LOCATION:
Between Runnymede and the tracks along Dundas West. south the Humberside.
EPICENTRE:
Keele Street and Dundas West
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES:
Organic food, hipsters, artists, Maltese community, historic homes and architecture.
DID YOU KNOW?:
93 years of no drinking. You heard that right. Before the Junction became part of Toronto, it was known as a separate town called West Toronto. In this town, the local government voted to go dry in 1904 because of public drunkenness and fights became a big, public problem. Even after the Junction became a part of Toronto, this dry law was still in place in the neighbourhood until 1997.
I like the Junction. It’s a pretty place with a dash of grit to keep it honest. The Junction was often compared to Leslieville for awhile. They’re completely different places, though the Junction transformed from remote outpost to cool spot around the same time as Leslieville.
The truth is, the Junction looks better. It has better bones, and a lot of beautiful old homes. The downside, it’s access to speedy public transit is not as good as some other more central Toronto neighbourhoods. With that said, it has had an explosion of amazing and creative new businesses including the Annette Food Market, Chica’s Nashville Hot Chicken and The Indie Ale House to name a few. You’ll find a definite concentration on businesses that cater to the health and taste-conscious consumer and the adventurous urbanite. There is no shortage of options: several bakeries ( including two that are vegan and gluten free and one that is Brazilian), an organic supermarket, Latin themed restaurants, gyms, yoga studios, a farmer’s market, an ice cream parlor and a doggy daycare. It has it all.
Many of the Junction lots are huge. Still, smaller homes do exist and there are some places on the fringes that could bring in a lower price for buyers. Most of the newer condos tend to be boutique in style and size. Many are along the Dundas West strip. If you’re the kind of person who wants to buy in a place like High Park, but feel priced out, this may be your discount alternative. But don’t be fooled. The Junction is not the outpost emerging neighbourhood it once was. It is much more emerged today than emerging.