Introduction
Bounded by Dufferin Street on the east, from Bloor all the way down to Queen, this tiny neighbourhood is separated from the neighbouring Roncesvalles Village by train tracks to the west. Encompassing Bloordale Village and Little Portugal, as well as the Dufferin Mall, this area retains much of its early character while providing an affordable launching pad for startup businesses and first-time home-owners.
Lifestyle
Brockton Village has retained its heritage despite slow-growing gentrification. Portuguese foods are easily found, especially bakeries and delis, and the language still dominates many shops. The neighbourhood’s several public schools make it an affordable choice for families in the city. A sense of thrift carries throughout shops in the neighbourhood, whether at the mall, at the no-name grocery store, or in the independent shops along College and Dundas.
The Vibe
The atmosphere in this area is both traditional and up-and-coming. Antiquated clothing stores carrying baptismal gowns and christening dresses sit next to minimalist shops carrying vintage designer fashion. Law and medical offices that advertise Portuguese language services are found beside purveyors of fresh juices and raw food cuisine. Students like the shabby-chic bars, inexpensive restaurants and spacious apartments, while young families make good use of the local recreation centre.
Meet the Neighbours
The aging Portuguese community has expanded to include a younger Brazilian population. A smaller Vietnamese community is also evidenced by pho restaurants, and both Vietnamese and Chinese are commonly spoken in small fruit and vegetable shops along Dundas. At the north end, Bloordale Village sits on the edge of Korea-town just to the east. Housing prices draw young families of all backgrounds.
In the Area
McCormick Park contains both an arena and the popular McCormick Recreation Centre. There are several elementary schools, public and Catholic, with education available in English and French. The local high school, Bloor Collegiate Institute, is known across the city for its program TOPS on Bloor, an enriched math program that accepts qualifying students from all over the city.
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Planes, Trains & Automobiles
The Bloor subway runs atop Brockton Village, connected to the area by frequently running buses along Dufferin and Landsdowne. Streetcars connect to High Park to the west and can reach the downtown core in under 20 minutes during light traffic times. College Street doesn’t have a dedicated bike lane but is used frequently by those who cycle to work downtown.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
A warm and friendly place where neighbours often see each other on the street, Brockton Village is proud of both its ethnic enclave and its growing diversity. During World Cup soccer, it is one of the liveliest parts of the city. Traffic is constantly busy, and houses can be both small and very close to one another. It is not a popular foodie destination as is Parkdale to the southeast.
Dollars & Sense
One of Toronto’s original neighbourhoods, Brockton Village, sports many modest, older houses and a few newer townhouses, making it a good place to find a starter home. There are very few high-end stores, with the exception of bicycle shops, and the only international brands and big box stores are found at the mall. Many residents rely on cycling, foot-power and public transit. There are a few mid-rise apartment buildings, and spaces over retail shops and basement apartments are common.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Dufferin Mall
Anchored by Walmart, No Frills, Toys’R’Us, and Dollarama, the Dufferin Mall has recently seen as upgrade, adding Marshalls to its list of budget-friendly stores, as well as trendy Garage and Dynamite for teens.
more infoLula Lounge
The perfect refuge in a winter storm is a club full of salsa dancing and live Latin music. CD launches and small concert series also draw crowds from across Toronto.
more infoBrasil Bakery & Pastry
The best place to pick up some good egg custard tarts (queijadas ), but also every style of Portuguese cornbread, yeasted or leavened, along with São Jorge cheese, salted cod, and bolos de arroz.
more infoBroadway Cycle
The biggest of the three large independent bicycle shops in Brockton Village, Broadway Cycle reflects the cycling culture that is so pervasive in the west end of Toronto. Staff is dedicated and knowledgeable.
more infoThe Drake
The Drake is a boutique hotel, a culinary destination, an art gallery, a musical venue and nightclub. The quirky yet popular Drake General Store, with a second location in the Bay, supports homegrown designers and artists.
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