The Riverside neighbourhood serves as an illustration of leveraging its roots to drive a fresh wave of success and development forward championed by the Riverside Business Improvement Area initiative. The community’s enhanced sense of ownership is palpable, through its beautification efforts and restoration projects such as the installation of pedestrian lighting and facade upgrades. Despite undergoing gentrification Riverside has admirably preserved its allure while embracing new changes.
In Riverside you’ll find some of Toronto’s century buildings setting the scene for a variety of new shops and restaurants that have popped up in the area recently. Many would say it has a vibe with its mix of arts oriented businesses, along Queen Street and a diverse crowd from different backgrounds mingling together. When you’re in Riverside it’s almost surreal to think that you’re 2 1/2 kilometres away from downtown Toronto.
The community, in this area is closely connected due to the railway corridor and the Don Valley that surround it. These are some landmarks, in the neighbourhood; the New Broadview House Hotel, Ralph Thornton Community Centre, the Opera House and Jimmy Simpson Park and Recreation Centre. Toronto’s east chinatown can be found at Broadview and Gerrard. There’s also the renovated Don Mount Court/Rivertowne Mixed income public housing development.
Not to forget De Grassi Street. The neighbourhood gained fame through the CBC Degrassi series, known for its youth oriented television shows even though most scenes were shot in locations the essence of the show stemmed from this area where many outdoor shots were captured.
History Of Riverside, Toronto
In 1882 the Village of Riverside made its debut on a map of Toronto called Goads Insurance Plan of the City, where the nearby Toronto “BaseBall Ground” was marked as a spot, in the neighbourhoods landscape.The Goads map, from 1889 mentioned that Riverside had been renamed St.Matthews ward and predicted it would soon become integrated into Toronto.This was no surprise since Riverside had already been taken over by the City of Toronto in 1884. Before being annexed Riverside was primarily inhabited by working class individuals with a number of residents working for the railway or, in local market gardens. Some of the cottages built for laborers still stand from that period.
The annexation marked the beginning of an era of prosperity for Riverside as it transformed from a village to a city neighbourhood leading to the construction of charming Victorian and Edwardian homes that now line its streets. However one downside of this transition was the loss of Riverside’s identity. In the past known as a village but now called a ward of Riverside became part of South Riverdale in the larger Riverdale neighbourhood in 1980 when businesses in South Riverdale took on a new identity as Queen Broadview Village.
One of Toronto’s initial business improvement areas. Despite the change in name, Queen Broadview Village and nearby neighbourhoods experienced revitalization turning into trendy spots. South Riverdale resisted gentrification. In 2005 the community association decided to draw inspiration from its history and rebranded itself as Riverside showcasing how honoring a neighbourhood’s heritage and architectural charm can transform its destiny for the better.
Lifestyle
The Riverside Business Improvement Area covers a stretch of 10 blocks on Queen St East that boasts an array of buildings complementing the diverse mix of, over 120 shops and services lining the street.The local shops consist of fashion boutiques, home decor stores and delightful gift shops to explore and indulge in.At the conclusion of your shopping experience you may find yourself tempted by the offerings, from food artisan shops on offer in Riverside.That being said Riverside also offers a dining experience for visitors to enjoy. It is known for being a foodie hotspot boasting top notch restaurants that have garnered awards for their delights. View homes currently for sale in Riverside, Toronto
Riverside, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The Ralph Thornton Town Hall and Cultural Centre stands as a community hub situated on 765 Queen Street East with offerings, for individuals of all age groups including a computer resource zone and diverse recreational and educational activities along with spaces for hosting local events in the neighbourhood. Adjacent to the building is the Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre on 870 Queen St East boasting a swimming pool and multiple purpose chambers while also featuring an open air ice rink, for added recreational opportunities.
Jimmie Simpson Park is an area that surrounds the community centre and boasts two tennis courts along with a soccer pitch and a four net outdoor basketball court as well as a baseball diamond nearby. The Opera House situated on 735 Queen St East has a history as it was originally built as a vaudeville theatre and over the years has become an entertainment destination for hosting various concerts and events. In addition to its music events and performances by international DJs and MCs along with comedy acts this venue is also a preferred choice for filming feature films or producing videos commercials and television shows It also caters to events special occasions and charity fundraisers making it quite versatile in its offerings.
Riverside, Toronto Transit
It’s 2 and a half kilometres, from Riverside to downtown Toronto! If you’re using public transit to travel between the two locations the 501 Queen streetcar line passes over the Don River via the Queen Street Viaduct. This tram line connects with both Osgoode and Queen stations along Yonge Street and University Avenue. This streetcar route interchanges with the Yonge–University–Spadina subway line at both Queen and Osgoode stations. At this streetcar route interchange with both Yonge Street and University Avenue, at Osgoode or Queen stations motorists can also easily access The highway is just west of this neighbourhood. Motorists can conveniently reach the Don Valley Parkway located west of this neighbourhood.
Riverside, Toronto Elementary, Secondary, High Schools
In Toronto’s lively Riverside neighbourhood families have access to a range of choices for children of all ages. From elementary to secondary high school levels. Morse Street Junior Public School caters to the students in the area. Emphasizes academic and social growth, in a nurturing setting. For grades students usually enroll at Queen Alexandra Middle School which is recognized for its programs and active community participation.
Many teenagers from the area attend Riverdale Collegiate Institute due to its academic programs and diverse extracurricular opportunities in sports and other activities. Moreover there are schools like Voice Integrative School that provide different educational options. The availability of both notch private schools makes Riverside a favored destination, for families looking for a blend of city life and excellent educational facilities.
Riverside, Toronto Homes
Living in Riverside comes at a price compared to Toronto standards despite its close proximity to downtown Toronto and the abundant amenities in the area! You’ll find a range of living options from lofts to townhomes, within this neighbourhood of Riverside. One bedroom condos are priced between $500k- $650k. Typically span 500 to 700 feet in size. For those looking for a bit of space or an extra den area (known as 1+1) or even 2 bedroom condos can be found ranging from $750k- $850k. Offering living spaces between 800 to 1100 square feet. Many of the houses in this area showcase designs like Edwardian architecture with a touch of Second Empire style thrown in the mix too!
The older townhomes here are pretty slim. Usually don’t have their parking spots included in the package! If you’re eyeing one of these beauties for yourself expect to fork out between $900k to $1M+; not a pocket change for sure! Though detached houses are a sight here but when they do pop up for sale they fetch a higher price tag ranging from $1.5M+ easily! It’s like they say – what’s old is definitely new again, in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood! This charming city district was an area for people looking to buy homes in Toronto a century ago and fast forward to today Toronto home buyers are once more realizing the benefits of this rejuvenated neighbourhood in the east end.