East Danforth

East Danforth, or Danforth Village, is centered around the shopping district along Danforth Avenue. The numerous shops and restaurants on The Danforth reflect the multicultural flavor of the neighborhood's residents. The relative affordability of houses in Danforth Village, combined with the convenience of the Bloor-Danforth subway line, makes it an excellent choice for first-time homebuyers. Recently, this neighborhood has become a hot spot for young professionals, including many noted artists. It’s not uncommon for your neighbor to be a member of the Toronto Symphony, the Canadian Opera, or a film and television performer—a significant change from the blue-collar families that once dominated the area. Also known as “The Danny,” this neighborhood attracts visitors from across the city with popular street festivals in the spring and garden tours and studio visits in the fall, providing an up-close opportunity to get to know your neighbors.

History

In the 1870s, the junction of Danforth and Dawes was referred to as Coleman’s Corners after Charles Coleman, a local hotel owner who also served as the inaugural Postmaster, overseeing mail operations in the village. During the mid-1800’s, the Grand Trunk Railway was built along with a train station in East Toronto. Some sections of the original rail lines from this era are still in use today by the GO Transit and VIA Rail Networks. Initially a remote area, Danforth East swiftly evolved into an industrial hub along the eastern section of the Don Valley. Its rich clay deposits fueled a burgeoning brick-making industry, while its untapped lands attracted a wave of immigrants who began to lay down their roots.Danforth Village, named after Asa Danforth, an American contractor, continued to grow rapidly following the construction of the Prince Edward Viaduct and the Bloor-Danforth Subway line.

  • Milverton Blvd to the north, Victoria Park to the east, the CN Railway to the south, and Greenwood Ave to the west.

  • On the north end, two-storey semi-detached homes and post-war bungalows line the streets, while the south end features a variety of homes ranging from Victorian homes to more modern townhouses. Most homes in the area were built in the 1920s to 1930s.

    • K-6

      • RH McGregor Elementary School

    • K-8

      • St. Brigid Catholic School

    • Grade 7-8

      • Cosburn Middle School

    • Grade 9-12

      • East York Collegiate Institute

  • For some time, the neighbourhood was called “Little York” and you can still find remnants of its old name around the area.

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