Introduction
Stretching from Lansdowne Avenue and Davenport Road across to Dovercourt, this area carries along Davenport until it hits the railroad tracks just below Geary Avenue. Next, it travels along the rails over to Christie, where it reaches down to Bloor, encompassing Christie Pits Park. This densely populated area maintains its connection to downtown while enjoying a more relaxed and urbane atmosphere.
Lifestyle
Colliding lifestyles range from funky to traditional. The formerly low-income Portuguese, Italian and Korean pockets have become home to more avant-garde establishments, mixing students and artists in with communities that have been in the area for generations. Housing is no longer cheap, though, due to the proximity to downtown, so students compensate by sharing accommodations, and families in modest houses.
The Vibe
The vibe along Bloor, the main commercial area of Dovercourt/Wallace Emerson, is a wonderful variety. Tattoo parlours, upscale pubs serving only craft beer, community daycare, and a discount wig shop sit beside greasy spoons and a local butcher. Away from Bloor, quiet streets surrounding churches and parkettes make for the basis of the community that has long been established.
Meet the Neighbours
A walk through the area could result in a polite conversation with a Portuguese grandmother minding a toddler or a student sporting an eclectic, secondhand style. Many families live in the smaller houses and townhomes off the main streets, whereas students fill the apartments sitting atop storefronts along Bloor. Koreatown is slightly to the west, but there are still a few Korean restaurants spread along Bloor closer to Christie.
In the Area
Christie Pits Park is the hub of this community, constantly in use by schools, sports groups, daycares and lunchtime picnickers. Wallace-Emerson Park just south of Dupont also has a community centre attached to it, and Dovercourt Park has its Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club which has programs for kids from tots to teens. Public schools service the community in French and English, and the local Catholic School is St. Sebastian.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Since Bloor is a major artery of the city, traffic of all kinds - foot, bicycle and car - can be seen and heard all hours of the night and day. Right across from Christie Pitts is the subway: Christie Station runs along the Bloor-Danforth line. The Christie bus moves between Christie Station and St. Clair West Station with bike racks available to commuters.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
There are a few slightly squalid pockets along Bloor. Dereliction has some buildings looking rather tatty, and some more unusual or run-down businesses add a certain seediness to the strip along Bloor approaching Christie Pits Park. While families enjoy the park in the daytime, nighttime activity can be a little more rowdy. Up closer to Davenport, things are much quieter. Active train tracks to the west make for some noise.
Dollars & Sense
Despite its down-market appearance, rents are not nearly as high as they are downtown. New businesses and artistic ventures take advantage to draw in the hipster crowd, relying on the heavy foot traffic. Big-box stores have made almost no purchase in this area, and grocers, delis and coffee shops tend to be small, independent, family-run and inexpensive.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Ferré Spous
This store, like its sisters up on St. Clair, harks back to the Toronto tradition of independent European bridal shops. This newer version includes Canadian designers and a budget-friendly range of prices.
more infoChristie Pits Park
Both park and public recreational centre, Christie Pits is landmark in the city. Named for Mr. Christie, the famed cookie-maker, this park has large, grassy picnic areas as well as sports facilities and a playground.
more infoStubbes Chocolates
Brought to Canada from Germany by Heinrich Josef Stubbe, this family-run business has six generations worth of expertise in making the finest chocolates and European tortes with superior ingredients and traditional methods.
more infoLong & McQuade
This Bloor Street location was the origin of the countrywide chain. Musicians can rent or buy any instrument, equipment or sheet music they need. Lessons are available as well.
more infoNova Era Bakery
For over two decades, this Portuguese bakery has been providing Torontonians with artisanal bread and pastries. Pastries include Portuguese sweet bread, egg custard tarts, and traditional cakes for Christmas and Easter.
more infoBob Abate Community Recreation Centre
The local community centre is conveniently attached to The Bickford Centre, where adult ESL courses are offered by the TDSB. Camps and programs are mostly geared towards preschoolers, with some adult fitness courses available.