The Junction

The Junction has managed to retain its original small-town charm and appeal despite its prime location in Toronto’s bustling west end. The railway tracks that skirt this neighborhood, originally responsible for its growth, have also helped to shield the Junction from the widespread gentrification seen in many Toronto neighborhoods. A bit off the beaten path, it is a hidden gem worth discovering. The Junction attracts a diverse demographic, from young families and artists to urban professionals. This neighborhood boasts a strong sense of pride and history, a beautiful main street shopping district on Dundas Street West, cherished local schools, parks, a library, and a diverse population that embodies both gentrification and an edgy urban vibe.

History

The Junction began as a railway town in the 1870s, with a convergence of railway lines that opened stations and railyards, attracting manufacturers and their employees to the area. Many of the houses closest to Dundas Street housed the laborers and their families. Excessive drinking and rowdiness led to a prohibition on alcohol sales on Dundas Street West that lasted until 2000. In 1882, an ambitious young lawyer named D.W. Clendenan, in partnership with his uncle D.J. Laws purchased the Carlton Race Course property, the site of the first running of the Queen’s Plate in 1860. They registered the West Toronto Junction plan of subdivision, and by 1884, lots were being sold with ads beckoning buyers to West Toronto Junction for its commanding views of Lake Ontario and High Park. Streets were paved, and over 1,500 shade trees were planted. By 1888, the Junction had enough residents to incorporate as a village, and by 1891, it had grown into a town with a population of 5,000. Churches, libraries, and schools soon followed. Throughout its early history, West Toronto Junction experienced boom and bust cycles. In 1909, the increased demand for more utilities and better roads led the residents to vote in favor of annexation by the City of Toronto.

  • St. Clair Avenue W to the north, the Railway to the east, Annette Street to the south, Runnymede to the west

  • The Junction boasts some of the finest architecture in Toronto. The winding, tree-lined streets north of Annette Street feature rich red-brick Victorian houses on generous lots, adorned with decorative elements such as rooftop turrets, whimsical front porches, and glamorous archways. This area also showcases fine examples of Queen Anne and Arts and Crafts style homes. Closer to Dundas Street, the Victorian houses are smaller and less ornate, with narrower lots. Many of the larger houses, especially those on the main streets, have been converted into multi-unit apartments.

      • K-6

        • Indian Road Crescent Junior Public School

      • K-8

        • George Syme Community School

        • Carleton Village Junior and Senior Sports & Wellness Academy

        • St. Paul VI Catholic School

        • St. Cecilia Catholic School

        • James Culnan Catholic School

      • Grade 9-12

        • Humberside Collegiate Institute

  • The Junction had an alcohol ban that lasted nearly a century, from 1904 until 1997. This prohibition was originally implemented due to the area's reputation for rowdy behavior and heavy drinking among workers from the local railway and meatpacking industries. Despite the ban, The Junction developed a thriving community and unique character.

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