Parkdale offers an array of housing choices, from Victorian homes to high rise apartment buildings with affordable rents. This variety has led to Parkdale having one of the populations among Toronto neighbourhoods. Notably the Parkdale Community Watch was honored with an award for being the neighbourhood watch group, presented by the International Society of Crime Prevention. The neighbourhood boasts features such as vibrant shopping areas, picturesque tree lined streets, budget friendly Victorian residences and magnificent mansions that harken back to a time when Parkdale was known as Toronto’s affluent area. Additionally, Parkdale is conveniently close to Toronto’s waterfront parks.
Jameson Avenue in West Toronto runs from Lakeshore Blvd.s pedestrian walkway to Queen Street West’s atmosphere. This broad boulevard is lined with both walk up and high rise apartment complexes. Along this avenue sits Parkdale Collegiate, one of Toronto’s schools. The sidewalks are spacious and pedestrian friendly adorned with street planters that aim to revitalize Jameson Avenue and recapture its glory from the mid 1800s to 1900s when Parkdale was considered an upscale neighbourhood in Toronto. Recently these street planters were upgraded with more than 70 enhanced with over 560 photographs embedded on their bases.
The project, known as Impressions, features and white photographs of both present residents, along with archival images from the local area. It stands out as one of the street photo displays in North America.
History Of Parkdale, Toronto
Parkdales roots can be traced back to the 1800s when it was considered a residential area giving tough competition to Rosedale for the title of Toronto’s most sought after location. The growing popularity of Parkdale led to its status as a village in 1878. Eventually in 1889 amidst debate and discussion Parkdale residents voted in favor of merging with the City of Toronto.
A significant turning point came in 1922 when Sunnyside Amusement Park and Bathing Pavilion opened along Parkdales beaches transforming it into a hub for Torontonians seeking leisure and entertainment. However the closure of Sunnyside in 1956 to make way for infrastructure developments like the Gardiner Expressway and Lake Shore Boulevard altered Parkdales connection with the lakefront and its rich heritage. This shift marked a period of decline for Parkdale which is now witnessing a resurgence, as a Toronto neighbourhood heralding a chapter in its storied history.
Lifestyle
The primary shopping hub in Parkdale has traditionally been Queen Street. This lively shopping area appears to be bustling with activity all the time featuring a range of stores and eateries. Moving north of Queen Street you’ll find Roncesvalles Village, which serves as the heart of Toronto’s community. Along this stretch you can discover food markets, delis and dining spots.
Parkdale, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Parkdale is conveniently situated near High Park and the recreational trails and parks, along Toronto’s waterfront. The neighbourhood boasts four community centres catering to its residents; Holy Family Community Centre on Close Avenue Masaryk Cowan Community Recreation Centre on Cowan Avenue McCormick Recreation Centre on Sheridan Avenue and Parkdale Community Centre on West Lodge Avenue. Additionally, Parkdale residents can enjoy programming offered at the Parkdale Public Library on Queen Street and the High Park Public Library, on Roncesvalles.
Parkdale, Toronto Transit
Passengers can catch streetcars on Queen Street, King Street, Dundas Street, Roncessvales Avenue and Macdonell Avenue to reach downtown or connect to the Bloor Danforth subway line. For motorists downtown is a few minutes away, with access to the Gardiner Expressway and Lake Shore Boulevard, at the southern tip of Parkdale.
Parkdale, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Parkdale elementary and secondary high school, often referred to as “the gem of the south ” takes pride in being an inner city school. Collaborating closely with the Parkdale Community Centre, George Brown College Childcare Centre, Parkdale Parenting Centre and International Language Program we ensure that our students excel in literacy and numeracy skills while nurturing thinking, character growth and global awareness. Our approach involves integrated curriculum planning that’s culturally significant to equip students with the knowledge, abilities and values needed to be responsible members of our diverse society.
Parkdale, Toronto Homes
South Parkdale boasts mansions constructed from 1875 to 1895. While some of these residences have been repurposed as bachelorette or rooming houses, current regulations favor returning them to single family dwellings. In the section of Parkdale situated beyond Queen Street you’ll find modest yet equally delightful homes built between 1900 and 1910.