Introduction
Caledonia-Fairbanks is a modest little neighbourhood covering the central swath of what was formerly known as the City of York. With the Prospect Cemetery stretching along its entire north-south boundaries, it is bordered in the north by Eglinton Avenue West, the Canadian National Railway line in the west, St. Clair Avenue West and Earlscourt in the south and Dufferin Street in the east.
Lifestyle
This neighbourhood stands out for its laid back, old world charm that is punctuated with working class, post-war brick and stucco semi-detached bungalows, steep and rolling tree-lined streetscapes, hilltop vistas with quaint and sometimes tacky front decks and yards, elderly porch sitters and cast iron balcony railings. There are also quite a number of rental buildings located around the edges of this neighbourhood.
The Vibe
This area is generally a quiet neighbourhood of hard working immigrants who proudly display their red, green, blue and yellow sports and country colours in home front yards, restaurant porches, and pub entrances. TVs in café’s and pubs are permanently set to Euro soccer and day soap channels. Streets are rich in character with the presence of Portuguese churrasqueiras, authentic jerk chicken hangouts and take-out spots, barbershops and Filipino grocers.
Meet the Neighbours
Per the 2011 census, residents of Caledonia – Fairbanks primarily belong to the working age demographic of 25-54 years, with single family homes where seniors live with their families. Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and Tagalog are the main languages of local conversation. This neighbourhood was also voted as one of Toronto’s safest neighbourhoods in 2011.
In the Area
The highlight of Caledonia-Fairbanks is Prospect Cemetery which, extends from Earlscourt in the south all the way to the north-east corner of Eglinton Avenue West and Caledonia. Other area landmarks are Earlscourt Park, the Fairbank Memorial Community Centre which lies on the east of Dufferin Street, and is an integral part of the residential life, and the First Portuguese Canadian Cultural Centre on Caledonia.
10 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Although this neighbourhood cannot boast of direct access to subway lines, TTC buses ply regularly on Rogers Road and Eglinton Avenue connecting commuters to the Yonge-University-Spadina line. St. Clair Avenue streetcars with the right-of-way extension is another major connector for residents. Access to Toronto’s downtown core can be gained through Dufferin Street, and the Allen Expressway affords quick transfers onto the 401.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Caledonia-Fairbanks is a neighbourhood that proudly and enviably wears its multiculturalism on its sleeves. It is unpretentious and colourful and the only place to be in Toronto during the soccer world cup season. Despite its quiet environs, the ongoing Metrolinx construction along Eglinton West subway and Allen Road has not been kind to its residents with regular traffic clogs and significant noise pollution being the order of the day.
Dollars & Sense
Home prices in this area range between are on the low end of average. Dining options for two are varied and affordable with prices ranging between $15-$20, while groceries from the local farmer’s markets are fresh and have friendly prices that fall well within one’s monthly grocery budgets. Pub fare is also in a very affordable range.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Angel’s Bakery and Deli
Located on Rogers Road, Angel's Bakery and Deli is a must-go for all your deli meats, Italian cheeses, pantry staples and a pretty decent selection of oven fresh breads. The epicures will be impressed.
more infoBorsellino and Son Grape and Garden Centre
This is a friendly neighbourhood garden centre that DIY gardeners and vintners love for their selection of tomato plants, arugula plants, and grapes, and a hearty selection of other products.
Caledonia Bakery & Pastry
This Portuguese delight is everything that a bakery and pastry shop should be and should aspire to be. It offers the customary treats – and you have to sample the custard tarts!
Dairy Freeze
This local diner is the stuff of legends, and a favourite for its chicken souvlaki, burgers, onion rings and milkshakes. A neighbourhood hub for generations, you'll find residents young and old gather here.
more infoLa Paloma
This local gelateria boasts of 200 authentic Italian ice creams with yummy, unusual flavours like persimmon and chestnut. It's a destination for ice cream lovers from all over the city.
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