenport. The consolidation with West Toronto Junction in 1889 marked a chapter for Davenport, which was later annexed by Toronto in 1909. Residential development followed after.
In the 1800s Toronto was predominantly forested, making travel between communities challenging for commerce and social interactions. 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, a path used by First Nations people that formed part of a land route linking Montreal to Niagara. French fur traders heavily relied on Davenport Road in the 1600s. It became a route for the first European settlers arriving in the 1790s.
During the 1800s a private company transformed the Davenport trail into a road and maintained it by collecting tolls from all travelers using it. Between the Humber and Don Rivers five tollgates were erected. Interestingly one of these tollkeepers cottages was identified by a resident who recognized that a structure near her home on Howland Avenue had been moved from Davenport Road and was once a tollkeepers cottage. Another former resident confirmed her account.
Thorough research conducted by historians supported this discovery leading to efforts to protect and refurbish the tollkeepers cottage which stood in the way of development. With hours volunteered and donations poured in over years of hard work The Tollkeepers Cottage (formerly Tollgate #3) was eventually relocated to its original spot, in an idyllic park setting at the intersection of Davenport Road and Bathurst Street. It is believed to be Canada’s surviving tollhouse today.
Lifestyle
On the side of Davenport Road you’ll find a few convenience stores that are just a short walk away from this area. Over on Dupont Street there’s a mix of shops including the Galleria Mall, a grocery store, a hardware store and several different restaurants. View homes currently for sale in Davenport, Toronto
Davenport, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Residents of Davenport enjoy access to the Wallace Emerson Community Centre situated at 1260 Dufferin Street. This versatile facility features a pool, a gymnasium and four lit tennis courts that transform into an artificial ice rink during the winter months.
At Hillcrest Park, located at the intersection of Davenport Road and Christie Street visitors can take in views of the city skyline and Lake Ontario. This charming park boasts four tennis courts, a wading pool and a playground for children to enjoy.
Melita Park offers a wading pool for families to relax and have fun while South Park provides swings, play walls and bocce courts for activities.
The Toronto Public Libraries Davenport Branch hosts engaging programs tailored for children and preschoolers alike.
Davenport, Toronto Transit
The Davenport area is intersected by bus routes that travel along Dufferin, Dovercourt, Ossington, Bathurst Dupont and Davenport. These buses link commuters to either the St. Clair West or Dupont subway stations. Drivers can reach downtown in ten to fifteen minutes. It Is approximately twenty minutes away from Toronto’s main 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 elementary and secondary high 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.
Davenport, in Toronto’s end is a diverse neighbourhood known for its mix of housing, historical buildings and cultural sites. It boasts a sense of community with shops, eateries and cultural spots like the iconic Davenport Road and Corso Italia nearby.
Residents enjoy a blend of city living and suburban charm with access to public transportation green spaces such as Davenport Park and various amenities. The area is home to a range of institutions – Catholic and private schools – ensuring top notch education for students of elementary and secondary high schools. With its array of schooling options and vibrant community life Davenport in Toronto caters to families seeking a nurturing environment.
- Public Schools: 4
- Catholic Schools: 4
- Private Schools: 4
Public Schools:
- Dewson Street Junior Public School
- Brock Public School
- Dewson Street Junior Public School
- West Toronto Collegiate Institute/Ursula Franklin Academy
Catholic Schools:
- St. Anthony Catholic School
- St. Clare Catholic School
- Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School
- De La Salle College
Private Schools:
- The York School
- Branksome Hall
- 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.