The Junction

 

 

The name of this neighbourhood dates back to a time when the train played a much larger role in the daily lives of Toronto residents. The Junction neighbourhood (originally West Toronto Junction) was so named at the turn of the century because it is the meeting points of several railway lines. The area quickly attracted businesses and residents because of this wonderful urban network and it became a hub of shopping, industry and travel in the late 1800’s. By the 1920’s churches, schools and parks were added and the neighbourhood was fully developed. Historically , the boundaries of the Junction neighbourhood covered a larger area, but today the name "The Junction” is applied to the area north of Annette, south of the CP rail corridor (just above Dundas) & between Runnymede Road and the CN corridor to the east.

 

 

 

The Junction has been prone to booms and busts during it’s tumultuous history. In the last 5-7 years the area has started to experience a much needed “retooling”! Much of the industry located just above the northern boundary (CP railway lands) is gone, and replaced by a large group of Big Box stores like Canadian Tire, Metro, Future Shop and Rona. After the CP/CN railways discontinued service in the 1960’s the rail grounds were abandoned. The defunct rail lands are currently being converted into a linear park with a recreational trail (cycling and pedestrian) called West Toronto Rail Path- which will connect the Junction and several neighbourhoods. When completed the path will run diagonally through to King West/Strachan Ave and then downtown!

 

The Junction BIA & the city have helped revitalize the historic & charming main streetscape along Dundas St.W , with period style lights and signage. Art galleries, restaurants & funky cafes, organic grocers & bars have begun taking up residence along Dundas St. W to service the young families and singles that have been attracted to the area because of its proximity to the core, great schools & parks and generally more affordable prices than neighbouring areas like High Park or Bloor West! The Junction Arts festival, which takes place in early fall, has been a huge success! Bloor west Village shops, High Park, itself, and the Bloor subway line are a comfortable 10-15 minute walk away.

 

The narrow well treed streets of the neighbourhood are lined with well preserved Victorian and Edwardian homes built between 1880 and 1910. Some have been converted to 2 and 3 unit dwellings over the years. There are several loft conversions in the area (on Medland and at Clendenan and Dundas), as well as a new high rise condo(due to be completed in late 2009) on the former Canadian Tire site near Keele/Dundas.

 

 

Interested in what is currently for sale in The Junction? Customize your search for a home in Toronto's west-end so that you always have the full listing details, for you specific needs, at your fingertips! Do you have a quick question, or would you prefer to set up an appointment to speak with me in person? Call me directly at 416-985-6154. I look forward to assisting you.

 

 

The Junction Homes For Sale