The Pocket
The Pocket is a charming and lesser-known neighborhood in Toronto, nestled within the larger area of Riverdale. It is bounded by the Danforth to the north, Greenwood Avenue to the west, the CN railway tracks to the east, and the TTC Greenwood Yard to the south, creating a "pocket" of residential streets - there are only a few entrances to the neighbourhood. The area is known for its strong sense of community. Residents often engage in neighborhood activities, including gardening projects, street festivals, and communal dinners. The Pocket Community Association is very active, organizing events and initiatives to foster community bonds. The residents have a strong focus on sustainability and eco-friendly living. Residents often participate in local environmental initiatives, such as community composting and the promotion of green energy solutions.
History
In the 1850s, Riverdale underwent a transformation with the arrival of the Grand Trunk Railway, bringing in employment opportunities and spurring development in what was then known as Riverside. It was later renamed Riverdale in homage to the nearby city park. The area thrived, further boosted by the construction of the Prince Edward Viaduct in 1918, linking it directly to the city. In the 1990’s, The Pocket started to gain notoriety as young families started purchasing the pre-WWI homes and moving into the area.
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Danforth Ave to the North, Greenwood Ave to the East, the railway to the South, and Jones Ave to the West.
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The majority of the homes in The Pocket are semi-detached houses built before the first World War. The Pocket community is known for its green thumb and most of the gardens are well-maintained and pollinator-friendly.
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K-6
Wilkinson Public School
Blake Street Public School
ÉÉC du Bon-Berger
Grade 7-8
Earl Grey Senior Public School
Grade 9-12
Riverdale Collegiate Institute
Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute
Kapapamahchakwew-Wandering Spirit School (formerly Eastern Commerce Collegiate)
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James Earl Ray, the man who assassinated Martin Luther King, briefly hid out in a house on Condor Ave while he was on the run.