The South Annex area, in Toronto. Also referred to as Harbord Village. Is a diverse neighbourhood in the heart of downtown Toronto city life. One of the reasons for its vibrancy is its proximity to the University of Toronto campus. As a result of this location advantage near the university grounds many students as faculty members and alumni choose to reside in this vibrant community. The blend of university residents alongside professionals who are investing in and renovating South Annex properties has breathed life into these old homes thus rejuvenating this historic district, in downtown Toronto. The heart of this neighbourhood is Harbord Street which runs from east to west and is filled with a village atmosphere featuring beloved eateries and cafes along with unique specialty shops.
History Of South Annex, Toronto
The South Annex area was divided into sections, in the 1850s on land that was previously owned by the Jarvises, Crooksanks and Denisons – families that have been significant in Toronto’s history. Advertisements promoting Villa and Town lots for sale in the South Annex emphasized their proximity to the Parliament Buildings. The South Annex was often referred to as being located in one of the most pleasant areas of the city with an elevation, above the Lake. The founding of the University of Toronto nearby, in the 1850’s spurred the construction of residences in the South Annex area during the period spanning the 1870’s to the 1900’s.
The latest addition to our neighbourhood is Mirvish Village, situated at the intersection of Bathurst and Bloor Streets in the corner of town. This planned community comprises six apartment buildings with one third of them set aside for affordable housing options. At the heart of the neighbourhood you’ll find a Tokyo inspired walkway adorned with neon signs and a variety of charming shops and eateries. Among the attractions is “The Kitchen,” a hotspot offering a diverse range of cultural dishes as well as an indoor outdoor entertainment venue capable of hosting events for up to 750 guests.
Lifestyle
West of Spadina, on Bloor Street lies an university village filled with pubs and cozy bookstores alongside vibrant music shops and eateries where cyclists and inline skaters mingle with cars and pedestrians in this bustling shopping area buzzing with energy.
The latest addition to the neighbourhood is Mirvish Village, situated at the intersection of Bathurst and Bloor Streets featuring six rental buildings with a third of them reserved for affordable housing units. At the heart of the community there will be a Tokyo style walkway adorned with neon signs and bustling shops and eateries. Noteworthy attractions include “The Kitchen,” offering a variety of cuisine options and an indoor outdoor entertainment venue capable of hosting gatherings for up to 750 guests.
South Annex, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Fitness enthusiasts have the opportunity to engage in a workout routine, at the Athletic Centre of the University of Toronto. This facility boasts a swimming pool along with amenities such as squash and tennis courts, weight training machines, aerobics classes, a spacious gymnasium and an indoor track spanning 200 meters. Additionally individuals can also visit the Miles Nadal Community Centre located at the intersection of Spadina Avenue and Bloor Street.
This community hub features an enclosed swimming pool, a track as well as spaces for squash and racquetball matches, aerobics sessions and strength training. Moreover Queens Park serves as the backdrop, for Ontario’s Legislative Buildings where numerous civic gatherings and parades are hosted throughout the year. Queen’s Park is a spot nestled in the City—a peaceful haven, for anyone seeking solace on a park bench beneath a towering shade tree while capturing the beauty of nature, on canvas.
South Annex, Toronto Transit
The South Annex benefits from public transportation options with streetcar service along College and Bathurst Streets and a regular bus route along Harbord Street.. Additionally the Bathurst and Spadina subway stations at Bloor Street provide connections to Toronto’s rapid transit network.. Major highways to the north and south of the city can be reached by a drive of around twenty to thirty minutes, from the South Annex area..
South Annex, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High schools
The South Annex neighbourhood, in downtown Toronto is a vibrant and rich in history area that’s famous for its range of houses and cultural sites situated close to the University of Toronto campus. It provides a selection of opportunities for families with children ranging from public to Catholic and private schools that cater to students, from elementary through secondary high school levels.
- Public Schools: 5
- Catholic Schools: 4
- Private Schools: 3
Public Schools:
- Lord Lansdowne Junior and Senior Public School
- Huron Street Junior Public School
- Kensington Community School
- Harbord Collegiate Institute
- Central Toronto Academy
Catholic Schools:
- St. Bruno Catholic School
- St. Mary Catholic School
- Loretto College School
- Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School
Private Schools:
- University of Toronto Schools
- The Abelard School
- Royal St. George’s College
The South Annex provides a variety of choices, for families with access to public and private schools along with Catholic institutions in the vicinity. The neighbourhood’s prime location near the University of Toronto makes it an appealing spot, for students and families looking for top notch education and a lively community environment.
South Annex, Toronto Homes
Palmerston Boulevard stands out as the street, in the South Annex neighbourhood of Toronto with its stone and iron gate posts marking its entrance from both College Street and Bloor Street The boulevard is adorned with cast iron street lamps and lined with majestic homes surrounded by ancient trees of various shapes and sizes Each house boasts charming Victorian embellishments that harmoniously contribute to creating a picturesque streetscape unique to the vibrant community of the South Annex, in Toronto. The majority of houses in the South Annex were constructed between the 1870s and 1910.
The latest addition to the neighbourhood is Mirvish Village situated at the corner of Bathurst and Bloor Streets in the southwest area boasting a thought out community plan comprising six rental buildings, where around one third of them are set aside for affordable housing options. At the heart of this community will be a Tokyo inspired pathway adorned with colorful neon signs, lined with various shops and eateries offering a diverse range of culinary delights from around the world. Noteworthy features also include “The Kitchen,” a hotspot showcasing an array of cuisine as well as an expansive indoor outdoor entertainment venue capable of hosting gatherings for up to 750 guests.